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Titulary
Most traditional chronologies assign the founding of the 25th dynasty to Piye, who inherited the throne from the Kushite king, Kashta. Earlier kings tentatively associated with the dynasty were regional kings ruling in Nubia, and not pharaohs of a united Egypt. Piye is the first to unite the leadership of Nubia and Egypt (even though his father, Kashta, did control Thebes and took the titles of pharaoh over the united "Two lands". Piye was involved in massive military campaigns to ensure the continued independence of Egypt. His major campaign defeating enemies in Egypt is described on a stela in Gebel-Barka. First, the Libyan prince of Western Egypt, Tefnakhte, moved south and eventually controlled the cities of Memphis and Lisht. Piye moved north to counter his invasion and took the lands that were controlled by Tefnakhte and also by Nimlot I -- who was at one point an ally. Piye continued his move northward to take the city of Herakleopolis which had been ruled by another ally, Pefjauawybast and threatened by Tefnakhte. Eventually, Piye took control of Memphis and captured Nimlot's son Other kings in the north also sided against the Kushite dynasty of Piye. These opposing kings included Osorkon IV, Iuput II and Sheshonq V. When he had quelled the rebellion of the northern kings, Piye returned to Nubia, leaving control of the newly conquered lands to his vassals. Eventually, they were retaken by Tefnakhte and that pharaoh would found the 24th dynasty in the Delta. Piye never glorified his military exploits -- he is rarely shown as a conquering king smiting his enemies. He accepted tribute from all the kings and cities, including Memphis, however. One of his daughters, Shepenupet II, was nominated as the "Divine Adorer of Amen" at Thebes and shared that function with Amenardis II and Nitocris. She was given the title "Master of beauty, Mut, Eye of Re". She is buried in a funerary chapel near Medinet Habu, and her name was found written in a cartouche, although the ruler of Egypt at the time was Mentuemhat.
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