Histories · Character
Psammetichos
The last native pharaoh of Egypt in Herodotus' account, who watches his allies slaughter their own children's blood and then loses his kingdom to Cambyses.
supporting
Also known as the Egyptians Psammenitos
First appearance: book iii thaleia
As a supporting figure in Histories, Psammetichos is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.
Egyptian king who conducted an experiment to determine the oldest civilization by isolating children.
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Psammenitos rules a Egypt already hollowed out by the defection of the Greek mercenary captain Phanes, whose children are butchered in front of both armies to break his nerve. He fights hard at Pelusium but is routed,…
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The fuller portrait of Psammetichos sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.
See Psammetichos in book iii thaleiaCharacter Web
25 connectionsA slice of how Psammetichos sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.
Relationship types
- Rivalry
- Other
Character groups
- Kings and commanders of the Greco-Persian Wars
- Protagonist
- Diverse figures from the Histories
+20 more in the full Character Web
Open in readerNarrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Closing
This passage marks the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of the Hellene…
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Follow the arc while readingRelationships
- Cyrus
rivalry · negative
Psammetichos, an Egyptian pharaoh, is conquered and deposed by Cyrus's forces. How this plays out →
- Cambyses
rivalry · negative
- Cambyses
rivalry · negative
- Cyrus
rivalry · negative
Psammetichos, an Egyptian pharaoh, is conquered and deposed by Cyrus's forces. How this plays out →
Relationship notes
How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.
See Psammetichos in book iii thaleiaIn the story
Psammetichos appears across 1 companion beat. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.
Chapter companion notes
Spoil-light check-ins for Psammetichos unlock in the free preview.
See Psammetichos in book iii thaleia