About

Nekau II was a powerful and ambitious ruler who ruled ancient Egypt during the Sixth Dynasty around 2300 BCE. He was the son of Khafre. The builder of the Second Pyramid at Giza, and his queen Meresankh.

As pharaoh, Nekau II oversaw a period of expansion and prosperity for Egypt. He sent expeditions to the Levant and Nubia to secure resources and expand Egypt’s influence, and he also undertook several construction projects, including the completion of the Temple of Isis in Giza.

Nekau II was also famous for his religious beliefs, which were heavily influenced by the worship of the god Seth. He built several temples dedicated to Seth, including the Temple of Seth at Abydos, and he also promoted the cult of the goddess Nephthys, Seth’s consort.

Despite his many achievements, Nekau II’s reign was not without controversy. He faced opposition from several powerful nobles who resented his efforts to centralize power and reduce their influence. He also faced challenges from foreign enemies, including the Canaanites and the Nubians, who sought to undermine Egypt’s control over the Levant and Nubia.

Despite these challenges, Nekau II was able to maintain his power and secure his legacy as a successful pharaoh. He died after a long and prosperous reign and was succeeded by his son, Pepi II.

Military campaign

First campaign

In the spring of 609 BC, Necho personally led a sizable force to help the Assyrians. At the head of a large army, consisting mainly of his mercenaries. Necho took the coast route Via Maris into Syria, supported by his Mediterranean fleet along the shore. proceeded through the low tracts of Philistia and Sharon. At Meggido (according to 2 Kings 23) he met the Judean king, J0siah. Who likely was called to swear a vassal’s oath to the new pharaoh, and during the meeting had the Judean king killed (an alternative version, in 2 Chronicles 35, of a battle in Megiddo is accepted as ahistorical by modern scholars).