The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Aahmes II

AAHMES II, the Amasis of Herodotus, fifth Pharaoh of the 26th dynasty, c. 560–526 b.c. An officer of Aipries headed a revolt against him, and overthrew and killed him. Though he seems to have risen from the ranks, and to have loved roystering and disliked royal etiquette, he made a capable and judicious sovereign; saved Egypt from conquest by Nebuchadnezzar (who ravaged it, but retreated), and managed to preserve it from invasion by Cyrus the Great. He was on very friendly terms with the Greeks: lending his influence to promote their commerce and colonization; assigning them the excellent port of Naucratis, which soon grew into a flourishing city; contributing liberally toward the rebuilding of the burned temple at Delphi; and according to Greek story having cordial relations with several philosophers and princes – Pythagoras, Polycrates, etc. Under the reign of Aahmes Egypt enjoyed much prosperity.