Up until the 12th Dynasty (Middle Kingdom), this Nome additionally incorporated what eventually became the Forth Nome of lower Egypt. Zau (Sais) was probably always its most important city. The Nome of the Prosperous Sceptre is situated along the Rosetta Branch of the Nile, firmly planted in the rich Delta soils. The Rosetta Branch is the largest branch in the western Delta.

24th Dynasty, Third Intermediate Period (727 - 715 BCE)

• Tefnakht, ruler from 727 - 720.
  His throne name was Shepsesre ("Noble Like Re").
  
• Bakenrenef, ruler from 720 - 715.
  Also known as Bocchoris, his throne name was Wahkare ("Constant Is the Soul of Re").

During the 24th Dynasty, Nubian rulers to the south had gained in strength. Tefnakht organized a coalition with other Delta rulers from Djanet (Tanis), Weprehwy (Hermopolis), and Taremu (Leontopolis) to hold the Nubians at bay. He undertook conquest up the Nile, to Henennesut (Heracleopolis). Defeated by the Nubian Piankhi at Henennesut, Tefnakht withdrew. Bakenrenef succeeded him, and eventually surrendered to Piankhi, and was permitted to remain as a governor of his Nome. Bakenrenef, under the Greek name of Bocchoris, is the mythical figure who conflicted with Herakles in their legends. The Greeks regarded him as a benevolent judge and lawgiver. With the death of Piankhi, however, the Fifth Nome renewed its struggle against the Nubian Dynasty, and Bakenrenef was killed in battle.

26th Dynasty, Late Period (664 - 525 BCE)

• Psamtik I, ruler from 664 - 610.
  AKA Psammetichus I, his throne name was Wahibre.
• Nekau, ruler from 610 - 595.
  AKA Necho, his throne name was Wahemibre. (Some sources list Nekau as Nekau II, with Nekau I being Psamtik I's father. The Nekau who was Psamtik's father did govern Zau, but it is a matter of interpretation as to when the 26th Dynasty started.)
• Psamtik II, ruler from 595 - 589.
  His throne name was Neferibre.
• Wahibre, ruler from 589 - 570.
  AKA Apries, His throne name was Haaibre.
• Ahmose II, ruler from 570 - 526.
  AKA Amasis, his throne name was Khnemibre.
• Psamtik III, ruler from 526 -525.
  His throne name was Akhare.

The Assyrians attempted conquest of Egypt in 674; they succeeded in driving the 25th Dynasty from power in the Delta. The Assyrians helped re-establish the rulership from the Nome of the Northern Shield, exacting tribute from the Egyptians. Psamtik I went to battle, eliminating all the lesser kings of Lower Egypt, consolidating rule into his hands. He is known as the first Egyptian ruler to make use of Greek and Carian mercenaries, a change in habit which would long influence Egyptian policy, and eventually bring a large number of foreigners from Classical regions of the world to settle in Egypt. The 26th Dynasty, upon reunification, could devote its time towards the increase of prosperity begun in the previous Dynasty.

Foreign policy concerning the Near East was foremost an attempt to maintain a balance of power - hence shifting alliances as powers waxed and waned. In addition, conquest of Syria and Palestine, as in the days of Ramesses II, had again become a goal. Peace between Egypt and Nubia was maintained until 592, when Psamtik II undertook a campaign into Nubia.

Ahmose II began his career as a general serving under Wahibre. Sent to quell a revolt, Ahmose in turn rebelled, and overthrew Wahibre, declaring himself pharaoh. Circa 567, Wahibre returned with his own force augmented with Babylonian supporters, but he was killed in the attempt. Ahmose had Wahibre buried in honor, although inscriptions gloss over his own treachery. The Greeks record that Ahmose II was a famous drinker and lech; however Egypt prospered under his rule.

Ahmose II died, apparently of natural causes, and was succeeded by Psamtik III, who immediately fell to the invading force of the now-powerful Persians, thus ending a dynasty.

Jabel al-Mawta
"Hill of the Dead": A 7th century BCE Saite location once housing both
Greek immigrants and Egyptian natives.

Source Material

Digital Egypt

Ancient Egyptian History: Dynasties

Tour Egypt

John Baines and Jaromir Malek - Cultural Atlas of Ancient Egypt

Peter A. Clayton - Chronicles of the Pharaohs

Heri-tep a'a Senbit Anedjib