Zau (Sau) was known as Sais to the Greeks and, currently, Sa el-Hagar in Arabic. As detailed on the Nome page, Zau was the capital of Egypt during the 24th and 26th Dynasties (Third Intermediate / early Late Periods).

Archaeologically, little remains, as Nile floods have destroyed many old buildings, and what was not destroyed by the water has often been recycled over the intervening millennia. Current habitations also preclude some digs. However, indications that have been found provide a provocative glimpse into a past prosperous world.

Wooden artifacts found in Zau date back to the time of Pharaoh Aha (1st Dynasty), which refer to him.

Rulers of the 24th Dynasty (Third Intermediate Period):

• Tefnakht (ca. 727 – 720 BCE)
• Bakenrenef (ca. 720 – 715 BCE)

Tefnakht was a King of Sais, who organized a coalition of other kings in northern Egypt to hold back the influence of the Nubians to the south, bringing Herakleopolis, Hermopolis, Tanis, and Leontopolis under Saite leadership. It appears he reigned for around 8 years. For awhile he was successful in holding back the Nubians, but Piankhi (Piyi) defeated the coalition at Heraklepolis. The Nubian king permitted the coalition leaders to rule in their own city areas, most likely out of convenience while he consolidated his hold on Egypt. Tefnakht attempted to regroup, but did not succeed.

Bakenrenef appears in Greek legend as Bocchoris, who fabulously fought with Heracles. It appears he reigned for 6, and apparently mostly as a governor of Zau.

Rulers of the 26th Dynasty: (Third Intermediate Period):

• Psamtik I (664 – 610 BCE)
• Nekau (610 – 595 BCE)
• Psamtik II (595 – 589 BCE)
• Wahibre (589 – 570 BCE)
• Ahmose II (570 – 526 BCE)
• Psamtik III (526 – 525 BCE)

The Greek form of Psamtik is Psammetichus.

In the interim years, the Nubians had ruled, but Assyria was also in the mood to conquer. For a few years, the end of the 25th Dynasty and the beginnings of the 26th overlapped. The Assyrians helped bring this new royal line into power, giving them control of the Zau region of Egypt. In 664 BCE, Psamtik I was recognized by the Assyrians as the King of Egypt. An allegiance of marriage gained him Waset (Thebes), formerly a Nubian seat. Psamkik I then fought to bring his Delta opponents into line, and hired Greek and Carian mercenaries to help him in his battles. He reigned for 54 years, during which period Egypt saw a renaissance of culture and religion. In 653 BCE he was able to send the Assyrians home, assisted by their own imminent collapse as a power. He did send troops to fight for Assyria against the Babylonians in 616 BCE, not out of any loyalty to them but to help maintain the mid eastern balance of power. This effort failed.

Under Nekau (Necho), Palestine became an Egyptian territory (this is detailed in the second Book of Kings in the Bible). He built a canal to the Red Sea, and formed a navy from Greek mercenaries.

Psamtik II only ruled for six years. He invaded Nubia, and sent men to support the Babylonian ruler of Jerusalem, prompting a local rebellion which overthrew that ruler.

Wahibre (Apries) continued foreign intervention policies of his predecessors, but internal overextension was his undoing. Mutiny and civil war were the upshot; Wahibre was killed by a popular army general, and this man became king.

Ahmose II (Amasis) became king after having defeated Wahibre. Under him, Mediterranean trade was important. Cosmopolitan cities thrived, and the gods of the foreigners, especially Greeks, were welcomed, in the name of bringing peace.

Psamtik III did not rule long. He was inexperienced, and the Persian army was on its way. He fled but was later captured, and another dynasty had come to an end.

Source Material:

TourEgypt: Sais (Sa el-Hagar)
Peter Clayton: Chronicles of the Pharaohs ISBN 0-500-05074-0.