Aspelta

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Aspelta was a ruler of the kingdom of Kush (c. 593 - 568 BCE). More is known about him and his reign than most of the rulers of Kush. He left several stelae carved with accounts of his reign. He was the son of Senkamanisken and brother of Anlamani, who immediately preceded him.

According to his inscriptions, Aspelta was selected as ruler by a committee of twenty-four religious and military leaders. He then set out north to Napata be selected as king by the gods and crowned. Another stele that might date from Aspelta's reign recounts how a group of priests were put to death, likely for conspiring against the king. In 591 BCE Kush was invaded by the Egyptians under Pharaoh Psammetik II, perhaps because Aspelta had been preparing to reconquer Egypt. The invaders sacked Napata, and some historians believe that because of this attack Aspelta decided to move the capital to the more secure city of Meroe.

Aspelta's tomb at Nuri was excavated by George A. Reisner in 1916 and many items were discovered, most of which are now in Boston. The palace built by him and his brother was excavated by Reisner in 1920.

Preceded by: Anlamani

Rulers of Kush

Succeeded by: Amtalqa