Pharaoh Hakor
Hakor, also known as Hagar, and by the Hellenized names Achoris or Hakoris, was a prominent pharaoh of Egypt’s 29th Dynasty. His more than a decade reign represented the zenith of this relatively short-lived and fragile dynasty. Despite the challenges of his time, Hakor’s rule left a lasting impact on Egypt’s political, architectural, and international landscape.
Statue of Hakor
Struggle for Power
The circumstances of Hakor’s rise to power remain a subject of debate among historians. Following the death of his predecessor, Nepherites I, a significant dynastic struggle ensued. Multiple contenders vied for the throne, including Hakor, Psammuthes, and possibly a shadowy figure known as Muthis, whose existence is primarily based on Eusebius‘ epitome of Manetho’s Aegyptiaca.
John D. Ray, in 1986, proposed a plausible sequence of events regarding this struggle. According to his hypothesis, Hakor initially succeeded Nepherites I but was deposed in his second year by Psammuthes. However, Hakor reclaimed the throne after a year, dismissing the interruption and continuing to date his reign from his original coronation. The enigmatic Muthis, if he existed, remains a figure of uncertain relevance within this tumultuous period.
Despite his eventual victory, Hakor’s legacy faced challenges. Nectanebo I, the founder of the subsequent dynasty, dismissed Hakor as a usurper. Nevertheless, there is speculation that both rulers might have shared familial ties to Nepherites I, which fueled their rivalry.
Statue of Pharaoh Nectanebo I
Affirming Legitimacy
Once firmly in control, Hakor focused on solidifying his legitimacy. He emphasized a claimed descent from Nepherites I, whether real or fabricated. This effort was critical in bolstering his position as a rightful ruler and countering his reputation as a usurper.
Building Projects by Pharaoh Hakor
Hakor’s reign was marked by extensive architectural and restoration activities. Among his notable contributions was the completion of the chapel for the sacred barque of Amun-Ra near the first pylon at Karnak. This project may have been initiated by either Psammuthes or Nepherites I. He also possibly began the construction of a temple complex in northern Saqqara, later expanded by Nectanebo II.
His construction efforts extended beyond Karnak, with projects in Upper Egypt, including Luxor, Medinet Habu, El-Kab, El-Tod, Medamud, and Elephantine. Additionally, evidence of his building activities is found in the Temple of Hibis in the Kharga Oasis and other sites across Middle Egypt. These efforts reflected his ambition to leave a tangible legacy and reinforce his authority.
Foreign Relations
Hakor followed in the footsteps of Nepherites I by pursuing an active foreign policy, particularly in resisting Persian influence. His alliances and military strategies were central to maintaining Egypt’s independence during a time of regional turmoil.
Alliance with Athens and Evagoras I
Hakor formed alliances with external powers, such as Athens and Evagoras I of Cyprus. The comedy Plutus by Aristophanes, performed in 388 BCE, mentions an alliance between Athens and Egypt, likely reflecting Egyptian support for Evagoras’ rebellion against the Achaemenid Empire. Additionally, Theopompus recorded Hakor’s alliance with the Pisidians, another group opposed to Persian dominance.
Conflict with Persia
The Peace of Antalcidas in 387 BCE significantly altered the political landscape, leaving Egypt and Cyprus as the primary adversaries of Persia. In 385 BCE, Persia launched an invasion of Egypt. The conflict lasted for abut three years, culminating in an Egyptian victory over the Persian forces. This victory was a testament to Hakor’s military acumen and diplomatic strategies, though accounts of the war remain sparse.
Support for Evagoras’ Resistance
In 381 BCE, Hakor sent financial aid and 50 triremes to Evagoras in Cyprus, furthering his resistance against the Persian king, Artaxerxes II. However, when Evagoras later sought additional assistance, Hakor declined to escalate his involvement. This pragmatic decision reflected Hakor’s prioritization of Egypt’s resources and stability over prolonged foreign entanglements.
The chapel of Hakor, located in Karnak.
Short-Lived Alliances
Hakor briefly aligned with Sparta and Glos, the son of Tamos, an Egyptian admiral. Glos supported Cyrus the Younger’s rebellion against Artaxerxes II. Hakor also employed the Athenian general Chabrias, though Persian pressure on Athens eventually led to his repatriation.
Death and Succession
Hakor passed away in 379/8 BCE, leaving the throne to his son, Nepherites II. However, Nepherites II’s reign was short-lived, lasting only four months before he was overthrown by Nectanebo I, an army general from Sebennytos. This marked the end of the 29th Dynasty and the beginning of the 30th Dynasty under Nectanebo’s rule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Hakor come to power?
Hakor’s accession followed a dynastic struggle after the death of Nepherites I. He was likely Nepherites’ heir but was briefly deposed by Psammuthes before reclaiming the throne.
What were Hakor’s efforts to legitimize his rule?
Hakor emphasized his descent from Nepherites I and undertook significant building and restoration projects, including completing a chapel at Karnak and starting a temple complex in northern Saqqara.
What foreign alliances did Hakor maintain?
He aligned with Athens, supported the Cypriot ruler Evagoras I against Persia, and collaborated with Sparta and other regional powers against Artaxerxes II of Persia.
How did Hakor resist Persian aggression?
Hakor defeated a Persian invasion (385–383 BCE) and continued opposing Persian dominance through strategic alliances and military support to allies like Evagoras.
What was the outcome of Hakor’s foreign policy?
Despite early successes, Egypt’s alliances faltered, and by 380 BCE, Hakor limited support for Evagoras, leading to the latter’s eventual surrender to Persia.
How did Hakor’s reign end?
Hakor died in 379/8 BCE, succeeded by his son Nepherites II, who ruled for only four months before being overthrown by Nectanebo I.
