Like Greece, Egypt had been through a dark period during the first three centuries of the first millennium B.C. After about two centuries of Libyan rulers (XXIInd and XXIIIrd dynasties) whose energies were often devoted to dealing with rival kings while subject princes spent the resources of the country in feuds among themselves, Egypt had fallen during the eighth century under an Ethiopian dynasty which she changed occasionally for Assyrian rule. But early in the seventh century, Egypt recovered its material prosperity. By the middle of the next century it is said to have been more prosperous than ever it was before[447], and this prosperity is reflected in the law of Amasis (570–526 B.C.) against unemployment[448] as also in the organization of industry into “more or less sharply defined classes or guilds[449],” in improved business methods and mechanical processes. The forms of legal and business documents became more precise[450]; the mechanical arts of casting in bronze on a core and of moulding figures and pottery were brought to the highest pitch of excellence[451]. Inscriptions of this epoch found in the gold-mining regions prove that the work of the ancient kings was taken up with renewed ardour[452]. The ports of Egypt were thrown open to the commerce of all the nations[453]. Strong fleets were maintained both in the Mediterranean and in the Red Sea[454]. An attempt was made by Pharaoh Necho (610–594 B.C.) to anticipate the Suez Canal by one connecting the Nile with the Red Sea[455]; and the exploits of Vasco da Gama were anticipated by a Phoenician ship that was sent out by this same Pharaoh Necho and circumnavigated Africa[456]. In these activities of Necho Sayce[457] sees an attempt to make Egypt the chief trading country of the world. These great developments took place under a single dynasty, the XXVIth, which came from Sais on one of the western arms of the Delta[458]. [Sidenote: Psammetichus I (664–610) rose to power] The history of this dynasty can be traced back at Sais to the eighth century B.C., but the first of the family to rule all Egypt was Psammetichus (Psamtek), who reigned from about 664 to 610. Necho the father of this Psammetichus and grandfather of the Necho mentioned just above had been king or governor of Sais and Memphis under the Assyrian king Assurbanipal[459]. Psammetichus was driven into war and foreign politics to free his country from foreign invaders. The details of his warlike achievements do not here concern us. What does here concern us is to observe how he secured the power that enabled him to set about them.