Herodotus’s Perspective on the Situation of Egypt in the Persian Period from the Last Saite Kings to Xerxes’ First Years

The inscription on the famous statue of Udjahorresnet on the Musei Vaticani touches upon a number of historical events, which are reflected in Greek historiography. Taking up different aspects of Udjahorresnet’s career, the paper analyses Herodotus’ perspective on the Egyptian sea forces and the foreign mercenaries in Egypt, the different characterization of Cambyses’ deeds in Saϊs compared with those in Memphis, and the role the Egyptian physician plays in the Histories. Eventually, Udjahorresnet’s testimony about his presence on Darius’ side leads to a closer look at the notorious problems connected with the chronology of Darius’ first regnal years. By presenting the available evidence of Herodotus’ reception in the mid-5th century BCE of these 7th–6th-century BCE events, I hope to further a more diversified sources-based discussion on Udjahorresnet and his world.

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