When kittens defeated the mighty Ancient Egyptian army

The Persian Empire, also known as the Achaemenid Empire, was one of the most powerful and expansive empires of the ancient world.

Founded by Cyrus the Great in the 6th century BC, the empire stretched from the Indus Valley in the east to Thrace and Macedon on the northeastern border of Greece.

Cambyses II, the son of Cyrus the Great, ascended to the throne in 530 BC and continued his father's legacy of expansion, setting his sights on Egypt, the other great power of the time.

Egypt, under the rule of the Late Period's 26th Dynasty, was a civilization with a rich and ancient history.

The Egyptians were renowned for their advancements in various fields such as architecture, mathematics, and the arts.

Relations between Persia and Egypt before the Battle of Pelusium were tense. Egypt, under Pharaoh Psamtik III, was aware of the Persian expansion and the potential threat it posed.

The Persians, on the other hand, were keen on expanding their empire and saw the conquest of Egypt as a strategic and prestige-enhancing move. 

In ancient Egypt, cats held a unique and revered position. They were not merely pets or hunters of vermin, but sacred creatures imbued with divine significance.

This deep reverence for cats was intertwined with the religious beliefs and cultural practices of the Egyptians, making them more than just animals in the eyes of the people.

Cats, or "Mau" as they were known in ancient Egypt, were associated with the goddess Bastet, also known as Bast.

Bastet, often depicted as a lioness in her earlier representations and later as a domestic cat, was the goddess of home, fertility, and childbirth.

She was also the protector of the pharaoh and the sun god Ra. This association endowed cats with a sacred aura, making them an integral part of religious and cultural life in ancient Egypt.

The Egyptians believed that cats could ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. They were kept in homes as protective amulets and their images were used in art and jewelry.

Killing a cat, even accidentally, was considered a grave sin and could be punishable by death.

This reverence extended to the point where, during fires, Egyptians would focus on saving cats before attempting to extinguish the fire.

Cats were also mummified and buried with their owners, and vast cat cemeteries have been discovered by archaeologists, further attesting to their sacred status.

The festival of Bastet, one of the most important religious festivals in ancient Egypt, saw the convergence of thousands of Egyptians in the city of Bubastis, where they would celebrate with music, dance, and offerings to the goddess.

The Battle of Pelusium, fought in 525 BC, was a significant confrontation between the Persian Empire under Cambyses II and the Egyptian Dynasty under Pharaoh Psamtik III.

The battle took place near the city of Pelusium, located on Egypt's easternmost frontier, a strategic location that served as a gateway to the rich Nile Delta.

The Persian forces, having marched through the Sinai Peninsula, arrived at the outskirts of Pelusium.

The size and composition of the forces involved in the battle are subjects of historical debate, but it's generally agreed that the Persian forces outnumbered the Egyptians.

The Persian army was a formidable force, comprising infantry, archers, and a strong cavalry.

The Egyptian forces, while smaller, were entrenched and prepared for the Persian assault.

The battle strategy employed by the Persians was unique and demonstrated a deep understanding of Egyptian culture and religious beliefs.

Knowing the Egyptians' reverence for cats and other animals associated with their deities, Cambyses II ordered his soldiers to drive these animals before the front lines.

Some historical accounts even suggest that images of cats and other sacred animals were painted on the Persian shields.

This strategy had a profound psychological impact on the Egyptian soldiers. Fearful of harming the sacred animals and possibly incurring the wrath of their gods, the Egyptians were hesitant to attack.

This hesitation and confusion among the Egyptian ranks gave the Persians a significant advantage, allowing them to break through the Egyptian defenses and secure a decisive victory.

The Battle of Pelusium and the use of cats by the Persians have been subjects of historical debate and interpretations, as is often the case with ancient events. 

One aspect of debate revolves around the extent and specifics of the use of cats in the battle.

Historical sources, such as the Greek author Polyaenus, provide accounts of the Persians employing cats as a psychological weapon.

However, the precise details, such as the number of cats used or their exact role on the battlefield, remain uncertain.

Some historians argue that the use of cats might have been exaggerated or symbolic rather than literal, while others maintain that the Persians indeed employed live cats as part of their strategy.

Another point of contention is the effectiveness of the Persian tactic. While it is clear that the Egyptians were hesitant to harm the sacred animals, leading to confusion and disruption among their ranks, the extent to which this influenced the outcome of the battle is debatable.

Some historians argue that the Persian victory can be attributed solely to their military superiority and strategic maneuvering, downplaying the significance of the cat tactic.

Others emphasize the psychological impact and assert that the cats played a pivotal role in breaking the Egyptian morale and resistance.

Interpretations of the Battle of Pelusium and the use of cats also vary in terms of their broader significance.

Some view it as a case of exceptional and clever strategy, showcasing the Persians' understanding of their enemy and their ability to exploit cultural beliefs.

Others see it as an intriguing episode illustrating the interconnectedness of warfare, religion, and psychology in ancient times.

The battle serves as a reminder that military victories are not solely determined by force but can be influenced by cultural factors and psychological tactics.

The Persian victory marked the beginning of Persian rule over Egypt, a period that would last for more than a century until the arrival of Alexander the Great.

For the Persians, the conquest of Egypt was a significant achievement. It not only expanded their empire but also enhanced their prestige.

Egypt was a wealthy and culturally rich civilization, and its incorporation into the Persian Empire brought economic benefits and added to the empire's diversity.

Cambyses II, having demonstrated his military prowess and strategic acumen, solidified his position as a powerful ruler in the eyes of his subjects and adversaries alike.

The Egyptians, on the other hand, faced a period of foreign rule and cultural assimilation.

Pharaoh Psamtik III, who had only recently ascended to the throne before the battle, was captured and later executed, marking the end of the 26th Dynasty.

The Persians, while rulers, showed considerable respect for Egyptian culture and traditions.

They adopted the pharaonic title, integrated Egyptian gods into their own pantheon, and even commissioned works of art in the Egyptian style.

The Battle of Pelusium also had a long-term impact on Persian-Egyptian relations. The memory of the battle and the cunning strategy employed by the Persians lingered in the collective memory of the Egyptians.

This period of Persian rule, known as the 27th Dynasty, was a time of significant cultural and political exchange between the two civilizations, leaving a lasting imprint on their histories.