Abstract
- Turning to a far later period of time, and also locating ourselves in the heartland of ancient Kush (present day Sudan), we arrive at another potentate who has left us detailed information from one major inscription as well as battle scenes in his temple at modern day Gebal Barkal (Napata: close to the Fourth Cataract). Here, as with Ramesses II, we can delineate his character as a war leader and generalissimo.
- The extensive data allow us to sketch his character, his personality, just as we are able to do so with respect to Thutmose III and Ramesses II. The account of his Great Stela provides a wealth of information concerning Pianchy's tactical plans of retaliation, if only because the opening sections of that historical account cover the military dispositions of his armies already operating in Egypt.
- In addition, we then can evaluate his leadership in person because he eventually wound up at Memphis.
- Pianchy's lack of a single-minded strategy after the fall of his key enemy, Namlot of Hermopolis, cannot be overlooked. He ended up extending his forces too northwards without being able to defeat his Delta opponent.
