Importnat bead with a Pharaoh, Goddess, and the paharoh names of Pepi II and Shabaka Ancient Egypt, Reign of Shabaka, XXV Dinasty, 716 - 702 BC MATERIAL: Steatite SIZE: Height 2,7 cm PROVENANCE: Private collection, France, 1970s. CONDITION: Good, see photos. Necklace bead in stela form, with figures of a pharaoh and a goddess, and two cartouches of two pharaohs. Pepi II and Chabaka were pharaohs from very different periods, but both left an important mark on the history of ancient Egypt. Pepi II belonged to the Sixth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom and is remembered for having had one of the longest reigns in history, possibly more than ninety years. He ascended to the throne as a child, which caused royal power to weaken over time, as local governors, called nomarchs, gained increasing autonomy. During his reign, Egypt began to fragment politically, a situation that contributed to the collapse of the Old Kingdom after his death. Chabaka, on the other hand, ruled many centuries later, during the 25th Dynasty, known as the Kushite Dynasty. He came from Nubia and managed to unify Egypt again after a period of division. Chabaka presented himself as a restorer of ancient Egyptian traditions, respecting religion, art, and classical texts. He strengthened central authority and promoted political and cultural stability. Although he faced external threats, especially from the Assyrian Empire, his rule symbolized a rebirth of pharaonic power. Both pharaohs reflect key moments of decline and renewal in Egypt's long history.