OCR GCSE Ancient History · J198
Paper 1
Revise: Cambyses II: The Conquest of Egypt and DeathThe killing of the Apis bull: after an unsuccessful expedition, Cambyses returned to Memphis and saw Egyptians celebrating the appearance of a sacred Apis bull. In Herodotus’ account, he interpreted the festivities as rejoicing at his military failure. He punished officials, ordered priests whipped and stabbed the bull in the thigh; it later died of the wound.