But the Egyptians of the decadence, and their rulers, had not the wealth of Egypt and the spoils of neighbouring countries at command.

They were poor; and the slenderness of their resources debarred them from great undertakings.

They for the most part gave up the preparation of magnificent tombs, and employed such wealth as remained to them in the fabrication of fine mummy-cases carved in sycamore wood.

The beauty of their coffins, therefore, but affords an additional proof of their weakness and poverty.
When for a few centuries the Saite princes had succeeded in re-establishing the prosperity of the country, stone sarcophagi came once more into requisition, and the wooden coffin reverted to somewhat of the simplicity of the great period.

But this Renaissance was not destined to last.