In 655 BC, Psamtik turned against his Assyrian overlord aided once more by Ionian and Carian mercenaries and allied with Gyges of Lydia. He expelled the remaining Assyrians from Lower Egypt and pursued them as far as Ashdod.[20] Ashurbanipal then deeply embroiled in war against the Elamites had no army to send to Egypt. In the span of 7 years, Psamtik had effectively united and freed Egypt, marking the beginning of the Late Period.