Piye and Shebitku established a joint rule during their reign. Piye was the head of the Egyptian administration and the religious leader of the country, with the Egyptian elites still functioning under him. Shebitku played an important role in consolidating Nubia's power in Egypt and was responsible for the defense of the country's southern border.
Piankhy's rule was marked by his diplomatic efforts to secure his authority in Egypt. He focused on building alliances with local rulers, including the princes of the Delta, and he succeeded in uniting Egypt under his rule without relying on military force. He also managed to maintain peaceful relations with the Assyrians, who were a growing power in the region at the time.