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22nd Dynasty of Egypt
KINGS OF 22nd DYNASTY
Years BCE |
| Shoshenq 1 |
945-924 |
| Osorkon 1 |
924-889 |
| Shoshenq 2 |
ca. 890 |
| Takelot 1 |
889-874 |
| Osorkon 2 |
874-850 |
| Takelot 2 |
850-825 |
| Shoshenq 3 |
825-773 |
| Pimay |
773-767 |
| Shoshenq 5 |
767-730 |
| Osorkon 4 |
730-715 |
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Dynasty of Ancient Egypt 945-715 BCE, 230 years, consisting of 10 kings, belonging to the Third Intermediate Period.
This dynasty was of Meshwesh Libyan descent and as founded by Shoshenq 1 in the middle of the 10th century BCE. Upon the time when they established themselves as Egyptian rulers, they ruled from Bubastis or Tanis in the Nile Delta.
Links between Thebes and Tanis were so stong that in 959, the Theban high priest became king from Tanis: Psusennes 2. He became the last ruler of this dynasty, but the change into the 22nd Dynasty was undramatic, since it came from his own family: The 2nd ruler, Osorkon 1, was Psusennes 2's son.
The first century they ruled a united Egypt, but during the reign of Osorkon 2, Thebes was independent for a period of 10 years, ca. 870-860. During the reign of Takelot 2, civil war broke out in Thebes, and in 818 could Pedubastis 1 declare himself independent, and begin the 23rd Dynasty, a state structure that would last about 60 years.
This dynasty's Libyan leaders kept their foreign names and identity, but otherwise they did not separate themselves from Egyptian culture. Their administration was military in nature, leading to feudalistic state structures.
Libyan rulers adjusted to Egyptian royal traditions, partyl to seek legitimacy from the predominantly Egyptian population, and partly because of their own fascination of a higher culture. Osorkon 2 revived the sed-festival, which was staged in Bubastis.
Libyan administration was different from Egyptian, placing far less importance on the position of the king. Material show that the king often was placed on the same level as loal rulers. Few ritual acts were any longer reserved for the king alone. This may both show that the understanding of the king had changed, but also that the king was not strong enough to exercise more power.
Egypt under the Libyan was based on military power, not an effective bureacracy. Provincial governors were military commanders. The country was stronly militarized, and fortresses built around all major settlements. What what extent rural areas and the deserts were under effective royal control, may therefore well be questioned.
Through intermarriage, the Tanite rulers tried to create an alliance with the High Priests of Thebes.
Sheshonq 1 set out with fresh spirits and great ambitions, becoming the first Egyptian king in generations to send troops into the Levant. His troops plundered Jerusalem, but did not reestablish permament presence.
Peywed Libyans would soon emerge as a threat to Egypt.
During this dynasty, other regional centres gradually became stronger, and eventually many local rulers declared themselves kings. The High Priest of Amon at Thebes, Harsiese, declared himself king around 860 BCE. Civil war emerged in this region in the second half of the 9th century; Pedubastis 1 had declared himself king, and established an independent dynasty, the 23rd. At the most, around 730, Egypt was divided into 6 kingdoms.
The division of Egypt, allowed Kashta, Cushite king, to send military expeditions into Upper Egypt, thereby paving the ground for the establishment of the 25th Dynasty.
In the middle of the 8th century, positions in the priestly hierarchy in Thebes became important. Using their military strength, the Cushites made their king's daughter a leading priestly figure, trying to bypass the High Priest. Only a few years later, the Cushites were able to establish full control of the region, thereby founding the 25th Dynasty.
The counting of kings of the name Osorkon causes confusion at times. In some lists, Osorkon the Elder of the 21st Dynasty, is the first moving later Osorkons one step ahead. Osorkon 3, who appears ommitted in the king list of hte 22nd Dyasty, was one of the kings of the 23rd Dynasty.
© Copyright 1996-2008 LookLex Ltd. All rights reserved
By: Tore Kjeilen
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