Egyptian Dynasties > Twenty-Third Dynasty of Egypt
Twenty-Third Dynasty of Egypt
Background
The Twenty-Third Dynasty of Egypt, also known as the Third Intermediate Period, was a complex and fragmented era in ancient Egyptian history. This dynasty lasted from approximately 818 to 715 BCE and is characterized by the rule of Libyan kings who governed parts of Egypt concurrently with native Egyptian rulers. Here are some key points about the Twenty-Third Dynasty:
Libyan Rule: The Twenty-Third Dynasty was established by the Libyan king Shoshenq I (also known as Shoshenq I or Shoshenk I), who founded the Libyan Bubastite dynasty. Shoshenq I seized power in Egypt after the decline of the New Kingdom and the subsequent period of political fragmentation known as the Third Intermediate Period. His reign marked the beginning of Libyan rule in Egypt.
Consolidation of Power: Shoshenq I and his successors worked to consolidate their power and authority over Egypt. They established their capital at Bubastis in the eastern Nile Delta and adopted many aspects of traditional Egyptian kingship to legitimize their rule.
Military Campaigns: Shoshenq I and subsequent rulers of the Twenty-Third Dynasty conducted military campaigns both within Egypt and beyond its borders. Shoshenq I notably campaigned in the Levant, where he is believed to have captured the city of Jerusalem and plundered its treasures, as depicted on the Bubastite Portal in Karnak.
Cultural Influence: Despite being of Libyan origin, the rulers of the Twenty-Third Dynasty adopted many aspects of Egyptian culture and religion. They commissioned temple construction and restoration projects, made offerings to the traditional Egyptian gods, and depicted themselves in traditional Egyptian regalia in their monuments and inscriptions.
Dynastic Complexities: The Twenty-Third Dynasty was marked by dynastic complexities and rivalries. Various branches of the royal family vied for power and influence, leading to periods of internal conflict and fragmentation within Egypt.
Decline: The Twenty-Third Dynasty gradually declined in the latter half of the 8th century BCE due to internal instability, external pressures from foreign invaders such as the Assyrians, and the rise of native Egyptian rulers seeking to reclaim control over the country.
Legacy: The Twenty-Third Dynasty left a mixed legacy in Egyptian history. While it brought a degree of stability and prosperity to Egypt during its early years, it also contributed to the fragmentation and weakening of central authority that characterized the Third Intermediate Period.
Overall, the Twenty-Third Dynasty of Egypt represents a period of transition and instability as Egypt struggled to assert its sovereignty amidst foreign influences and internal divisions.
| King Name | Horus-Name | Reign | Consort |
| Harsiese A | Hedjkheperre-Setpenamun | 880–860 BCE | Isetweret I |
| Takelot II | Hedjkheperre-Setpenre | 840–815 BCE | Karomama D Tashep Tabeketenasket A |
| Pedubast I | Usermaatre-Setpenamun | 829–804 BCE | |
| Iuput I | ?? | 829–804 BCE | |
| Shoshenq VI | Usermaatre-Meryamun | 804–798 BCE | |
| Osorkon III | Usermaatre-Setpenamun | 798–769 BCE | Tentsai A |
| Karoatjet | Horus-Name | Reign | Consort |
| Takelot III | Usermaatre | 774–759 BCE | Kakat |
| Irtiubast | |||
| Rudamun | Usermaatre-Setpenamun | 759–755 BCE | Consort |
| Ini | Menkheperre | 755–750 BCE | Consort |
| Peftjauawybast | Neferkare | 754–720 BCE | Irbastwedjanefu |
| Tashereniset I |
Third Intermediate Period of Egypt
- Twenty-First Dynasty of Egypt
- Twenty-Second Dynasty of Egypt
- Twenty-Third Dynasty of Egypt
- Twenty-Fourth Dynasty of Egypt
- Twenty-Fifth Dynasty of Egypt
Dynasties
- Abydos Dynasty Of Egypt
- Eighteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Eighth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Eleventh Dynasty Of Egypt
- Fifteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Fifth Dynasty Of Egypt
- First Dynasty Of Egypt
- Fourteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Fourth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Nineteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Ninth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Ptolemaic Dynasty Of Egypt
- Second Dynasty Of Egypt
- Seventeenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Seventh Dynasty Of Egypt
- Sixteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Sixth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Tenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Third Dynasty Of Egypt
- Thirteenth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Thirtieth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Thirty First Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twelfth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twentieth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Eighth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Fifth Dynasty Of Egypt Nubians
- Twenty First Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Fourth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Ninth Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Second Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Seventh Dynasty Of Egypt
- Twenty Sixth Dynasty Of Egypt Saites
- Twenty Third Dynasty Of Egypt
