Ancient Egypt History > Third Intermediate Period of Egypt

Third Intermediate Period of Egypt

Egypt History - Egyptian Chapter Decoration

Background

The Third Intermediate Period of Egypt, spanning roughly from around 1077 BCE to 664 BCE, was a complex and dynamic era marked by political fragmentation, foreign invasions, and cultural changes. It followed the decline and collapse of the New Kingdom and preceded the Late Period of ancient Egyptian history. Here's an overview of the Third Intermediate Period:

Political Fragmentation:
- The Third Intermediate Period was characterized by the fragmentation of central authority, with Egypt divided into multiple rival political entities, often referred to as "petty kingdoms" or "dynasties."
- The authority of the pharaohs weakened, and regional rulers, including local princes, priests, and military leaders, exerted greater autonomy and control over their territories.
Libyan and Nubian Domination:
- During the early Third Intermediate Period, Egypt experienced foreign incursions and invasions by the Libyans from the west and the Nubians from the south.
- The Libyans, who had settled in the western Nile Delta, established their own dynasties, such as the Twenty-Second Dynasty, which ruled from the city of Bubastis.
- The Nubians, under the leadership of the Kingdom of Kush, expanded their influence into Upper Egypt and established the Twenty-Fifth Dynasty, known as the "Kushite Dynasty."
Cultural and Religious Developments:
- Despite the political instability, the Third Intermediate Period saw significant cultural and religious developments.
- The worship of traditional Egyptian gods and goddesses continued, although religious syncretism and the adoption of foreign deities became more prevalent.
- Artistic styles and architectural traditions evolved, blending elements of Egyptian, Libyan, Nubian, and Assyrian influences.
Sheshonq I and the Twenty-Second Dynasty:
- One of the most notable rulers of the Third Intermediate Period was Sheshonq I (Shoshenq I), the founder of the Twenty-Second Dynasty.
- Sheshonq I successfully reunified Egypt and established a brief period of stability, during which Egypt regained control over parts of the Levant and engaged in diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms.
Late Period Transitions:
- Toward the end of the Third Intermediate Period, Egypt experienced further political upheaval and foreign invasions.
- The Assyrians, under King Ashurbanipal, invaded Egypt and conquered Memphis in 664 BCE, effectively ending the Third Intermediate Period and initiating the Late Period.
- The Twenty-Sixth Dynasty, also known as the "Saite Period," emerged as the last native Egyptian dynasty before the country fell under foreign domination.
Legacy:
- The Third Intermediate Period represents a transitional phase in Egyptian history, marked by political fragmentation, foreign interference, and cultural exchange.
- Despite the challenges and disruptions, Egypt retained its cultural identity and resilience, paving the way for the subsequent periods of Egyptian history, including the Late Period and the Persian, Greek, and Roman occupations.

In summary, the Third Intermediate Period of Egypt was a period of political turmoil, foreign invasions, and cultural transformation. It witnessed the fragmentation of central authority, the rise of regional dynasties, and significant changes in religious and artistic expression, laying the groundwork for the later phases of ancient Egyptian history.