The Twenty-Second Dynasty of Egypt, also known as the Bubastite Dynasty, was founded by Shoshenq I and lasted approximately from 943 BC to 720 BC. This dynasty is notable for its ancient Libyan origins, as the pharaohs of the Twenty-Second Dynasty were descendants of Libyan settlers who had assimilated into Egyptian society. The Bubastite Dynasty derived its name from the city of Bubastis, which served as the capital and the political center of the rulers during much of this period. The Twenty-Second Dynasty forms part of the Third Intermediate Period, a time characterized by political fragmentation and the rise of local rulers across Egypt. This article will explore the history, rulers, and key achievements of the Twenty-Second Dynasty, shedding light on the complexities of this turbulent period in Egyptian history.
Historical Background of the Twenty-Second Dynasty
The Third Intermediate Period, lasting from around 1077 BC to 664 BC, began with the decline of the centralized power of the New Kingdom and the rise of regional rulers. The Twenty-Second Dynasty was founded by Shoshenq I, a leader of Libyan descent who was able to consolidate his power in Egypt and establish a new dynasty. The Libyan settlers had integrated into Egyptian society over generations, often serving in the military, and eventually rose to positions of power. This integration of Libyan elements into Egyptian society marked a significant shift in the political landscape, as the Libyan elite began to play a prominent role in governing the country.
Shoshenq I’s rise to power represented a turning point in Egyptian history, as he sought to reunify Egypt and restore centralized authority that had been lost during the late New Kingdom. The Twenty-Second Dynasty is known for its efforts to maintain unity and strengthen Egypt’s influence abroad. Shoshenq I and his successors launched military campaigns to expand Egyptian control in the Levant, and they worked to reinforce their legitimacy through religious and cultural projects. However, the Bubastite Dynasty’s power gradually weakened over time, leading to increased fragmentation, the rise of rival dynasties, and the eventual decline of centralized authority.
The Rulers of the Twenty-Second Dynasty
The Twenty-Second Dynasty was ruled by a series of pharaohs, each contributing to the history of Egypt during this complex period. Below, we provide an overview of each ruler of the dynasty and their significant achievements.
1. Shoshenq I (c. 943–919 BC)
Shoshenq I, also known as Sheshonq I, was the founder of the Twenty-Second Dynasty and is best known for his military campaigns and efforts to reunify Egypt. Shoshenq I was a powerful leader who had previously served as a commander in the Egyptian military and as the chief of the Meshwesh Libyan tribe. He consolidated his power by marrying into the royal family of the previous dynasty and establishing his capital at Bubastis. His leadership brought a renewed sense of stability to Egypt, as he sought to restore order and strengthen the central government.
Shoshenq I is most famous for his campaign in the Levant, where he sought to reassert Egyptian influence over the region. He is mentioned in the Bible as “Shishak,” who attacked Jerusalem during the reign of King Rehoboam. Shoshenq I also undertook several building projects, including additions to the Temple of Amun at Karnak, where he commemorated his military victories with reliefs. His efforts to expand Egyptian influence abroad and his construction projects helped to legitimize his rule and strengthen his position as the founder of a new dynasty.
2. Osorkon I (c. 922–890 BC)
Osorkon I, the son of Shoshenq I, succeeded his father and continued his policies of maintaining centralized control and strengthening Egypt’s influence. His reign was marked by relative stability, and he made significant donations to the temples of Amun, reinforcing the religious and political authority of the priesthood. Osorkon I’s close relationship with the religious establishment helped to maintain order and legitimacy during his reign, as he sought to continue his father’s efforts to stabilize the country.
Osorkon I also continued building projects at Karnak and other important religious sites. His reign helped to solidify the power of the Bubastite Dynasty, although challenges from rival factions persisted. Despite these challenges, Osorkon I’s contributions to the religious and cultural life of Egypt left a lasting impact, as he worked to uphold the traditions of the New Kingdom and strengthen the connection between the pharaoh and the gods.
3. Takelot I (c. 889–874 BC)
Takelot I, the successor of Osorkon I, faced increasing challenges during his reign, particularly from Thebes, where the High Priests of Amun wielded significant power. The growing influence of the High Priests in Upper Egypt posed a threat to the authority of the pharaoh, leading to tensions between the central government and regional rulers. Despite these challenges, Takelot I worked to maintain his authority and continued the building projects initiated by his predecessors, focusing on reinforcing his legitimacy through religious devotion.
His reign saw the beginning of the decline of centralized power, as local rulers and rival dynasties began to assert their independence, particularly in Upper Egypt. Takelot I’s efforts to maintain control were met with limited success, as the fragmentation of power became more pronounced. Nevertheless, his reign marked an important period in the struggle to preserve the unity of Egypt and uphold the traditions of the Bubastite Dynasty.
4. Osorkon II (c. 872–850 BC)
Osorkon II is known for his extensive building projects and his efforts to maintain the unity of Egypt. He commissioned additions to the Temple of Amun at Bubastis and undertook significant construction projects at Karnak. These building projects were intended to reinforce his authority and demonstrate his devotion to the gods, as well as to solidify his position as the legitimate ruler of Egypt. Osorkon II’s contributions to the cultural and religious life of Egypt were significant, as he sought to uphold the legacy of his predecessors and maintain the connection between the pharaoh and the divine.
Osorkon II also celebrated a grand jubilee festival, emphasizing his legitimacy and divine right to rule. However, his reign was marked by increasing internal divisions, as rival factions in Thebes and other regions sought to challenge the authority of the central government. The growing power of regional rulers and the High Priests of Amun contributed to the decline of centralized authority, making it increasingly difficult for Osorkon II to maintain control over the entirety of Egypt.
5. Shoshenq II (c. 850–845 BC)
Shoshenq II’s reign was relatively short and is not well-documented. He is believed to have been a co-regent with Osorkon II, and his tomb was discovered intact in Tanis, providing valuable insights into the burial practices of the Twenty-Second Dynasty. The artifacts found in his tomb, including a gold funerary mask, indicate the wealth and artistic achievements of the period, despite the political challenges faced by the dynasty. The discovery of Shoshenq II’s tomb has provided archaeologists with a rare glimpse into the material culture of the Bubastite Dynasty, highlighting the continued importance of religious and funerary traditions during this time.
Shoshenq II’s reign took place during a period of growing instability, as rival factions continued to challenge the authority of the central government. Despite the political challenges, the wealth and opulence of his burial suggest that the Bubastite Dynasty still retained considerable resources and influence, even as its power began to wane. His reign serves as a reminder of the complexities of this period, as the pharaohs struggled to maintain their authority in the face of growing internal divisions.
6. Takelot II (c. 845–820 BC)
Takelot II faced significant challenges during his reign, particularly from rival factions in Thebes. The period of his rule was marked by civil conflict, as the High Priests of Amun in Thebes sought to assert their independence from the central government. The tensions between the central authority and the regional rulers in Upper Egypt led to a period of instability, as Takelot II struggled to maintain control over the country. Despite these challenges, Takelot II continued to support religious institutions and undertook building projects to reinforce his authority.
His reign highlights the growing fragmentation of power during the later years of the Twenty-Second Dynasty. The increasing influence of the High Priests of Amun and the rise of local rulers in Upper Egypt made it difficult for Takelot II to maintain centralized control. Nevertheless, his efforts to uphold the traditions of the Bubastite Dynasty and reinforce his legitimacy through religious devotion demonstrate the resilience of the pharaohs during this challenging period in Egyptian history.
7. Shoshenq III (c. 825–780 BC)
Shoshenq III ruled for over 40 years and faced ongoing challenges from rival rulers in Upper Egypt. During his reign, the division between Lower and Upper Egypt became more pronounced, with local rulers in Thebes effectively governing independently of the pharaoh. Shoshenq III focused on maintaining control over the Delta region and continued building projects at Bubastis and other sites. His long reign was marked by the continued decline of centralized authority and the rise of regional powers, as the influence of the central government weakened.
Despite the challenges he faced, Shoshenq III worked to preserve the cultural and religious traditions of the Bubastite Dynasty. He undertook building projects to honor the gods and reinforce his authority, even as the power of the central government continued to decline. His reign represents a period of resilience and adaptation, as the pharaohs of the Twenty-Second Dynasty sought to navigate the complexities of a fragmented Egypt and maintain their connection to the divine.
8. Pami (c. 773–767 BC)
Pami, whose name means “The Cat,” ruled for a brief period and is one of the lesser-known pharaohs of the Twenty-Second Dynasty. His reign was relatively uneventful, and there are few records of his accomplishments. Pami’s rule came at a time when the power of the Twenty-Second Dynasty was waning, and local rulers were becoming increasingly autonomous. The lack of significant achievements during his reign reflects the declining influence of the Bubastite Dynasty, as the pharaohs struggled to maintain control over a fragmented country.
Despite the challenges faced during his reign, Pami continued to uphold the traditions of the Bubastite Dynasty and worked to maintain stability in the Delta region. His reign serves as a reminder of the difficulties faced by the pharaohs of the Twenty-Second Dynasty, as they sought to preserve their authority in the face of growing internal divisions and the rise of rival powers. Pami’s rule represents a period of decline, as the once-powerful Bubastite Dynasty faced increasing challenges to its legitimacy and influence.
9. Shoshenq IV (c. 767–750 BC)
Shoshenq IV’s reign is poorly documented, and little is known about his achievements. His reign took place during a time of significant political fragmentation, with multiple local rulers vying for power. The lack of centralized authority during his reign further weakened the position of the Twenty-Second Dynasty, paving the way for the rise of rival dynasties. Shoshenq IV’s rule reflects the ongoing challenges faced by the pharaohs of the Bubastite Dynasty, as they struggled to maintain their authority in the face of growing internal and external pressures.
Despite the lack of detailed records, it is likely that Shoshenq IV continued the efforts of his predecessors to maintain stability in the Delta region and uphold the cultural and religious traditions of the Bubastite Dynasty. His reign serves as a reminder of the complexities of the Third Intermediate Period, as the pharaohs faced increasing challenges to their authority and the fragmentation of power became more pronounced. The decline of centralized authority during his reign set the stage for the eventual collapse of the Bubastite Dynasty and the rise of rival powers.
10. Osorkon IV (c. 750–720 BC)
Osorkon IV was the last ruler of the Twenty-Second Dynasty, and his reign was marked by the further decline of the dynasty’s power. During his rule, Egypt faced threats from external forces, including the growing influence of the Nubian Kingdom to the south. Osorkon IV struggled to maintain control over Egypt, as the country became increasingly fragmented and vulnerable to foreign invasion. His reign ended with the rise of the Twenty-Fourth and Twenty-Fifth Dynasties, which further fragmented the country and marked the end of the Bubastite Dynasty.
The end of Osorkon IV’s reign marked the conclusion of the Twenty-Second Dynasty and the beginning of a new chapter in Egypt’s history. Despite the challenges he faced, Osorkon IV worked to preserve the cultural and religious traditions of the Bubastite Dynasty and maintain his authority in the face of growing internal and external pressures. His reign represents the final chapter of the Bubastite Dynasty, as Egypt transitioned further into the Third Intermediate Period and faced new challenges to its unity and stability.
Political Fragmentation and Regional Rule
The Twenty-Second Dynasty was characterized by the gradual decline of centralized authority and the rise of regional rulers who challenged the power of the pharaoh. The High Priests of Amun in Thebes wielded significant influence, effectively governing Upper Egypt independently of the pharaohs in Bubastis. This division of power led to a dual monarchy, with the pharaohs of the Twenty-Second Dynasty controlling the Delta region while rival rulers held sway over Upper Egypt.
The Role of the High Priests of Amun
The High Priests of Amun played a crucial role in the political landscape of the Third Intermediate Period. Their control over the vast wealth of the Amun temple at Karnak allowed them to wield significant power and challenge the authority of the pharaohs. The High Priests of Amun often acted as de facto rulers of Upper Egypt, and their influence contributed to the fragmentation of power during the Twenty-Second Dynasty. The growing power of the High Priests made it increasingly difficult for the pharaohs to maintain control over the entirety of Egypt, as the division between Lower and Upper Egypt became more pronounced.
The influence of the High Priests of Amun was not only political but also religious, as they held significant sway over the religious life of Egypt. Their control over the temples and their role as intermediaries between the gods and the people allowed them to legitimize their authority and challenge the power of the pharaoh. The rise of the High Priests of Amun during the Twenty-Second Dynasty represents a shift in the balance of power in Egypt, as religious leaders began to play an increasingly important role in the governance of the country.
The Rise of Libyan Influence
The Twenty-Second Dynasty was founded by Libyan leaders who had settled in Egypt and integrated into Egyptian society. The Libyan influence in Egyptian politics became more pronounced during this period, as Libyan chieftains and military leaders rose to positions of power. The integration of Libyan elements into the Egyptian ruling class marked a significant shift in the political landscape of Egypt and set the stage for the continued fragmentation of power during the Third Intermediate Period. The Libyan rulers brought their own customs and traditions to the Egyptian court, which influenced the culture and governance of the country.
The rise of Libyan influence during the Twenty-Second Dynasty also reflected the changing demographics of Egypt, as Libyan settlers became increasingly prominent in the military and political spheres. The Libyan rulers of the Bubastite Dynasty sought to legitimize their authority by adopting Egyptian customs and emphasizing their devotion to the traditional gods. Despite their efforts to integrate into Egyptian society, the Libyan rulers faced challenges from rival factions and local rulers, which ultimately contributed to the decline of centralized authority and the fragmentation of power during the Third Intermediate Period.
Religious and Cultural Developments
Despite the political challenges faced by the Twenty-Second Dynasty, the period saw continued religious and cultural developments. The pharaohs of the Bubastite Dynasty were devoted to the worship of traditional Egyptian gods, particularly Amun, and undertook building projects to honor the gods and reinforce their legitimacy as rulers. These efforts to maintain religious and cultural continuity helped to preserve the traditions of the New Kingdom, even as the political landscape of Egypt changed.
Building Projects and Religious Devotion
The pharaohs of the Twenty-Second Dynasty undertook several building projects to honor the gods and reinforce their authority. Shoshenq I and his successors made additions to the Temple of Amun at Karnak, and Osorkon II commissioned significant construction projects at Bubastis. These building projects served to reinforce the pharaohs’ connection to the gods and demonstrate their legitimacy as rulers, even as their political power waned. The construction of temples and other religious monuments was an important aspect of the Bubastite pharaohs’ efforts to maintain their authority and preserve the cultural traditions of Egypt.
The building projects undertaken by the pharaohs of the Twenty-Second Dynasty also reflect their devotion to the traditional gods and their desire to uphold the religious practices of the New Kingdom. By commissioning additions to important religious sites such as Karnak and Bubastis, the pharaohs sought to emphasize their role as intermediaries between the gods and the people. These building projects not only reinforced the pharaohs’ legitimacy but also helped to preserve the cultural and religious heritage of Egypt during a time of political change and fragmentation.
Funerary Practices and Royal Burials
The funerary practices of the Twenty-Second Dynasty reflect the political and economic conditions of the time. The pharaohs of the Bubastite Dynasty were buried in Tanis, where they constructed tombs within temple complexes. The discovery of the intact tomb of Shoshenq II in Tanis has provided valuable insights into the burial practices and material culture of the Twenty-Second Dynasty. The tomb contained a wealth of artifacts, including a gold funerary mask, which highlights the artistic achievements of the period.
The burials of the Bubastite pharaohs were characterized by their opulence and the inclusion of valuable grave goods, which demonstrated their devotion to the gods and their desire to ensure a successful journey to the afterlife. Despite the political challenges faced by the dynasty, the elaborate funerary practices of the Bubastite rulers reflect their continued commitment to upholding the religious traditions of Egypt. The tombs of the Twenty-Second Dynasty serve as a testament to the cultural and religious continuity that persisted even during a time of political fragmentation and decline.
The Decline of the Twenty-Second Dynasty
The decline of the Twenty-Second Dynasty was a gradual process marked by both internal and external factors that weakened the power of the central government. The growing influence of the High Priests of Amun in Thebes, coupled with the increasing autonomy of local rulers in Upper Egypt, created significant challenges for the pharaohs of the Bubastite Dynasty. The inability of the pharaohs to effectively manage these rival power centers led to a fragmented political landscape, with multiple factions vying for control.
External pressures also played a critical role in the decline of the Twenty-Second Dynasty. During the later years of the dynasty, Egypt faced threats from neighboring regions, including the expanding Nubian Kingdom to the south. The Nubians, under the leadership of rulers such as Piye, sought to extend their influence into Egypt, taking advantage of the political instability that plagued the country. The weakened state of the Bubastite Dynasty made it difficult for the pharaohs to defend their borders and maintain control over their territories, ultimately leading to the rise of the Twenty-Fourth and Twenty-Fifth Dynasties.
The rise of rival dynasties further exacerbated the decline of the Twenty-Second Dynasty. The Twenty-Fourth Dynasty, based in the western Delta, and the Twenty-Fifth Dynasty, led by Nubian rulers, both sought to assert their authority over Egypt. The competition between these rival dynasties and the Bubastite rulers led to a period of political fragmentation and conflict, as different factions vied for control of the country. By the time of Osorkon IV’s reign, the power of the Bubastite Dynasty had diminished significantly, and the dynasty was unable to withstand the challenges posed by these rival powers.
Conclusion
The Twenty-Second Dynasty of Egypt, also known as the Bubastite Dynasty, played a significant role in the history of Egypt during the Third Intermediate Period. Founded by Shoshenq I, a leader of Libyan descent, the dynasty sought to reunify Egypt and restore centralized authority after the decline of the New Kingdom. Despite initial successes in expanding Egypt’s influence and maintaining stability, the Bubastite Dynasty ultimately faced numerous challenges that led to its decline.
Internal divisions, particularly the growing power of the High Priests of Amun and the rise of regional rulers, weakened the central authority of the pharaohs. Additionally, external threats from neighboring regions, including the Nubian Kingdom, further destabilized Egypt and contributed to the collapse of the Bubastite Dynasty. The dynasty’s decline marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Egypt’s history, characterized by the continued fragmentation of power and the rise of new rulers.
Despite its eventual decline, the Twenty-Second Dynasty left a lasting legacy through its building projects, religious devotion, and cultural contributions. The dynasty’s efforts to preserve the traditions of the New Kingdom and uphold the connection between the pharaoh and the divine are evident in the temples, monuments, and tombs that remain as a testament to their rule. The Bubastite Dynasty’s history serves as a reminder of the complexities of Egyptian politics during the Third Intermediate Period and the enduring challenges of maintaining centralized authority in the face of internal and external pressures.