Twenty-First Dynasty

The Tanite Dynasty and the Amun Priesthood

1069 to 945 BC

The infighting of the Ramesside Period and the growing influence of local leaders, particularly in the northern delta region, again results in a decentralization of power as Egypt enters its Third Intermediate Period. The primary factions at this point are the line of northern pharaohs based at the city of Tanis and the Amun Priesthood based at Thebes. However, the growing influence of the Nubians and Libyan immigrants would come to play a significant role in shaping the political, cultural, and demographic profiles of Egypt. It is worth noting that despite the decentralization of power and the designation of “intermediate,” the Twenty First through Twenty Fourth Dynasties were a period of relative stability, and many of the changes that occurred became permanent aspects of Egyptian identity.

The High Priests of Thebes, while not accorded their own dynasty, per se, were effectively the rulers of southern Egypt during the Twenty-First Dynasty. While obviously not a part of the Twenty-First Dynasty, they are listed here for reference purposes.