Twenty-Second Dynasty

The Libyan Dynasty

945 to 715 BC

The Twenty-Second Dynasty was a line of Libyan kings who had settled in and around Bubastis and made Tanis their capitol city. The dynasty opened with ambitious military campaigns into the Levant by Shoshenq I, some of which may be referred to in the Old Testament (1 Kings 14: 25—6; 2 Chronicles 12:2—9). However, Shoshenq I’s successors would eschew the military approach in favor of trade and economic policies with Egypt’s neighbors. The Twenty-Second Dynasty pharaohs made an effort to reconsolidate power, but the local nobility had once again grown strong, and through means peaceful or otherwise, were determined to hold on to their independence.

On the death of Osorkon II Takelot II begins a rulership of Upper Egypt from Thebes which will spawn the Twenty-Third Dynasty, while Shoshenq III continues to rule Lower Egypt from Tanis.