| 22nd (Bubastite) Dynasty. Sheshonq I (945–924), from a Libyan family, took the throne and appointed one of his sons as the high priest of Amun-Ra, reunifying Egypt. The dynasty ruled from both Tanis and Bubastis in the eastern Delta. Sheshonq made the first additions to the temple at Karnak in centuries. In 926, he invaded both Israel and Judah, sacked a number of cities, but did not try to establish permanent control (See 931–909). Under his successors, central control broke down and many nomes (provinces) were controlled by local dynasts. By the reign of Osorkon II (874–850), the high priests of Amun-Ra had reestablished independence. Egypt allied itself with Israel and Syrian kings to oppose the rising power of Assyria, but sent only 1,000 soldiers to fight at the Battle of Qarqar in 853 (See 885–841). Under Pedubast I (818–793), a branch of the royal family broke away and ruled independently in Leontopolis as the 23rd Dynasty. Tefnakhte I (727–720) established a short-lived 24th Dynasty at Sais. | 1 |
