Shoshenq I

Shoshenq I founded the Twenty-second Dynasty, coming to power around 943 BC and ruling until 922 BC, with dates uncertain by about five years. He was of Libyan Meshwesh heritage, the son of Nimlot A and Tentshepeh A. His family had served as hereditary military commanders in the eastern Delta for generations. By consolidating control through marriage alliances, including marrying his son Osorkon I to a daughter of Psusennes II, Shoshenq reasserted centralised rule across the entire country after decades of division.

To ensure firm control over Upper Egypt, Shoshenq appointed his son Iuput as High Priest of Amun at Thebes, effectively subordinating the southern priesthood to the royal house. He was an active builder, commissioning a major temple at El-Hiba and substantial construction projects at the capital Tanis. At Thebes, he initiated grand architectural expansions at the Karnak Temple Complex, leaving enduring monuments that commemorated his reign and political dominance.

His most celebrated achievement was an overseas military campaign into Palestine, recorded on the monumental Bubastite Portal carved on the southern exterior wall of the temple of Karnak. This relief lists over one hundred conquered towns across Judah and Israel. A stela fragment bearing his cartouche discovered at the ancient city of Megiddo confirms his military presence in the Levant. Many historians equate Shoshenq I with King Shishak mentioned in the Hebrew Bible.

His burial was prepared at the royal necropolis in Tanis, designated tomb NRT V, though the burial chamber was later found disturbed and his mummy has never been identified. Scholars know Shoshenq I from extensive inscriptions at Karnak, the Megiddo stele fragment, contemporary stelae, and historical king lists.

Monuments

• Bubastite Portal at Karnak
• Tanis royal necropolis
• Megiddo stele fragment
• El-Hiba temple

Explore further

Try the name on the Cartouche Desk, or see where the reign falls on the timeline.