Takelot II

Takelot II ruled from about 850 to 825 BC, with dates uncertain by about six years. As a member of the Twenty-third Dynasty, he governed Upper and Middle Egypt from Thebes. His reign followed the independent Theban rule of Harsiese A and was defined by severe domestic unrest and rivalry with competing northern factions.

Much of Takelot's twenty-five years on the throne was consumed by an extended civil war in the Theban region. His son, Prince Osorkon, served as High Priest of Amun and fought repeatedly against local insurgent factions led by Pedubast I to secure his father's royal legitimacy. This protracted conflict further weakened Egypt's central administration and deepened political fragmentation across the country.

Scholars know Takelot II primarily from the detailed Chronicle of Prince Osorkon inscribed on the walls of the Karnak temple complex. The text provides an invaluable historical record of the internal rebellions during this era. His proposed burial in tomb NRT I at Tanis remains a subject of debate, and no confirmed royal mummy has survived.

Monuments

• Chronicle of Prince Osorkon at Karnak

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