Sekhemkhet vs Shoshenq III

Sekhemkhet began construction of a step pyramid at Saqqara, now known as the Buried Pyramid. The pyramid was planned to be larger than Djoser's step pyramid but was left unfinished, with only the base and lower courses completed. The site includes a surrounding enclosure wall and subsidiary tombs.

The burial chamber of Sekhemkhet's pyramid was found empty, with an alabaster sarcophagus still sealed but containing no remains. This suggests the pharaoh may not have been buried there, or the tomb was robbed in antiquity. The discovery provided insights into early pyramid building techniques.

Shoshenq III became pharaoh of Egypt's 22nd Dynasty, succeeding his father Osorkon II. His reign marked a period of fragmentation as local rulers gained autonomy, weakening central authority.

Shoshenq III commissioned a monumental portal at the Temple of Bastet in Bubastis, his dynastic capital. This construction project demonstrated his continued patronage of traditional Egyptian religion despite political decline.

During Shoshenq III's reign, the High Priests of Amun at Thebes, particularly Harsiese, asserted independence, effectively splitting Upper Egypt from the 22nd Dynasty's control. This deepened the fragmentation of Egypt.

Shoshenq III died after a reign of 39 years, one of the longest of the 22nd Dynasty. His lengthy rule did not reverse the trend of decentralization, and his successors inherited a weakened kingdom.