Shoshenq III

AncientEmperorThird Intermediate Egypt-825 — -773

Long reign, Dynasty XXII fragmentation.

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Quick Facts

Born

825 BCE

Died

773 BCE

Country

Third Intermediate Egypt

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)23

Political (20%)31

Influence (20%)43

Legacy (20%)35

Leadership (15%)55

Strategy (15%)40

Total Score38.7

Shoshenq III — Complete Timeline

825 BC

Accession to the thronePolitical Action◆ Major

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.

Accession22nd DynastyFragmentation

Impact: national

800 BC

Construction of the Bubastis PortalCultural

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.

ArchitectureTempleBubastis

constructive

Loss of Thebes to High PriestsPolitical Action◆ Major

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.

ThebesHigh PriestsFragmentation

Impact: nationaldestructive

773 BC

Long reign of 39 yearsPolitical Action

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.

ReignLongevity22nd Dynasty

Impact: national