Sheshonk I

Related Category: Ancient History, Egypt: Biographies

(shē´shŏngk), d. c.929 or 924 B.C., king of ancient Egypt, founder of the XXII (Libyan) dynasty. Originally a commander of mercenaries at Heracleopolis, he assumed (c.950 B.C.) royal authority when the weak dynasty at Tanis died out. A contemporary of Solomon, he offered Jeroboam I refuge. Later Sheshonk overran Palestine. He enlarged the temple at Karnak and on its walls recorded the tribute paid him in Palestine and Nubia. His temple court, fronted by a huge pylon, was the largest ever built. The king's body was found (1938–39) in his burial chamber at Tanis.