Twenty-third Dynasty of Egypt

This dynasty emerged during a period of political fragmentation but managed to last for a century.

23
Twenty-third Dynasty
840 BC — 739 BC

A rival to the Twenty-second Dynasty, it was based in Upper Egypt, primarily in the cities of Thebes, Herakleopolis and Hermopolis, although Manetho placed it in Tanis in Lower Egypt. Its rulers were of Libyan descent and local chiefs and high priests held significant autonomy. This resulted in competing claims to pharaonic titles, and the rulers struggled to assert authority amidst internal divisions and external pressures.
As the Nubian kingdom expanded northwards, the relatively weak kings of the Twenty-Third Dynasty were ultimately absorbed, which paved the way for the Twenty-Fifth Dynasty.

Dynasty 23

The chronological order

It is important to note that the chronological order and dates of the pharaohs is an evolving subject and should therefore be treated with a certain degree of caution. As new research is conducted, the order may be subject to change, which is a fundamental principle that applies to all Egyptian dynasties. In particular, the Intermediate Periods are the subject of significant ongoing research, and could see dramatic changes in the future.

Table 1: The kings of the Twenty-third Dynasty
Pharaoh Also known as
1Takelot II
2Pedubast I
3Iuput I
4Shoshenq VIPreviously known as Shoshenq IV
5Osorkon III
6Takelot III
7RudamunRudamon

The Twenty-third Dynasty according to Manetho

ACCORDING TO AFRICANUS

Twenty-third dynasty of four kings of Tanis

  1. Petoubates 40 yearsDuring his reign, the Olympic games were held.
  2. Osorcho 8 yearsThe Egyptians call him Herakles.
  3. Psammous 10 years
  4. Zet 31 years
  5. Total 89 years
ACCORDING TO EUSEBIOS

Twenty-third dynasty of three kings of Tanis

  1. Petoubastis25 years
  2. Osorthon9 yearsThe Egyptians called him Herakles.
  3. Psammous10 years
  4. Total44 years
ARMENIAN TRANSLATION

Twenty-third dynasty of 3 kings from Tanis

  1. Petubastis25 years
  2. Osortʻon whom the Egyptians called Heracles, 9 years
  3. Pʻsamus10 years
  4. In total, reigned for 44 years