Sheshonk I

Sheshonk I (shē'shongk) [key], 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.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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