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A comprehensive account of the Libyan pharaohs of Egypt, who ruled from the tenth through the seventh centuries BC, accessibly written by renowned Egyptologist Aidan Dodson
During the tenth through the seventh centuries BC, Egypt was ruled by a series of pharaohs of Libyan ancestry, who ranged from Shoshenq I, conqueror of Jerusalem, to individuals so obscure that some may actually be spelling errors. The Libyans had hitherto been enemies of the Egyptians, with conflicts going back into the third millennium BC. Yet during the eleventh century we find Libyan names among members of Egyptian elite families, and early in the next century a pharaoh of Libyan descent ascended the Egyptian throne. There is no evidence of any violent take-over, so it appears likely that ongoing immigration and intermarriage with the Egyptian elites had brought a Libyan line to this point.
Although the earlier Libyan pharaohs seem to have maintained the tradition of a unitary Egyptian state, as time went by, Libyan ideas of decentralized control became more prevalent. As a result, we find individuals holding both Libyan and Egyptian titles controlling distinct territories around Egypt, some of whom assumed the names and titles of a pharaoh. Conflict sometimes accompanied this process, with a long civil war fought for the control of southern Egypt and the great religious capital of Thebes. Some degree of central control was imposed with the advent of a further set of rulers from Nubia during the eight century, but a single Egyptian state would not be restored until the middle of the seventh century.
The Libyan Pharaohs of Egypt reconstructs the story of this era, covering not only its complex political history, but also its monuments – both for the living and the dead—and its aftermath, including the rediscovery of its kings and monuments in modern times.
"A detailed reappraisal of one of the most complex periods of ancient Egyptian history. Drawing on his long-standing expertise in Egyptian royal history, Dodson presents a richly illustrated, clear and balanced synthesis that will appeal equally to scholars and the informed general reader." —Roger Forshaw, Ancient Egypt
“Aidan Dodson skillfully gathers and presents the scattered evidence for Egypt's Libyan rulers, much of it little-known to the general reader, and succeeds in clarifying their lives and legacy.”—Campbell Price, University of Manchester
“Fascinating. A detailed and thought-provoking examination of a very complicated period in the history of ancient Egypt, and a worthy addition to Dodson’s series on Egypt and its rulers throughout the ages.”—Eric H. Cline, The George Washington University
“Aidan Dodson’s fascination with the Libyan Period shines through all the pages of this monograph, which is a welcome addition to the growing literature on this captivating epoch. Lavishly illustrated throughout, he gives a clear interpretation of current academic opinion relating to all aspects of the history, major players, and extant monuments of Egypt from the tenth to eighth centuries BC. Additionally, a final section contains an absorbing account of how different scholarly views on the Third Intermediate Period have evolved during the past two centuries.”—David Aston, Austrian Academy of Sciences
“In The Libyan Pharaohs of Egypt, Aidan Dodson presents an illuminating overview of a fascinating but little-known chapter in ancient Egyptian history. Written in his usual engaging and accessible style, this book offers both scholars and general readers a compelling account of the lives, reigns, and lasting legacy of Egypt’s Libyan rulers. Richly illustrated and thoughtfully organized, it brings clarity to a complex and often misunderstood period.”—Troy L. Sagrilo, Swansea University
Preface
Abbreviations and conventions
Introduction
1. Post-imperial Egypt and the Advent of the Libyan Pharaohs
2. Heyday
3. Disintegrations
4. Eclipse
5. Houses of Eternity
6. Aftermath and Limbo
7. Resurrection
Chronology
Notes
Bibliography
Sources of Images
Index