Third Intermediate Period

The Third Intermediate Period (c. 1069–664 BC) spans the 21st–25th Dynasties, when Egypt was politically divided after the New Kingdom. After the Assyrian invasions it closed with the accession of Psamtik I of Sais in 664 BC; he went on to reunify Egypt by c. 656 BC, opening the Late Period.

Overview

The Third Intermediate Period (c. 1069–664 BC) covers the 21st–25th Dynasties, an era when Egypt was politically divided after the New Kingdom. The kings of the 21st Dynasty ruled from Tanis in the Delta, while the high priests of Amun effectively governed the south from Thebes.

Key developments

The 22nd Dynasty was founded c. 945 BC by Shoshenq I, a king of Libyan descent who campaigned in Palestine and is often identified with the biblical Shishak, though this is not certain. Fragmentation grew, with rival dynasties and local rulers multiplying. Under the 25th Dynasty, kings of Kush (Nubia) — following Piye’s conquest of c. 728 BC — ruled Egypt and Nubia together, reviving pyramid burial in Nubia and archaizing traditions.

End and transition

The period was ended by Assyrian invasions: Esarhaddon invaded in 671 BC, and Ashurbanipal’s forces sacked Thebes in 663 BC. Psamtik I of Sais, initially backed by Assyria, acceded in 664 BC and went on to reunify Egypt by c. 656 BC, when he reasserted control over Thebes, opening the Late Period.