23rd Dynasty

The 23rd Dynasty was one of four dynasties ruling in Egypt just before the invasion of Assyria in 671 B.C. This dynasty followed and ruled concurrently with the 22nd, 21st (Tanis), and 20th Dynasties. It lasted from 715 to 664 (or 646) B.C., lasting 51, or possibly 69) years. The 23rd Dynasty consisted of Takelot II, Pedubast I, Iuput I, Osorkon III, Takelot III, and Rudamon. Little is known about this dynasty.

The dynasty began in 715 B.C., when Takelot II broke away from his ancestors' dynasty, the 22nd. He founded a new dynasty centralized in southern and central Egypt. However, his rule was quickly contested, and in 705 B.C., Pedubast I challenged his authority in Thebes. Four years later, tectonic upheaval in Egypt relating to the miraculous defeat of Sennacherib's army in Judah led to political and social upheaval. Pedubast saw his opportunity, and took over more 23rd Dynasty territory.

Following Takelot II's death in 690 B.C., Pedubast became sole ruler of the dynasty, and he appointed his son Iuput I as coregent. When they both died, seventeen years later, Takelot II's son Osorkon III was able to retake the throne. This was short-lived, though, as Esarhaddon of Assyria invaded and occupied Egypt just two short years later. To combat this threat, Osorkon appointed his son, Takelot III, coregent with him.

Takelot III failed in his duties, and Assyria took over. Six years later, he led a rebellion, but was killed in the process, making his nephew Rudamon the ruler of the dynasty. When Rudamon tried to take Egypt back for himself, he was exiled and deported. This ended the 23rd Dynasty.

The evidence for the revised history can be found at Displaced Dynasties. Evidence regarding this dynasty can be found here. Supplemental evidence can be found here.