Osorkon II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Osorkon II |
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Pendant bearing the cartouche of Osorkon II
seated King Osorkon flanked by Horus and Isis |
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| Pharaoh | |
| Reign | 872–837 BC (22nd Dynasty) |
| Predecessor | Takelot I |
| Successor | Shoshenq III |
| Consort | Karomama I |
| Children | Tjesbastperu, Nimlot C, Shoshenq D, Hornakht |
| Father | Takelot I |
| Mother | Kapes |
| Died | 837 BC |
| Burial | NRT-I Tanis |
Osorkon II was an important king of Ancient Egypt. He was the fifth ruler of the 22nd Dynasty. His father was King Takelot I, and his mother was Queen Kapes. Osorkon II ruled Egypt from about 872 BC to 837 BC. His capital city was Tanis.
When Osorkon II became king, he faced a challenge from his cousin, King Harsiese A. Harsiese ruled parts of Egypt, including Thebes. This could have caused problems for Osorkon's power. However, Harsiese died in 860 BC. Osorkon II then made sure no one else would take Harsiese's place. He appointed his own son, Nimlot C, as the high priest of Amun in Thebes. This helped Osorkon II control all of Upper Egypt. After this, Osorkon II ruled over a united Egypt. His time as king was a period of good fortune for Egypt. Many large buildings were constructed during his reign.
Osorkon II was the last king of his dynasty to rule all of Egypt, from the Delta to Upper Egypt. After him, his successor, Shoshenq III, lost control of Middle and Upper Egypt.
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Building Projects and Foreign Relations
Osorkon II had to deal with other powerful nations. The country of Assyria was growing stronger. Assyria started getting involved in the affairs of Israel and Syria. These areas were important to Egypt.
Osorkon II spent a lot of money on building projects. He added to the temple of the goddess Bastet in Bubastis. This new part of the temple had a large hall. It was decorated with scenes of his special Sed festival. There were also images of his queen, Karomama. He also built structures in Thebes, Memphis, Tanis, and Leontopolis.
Osorkon II also built Temple J in Karnak during his last years. His high priest, Takelot F, decorated this temple. Takelot F was the son of Nimlot C, making him Osorkon II's grandson. Many large stone statues from Osorkon II's reign were actually older statues. They were simply re-carved with his name.
Many important officials worked during Osorkon II's time. Ankhkherednefer was an inspector of the palace. Paanmeny was likely his main doctor. Djeddjehutyiuefankh and Bakenkhons were prophets of Amun.
Family and Royal Connections
Osorkon II had at least four wives. His best-known wife was Queen Karomama. She was the mother of at least two sons and three daughters.
Another wife was Isetemkheb. She was the mother of a daughter named Tjesbastperu. Tjesbastperu married the High Priest of Ptah, Takelot B.
Djedmutesakh IV was the mother of the High Priest of Amun, Nimlot C. Nimlot C was Osorkon II's son. He was also the father of Takelot F, who later became King Takelot II.
Mutemhat was another of Osorkon II's wives.
Other children of Osorkon II included:
- Prince Shoshenq D, who was the High Priest of Ptah.
- Prince Hornakht, who was the High Priest of Amun in Tanis. Osorkon II gave Hornakht this important job to strengthen his power in Lower Egypt. However, Hornakht died very young, before he was ten years old.
- Princess Tashakheper, who may have been a "God's Wife of Amun" during the reign of Takelot III.
- Princess Karomama C, who might be the same person as Karomama Meritmut, another "God's Wife of Amun."
- Princess Taiirmer.
Some historians also believe that Osorkon II might have been the father of his successor, Shoshenq III. Another possible child was Princess Tentsepeh (D). She was the wife of General Ptahudjankhef, who was Osorkon II's grandson.
Osorkon II's Burial Place
The French explorer Pierre Montet found Osorkon II's royal tomb in Tanis. This happened on February 27, 1939. The tomb had been robbed a long time ago. Osorkon II was buried in a huge granite coffin. Its lid was carved from an older statue. Only small pieces of a hawk-headed coffin and jars remained.
Even though the tomb was robbed, the jewelry that was left was very valuable. It showed how rich the kings of the 21st and 22nd dynasties were.
Who Ruled After Osorkon II?
Many historians believe that Shoshenq III took over as king after Osorkon II in Tanis. This is because monuments of Shoshenq III have been found in Lower Egypt. Other kings from Tanis, like Osorkon II, are also found there.
One important clue is in Osorkon II's tomb. Shoshenq III built a wall in the tomb's entrance room. This wall showed both Osorkon II and Shoshenq III worshipping a god. This suggests that Shoshenq III wanted to be seen as directly connected to Osorkon II. If another king had ruled for many years between them, this connection would not make as much sense.
Therefore, it is believed that Shoshenq III was the next king after Osorkon II. Another king, Takelot II, likely ruled a different part of Egypt. He probably started the 23rd Dynasty and ruled Middle and Upper Egypt.
