Twenty-first Dynasty of Egypt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Twenty-first Dynasty of Egypt
1077 BC–943 BC
Gold funerary mask of pharaoh Psusennes I
Capital	Tanis
Common languages	Egyptian language
Religion	Ancient Egyptian Religion
Government	Absolute monarchy
Historical era	Third Intermediate Period of Egypt
• Established	1077 BC
• Disestablished	943 BC
Preceded by Succeeded by Twentieth Dynasty of Egypt Twenty-second Dynasty of Egypt

The Twenty-first Dynasty of Egypt was an important time in Ancient Egypt. It is also called Dynasty XXI or the 21st Dynasty. This period lasted from 1077 BC to 943 BC. It marks the start of what historians call the Third Intermediate Period in Egyptian history.

A Time of Change in Ancient Egypt

After the rule of Ramesses III, the power of the pharaohs in Egypt slowly became weaker. The pharaohs of the Twenty-first Dynasty ruled from a city called Tanis. They mainly controlled only Lower Egypt, which is the northern part of the country. Because their main political city was Tanis, this dynasty is sometimes called 'Tanite'.

Who Ruled Where?

At the same time, powerful religious leaders known as the High Priests of Amun at Thebes took control of Middle and Upper Egypt. This was the southern part of the country. They ruled these areas almost like kings, even though they were priests. An ancient Egyptian priest named Manetho wrote about Egyptian history. He said that the 21st Dynasty lasted for 130 years.

Meet the Pharaohs of the 21st Dynasty

Here are the kings who ruled during the 21st Dynasty:

Dynasty XXI Kings of Egypt

Pharaoh	Image	Throne Name	Horus Name	Years Ruled	Burial Place	Wife or Wives	Notes
Smendes / Nesbanebdjed I		Hedjkheperre Setepenre	Kanakhtmeryreseuser Amunkhepesheferseqamaat	1077 - 1051 BC	Unknown	Tentamun	He was the first pharaoh of the 21st Dynasty. He only controlled Lower Egypt.
Amenemnisu		Neferkare Heqawaset	(Unknown)	1051 - 1047 BC	Unknown
Psusennes I / Hor-Pasebakhaenniut I		Akheperre Setepenamun	Kanakhtemdedamun Userfausekhaemwaset	1047 - 1001 BC	NRT III, Tanis	Mutnedjemet Wiay	We are not sure how long he ruled. It was either 41 or 46 years.
Amenemope		Usermaatre Setepenamun	(Unknown)	1001 - 992 BC	Tanis		Manetho wrote that Amenemope ruled Egypt for 9 years.
Osorkon the Elder		Akheperre Setepenre	(Unknown)	992 - 986 BC	Unknown		Osorkon the Elder ruled Egypt for 6 years.
Siamun		Netjerkheperre Setepenamun	Kanakhtmerymat Sameryenamunperemhauef	986 - 967 BC	Unknown		Many experts believe Siamun ruled for 19 years. This is based on records from Karnak.
Psusennes II / Hor-Pasebakhaenniut II		Titkheperure Setepenre	(Unknown)	967 - 943 BC	Unknown

Timeline of the 21st Dynasty

Learn More

• Family tree of the Twenty-first, Twenty-second, and Twenty-third Dynasties of Egypt
• Theban High Priests of Amun