Osorkon II

Osorkon II was pharaoh of Ancient Egypt between 874 BC and 850 BC.

Osorkon succeeded his father Takelot I to take the throne of Egypt. However within four years of his acession his cousin Harsiese, High Priest of Amun at Thebes had declared himself King. Osorkon feared the consequences of a serious challenge to Harsiese's authority but when he conveniently died in 860 BC Osorkon ensured that the problem could not reoccur by appointing his son Nimlot as High Priest. His younger son Sheshonq was made High Priest of Ptah at Memphis. In this period in Egypt's history priestly and political power were at their most inseparable.

Despite his caution in dealings at home Osorkon was forced to be less circumspect in international affairs. The growing power of the Assyrian empire meant a continuing meddling in the affairs of Palestine and Syria, territories well within Egypt's sphere of influence. But in 853 BC Osorkon's forces in a coalition with those of Israel and Byblos defeated the army of Shalmanesar III at the battle of Qarqar, halting Assyrian expansion, albeit only briefly.

Osorkon put considerable resources into building work, adding to the temple of Bastet at Bubastis a large new hall covered with scenes depicting his sed festival and images of his queen Karomama. Mutemhat was another of his wives. Construction also went on at Thebes, Memphis, Tanis and Leontopolis.

Osorkon died in 850 BC and was succeeded by his son Takelot II.

See Also

Osorkon I (grandfather)