Sheshonk I [key], d. c.929 or 924 b.c., king of ancient Egypt, founder of the XXII (Libyan) dynasty. Originally a commander of mercenaries at Heracleopolis, he assumed (c.950 b.c.) royal authority when the weak dynasty at Tanis died out. He has been identified with the Pharoah Shishak in the Bible, who offered Jeroboam I refuge. Later Sheshonk overran Palestine. He enlarged the temple at Karnak and on its walls recorded the tribute paid him in Palestine and Nubia. His temple court, fronted by a huge pylon, was the largest ever built. The king's body was found (1938–39) in his burial chamber at Tanis.
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