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Osorkon I

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Osorkon I was a powerful king in ancient Egypt. He belonged to the 22nd Dynasty of rulers. His lands were very large and spread out. His territory included much of a place called the Levant.

Donation Stela of Osorkon I dated to year 6 MET DP-12500-004
Donation Stela of Osorkon I dated to year 6 MET DP-12500-004

This king was the son of Shoshenq I. His mother was a woman named Karomama A. Osorkon I took over the throne after his father died. He was a leader who brought a long period of peace to Egypt.

Osorkon I was very busy during his time as king. He worked on many projects to build new temples. His rule is remembered as a prosperous time for the people. This means life was good and stable for many. We can learn about his life from many old objects. His name is found on a stone called the Donation Stela. We also find his name on pieces of cloth from mummies.

Donation Stela of Osorkon I dated to year 6 MET DP-12500-004
Donation Stela of Osorkon I dated to year 6 MET DP-12500-004

These items help us understand his important work.

Historians use clues to figure out how long he ruled. One old writer named Manetho said he ruled for 15 years. However, most evidence shows he actually ruled for about 35 years. We know this because of items found with mummies. A mummy named Nakhtefmut had a bandage with a special date. This date was from the 33rd year of Osorkon I.

Donation Stela of Osorkon I dated to year 6 MET DP-12500-004
Donation Stela of Osorkon I dated to year 6 MET DP-12500-004

Other bandages from years 11, 12, and 23 were also found. These dates prove he was a king for a very long time.

There is some mystery about who ruled after him. Many believe his son Takelot I became the next king. Takelot I was the son of Osorkon I and Queen Tashedkhons. Some people think another ruler named Shoshenq II ruled too. Shoshenq II had a grand tomb at a place called Tanis. This tomb had a silver coffin with a falcon head. It also held a gold face mask and many jewels.

Donation Stela of Osorkon I dated to year 6 MET DP-12500-004
Donation Stela of Osorkon I dated to year 6 MET DP-12500-004

These treasures show he was a very important leader.

Osorkon I is linked to many famous parts of Egypt. He lived around 922 BC to 887 BC. He even started a stronghold in Middle Egypt. This place was called Pi-Sekhemkheperre. His throne name was Sekhemkheperre. This name means "Powerful are the Manifestations of Re." Re was a very important god in Egypt. Even though his own tomb has not been found, his life changed Egypt.

Donation Stela of Osorkon I dated to year 6 MET DP-12500-004
Donation Stela of Osorkon I dated to year 6 MET DP-12500-004

His long reign helped his country stay strong.

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Donation Stela of Osorkon I dated to year...
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