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Shoshenk I was the founder of the 22nd Dynasty which is often referred to also as the Libyan or Bubastite Dynasty. He was a strong militaristic ruler who brought the divided Egypt of the time back together into a unified force by once again uniting Thebes and Tanis. He placed his sons into high positions in the government, then turned his attention outward, looking for conquest.
His attention roamed to the Palestinian kingdoms of Judah run by Rehoboam (Solomon's Son) and Israel under Jeroboam I. He considered them easy prey because of the internal strife which was existing in their country. By 946 B.C.E., as recorded in the Bible, Shoshenk defeated them both in a highly successful campaign. Also according to the Bible, Shoshenk took all the treasure of Jerusalem, including the golden shields Solomon had made and left only the Arc of the Covenant.
Shortly after the triumphant battles, Shoshenk died and was buried in his family's tombs in Tanis.
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