Siamun

A return to native rule

Siamun ruled for approximately 19 years and focused primarily on construction projects, heavily expanding the Temple of Amun in Tanis. His name suggests he was a native Egyptian, though it is possible he was of Libyan descent and simply adopted a traditional name to appease the local population. Some historians hypothesize he secured the throne by marrying a daughter of his predecessor, Osorkon the Elder.

The biblical connection

Siamun is widely considered by historians to be the unnamed Egyptian pharaoh mentioned in the Old Testament's First Book of Kings. According to biblical tradition, this pharaoh formed an alliance with King Solomon of Israel, giving his daughter in marriage to the Israelite king and providing the conquered Canaanite city of Gezer as her dowry.