Silver Coffin of King Shoshenq II


King Shoshenq II, also known as Sheshonq II, was a pharaoh of Egypt’s 22nd Dynasty during the Third Intermediate Period, ruling briefly around the 9th century BCE.

Unlike many of his predecessors, Shoshenq II is notable for his relatively short and somewhat mysterious reign, which has led to debates among historians regarding his precise chronological position and relation to other pharaohs of the dynasty.

His tomb, discovered largely intact at Tanis, contained a remarkable collection of funerary treasures, including a solid gold mask, jewelry, and ceremonial objects, highlighting the wealth and craftsmanship of the period. Interestingly, Shoshenq II’s burial shows little evidence of significant architectural additions to the tomb, suggesting his reign may have been sudden or limited in power. Despite ruling for only a short time, his preserved artifacts provide crucial insight into the material culture and royal traditions of the 22nd Dynasty.