Osorkon IV.

Osorkon IV was a pharaoh (king) in Ancient Egypt. According to Jürgen von Beckerath he was the second pharaoh of Lower Egypt 23 Dynasty. His reign is to 732/30-722 BC He was possibly the son and successor Sheshonk V. and Tadibastet. See other Egyptologists Petubastis II as a possible son and successor of Osorkon Sheshonk V. IV is considered a " powerless shadow Pharaoh " in the field of Tanis and Bubastis in the eastern delta.

Titulary

From this Pharaoh is known except his own name Osorkon only the throne name Great shape, a Re, Chosen of Amun.

Rule

Osorkon IV has probably ascended the throne by Piye shortly after the conquest of Egypt. In his time, have four dynasties, the 22 - 25th Dynasty, ruled simultaneously. Beside him have ruled Auput II ( 23 dynasty, Leontopolis ) Sheshonk VI. ? ( 23 Dynasty), Tefnachte and Bokchoris (24th Dynasty) and Piye and Shabaka ( 25th dynasty ).

Osorkon IV and II Auput to Pije subject. This takes Tefnachte of Sais as an opportunity to raise themselves to Pharaoh. Thus, the 25th dynasty makes its appearance. According to the book " 2 Kings 17.4 "of the Bible sends in 725 BC, King Hoshea of Israel messengers " to So, king of Egypt. " Hosea ask him for help against the Assyrians. According to Kenneth A. Kitchen is here to Osorkon IV likely, however, that it should read " after Sais ( at ) the king of Egypt." Then Tefnachte would be meant. The help comes too late. King Sargon II of Assyria captured Samaria in 722 BC and knocks down a Syrian revolt. He submits Palestine to Gaza. An Egyptian auxiliary troops ( according Kitchen by Osorkon? ) Can not prevent the fall of Gaza and his King Hanun. Sargon II in 716 BC comes up at Wadi el- Arish before on the land bridge to Palestine. After transcription of the cuneiform Schilkannu Osorkon IV presents 12 of his horses. 712 BC Iamani rises of Ashdod against the Assyrians. The revolt fails and Iamani of Ashdod fled to Egypt. But he will be delivered from Pharaoh Shabaka. This is to be seen this time as evidence of the impotence of the Pharaohs.

Documents

Evidence of this period are rare. Most importantly, a relief block in Leiden, the Osorkon IV is as to the throne of Geb enthroned calls ( to seal in Leiden, Aegis in the Louvre).