# Smendes

> 1st Egyptian pharaoh of the 21st dynasty

**Wikidata**: [Q336395](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q336395)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smendes)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/smendes

## Summary
Smendes was the first Egyptian pharaoh of the 21st dynasty, succeeding Ramesses XI and marking the transition from the New Kingdom to the Third Intermediate Period. As a ruler of Ancient Egypt, he played a pivotal role in the dynastic succession, though specific details of his reign remain limited in historical records.

## Biography
- Born: Unknown
- Nationality: Egyptian
- Education: Unknown
- Known for: Being the first pharaoh of the 21st dynasty of Ancient Egypt
- Employer(s): None (ruler of Ancient Egypt)
- Field(s): Royalty, governance

## Contributions
Smendes' primary contribution was his role as the founder of the 21st dynasty, succeeding Ramesses XI of the 20th dynasty. His reign marked a significant transitional period in Egyptian history, though specific achievements, military campaigns, or architectural projects are not documented in the available source material. His succession ensured continuity in Egyptian governance during a period of political change.

## FAQs
**What was Smendes' role in Ancient Egypt?**
Smendes served as the first pharaoh of the 21st dynasty, succeeding Ramesses XI and ruling during the early Third Intermediate Period. His reign marked a transitional phase in Egyptian history, though details of his specific actions remain scarce.

**Who preceded and succeeded Smendes?**
Smendes was preceded by Ramesses XI, the last pharaoh of the 20th dynasty, and succeeded by an unnamed pharaoh of the 21st dynasty. His rule bridged the gap between the New Kingdom and the Third Intermediate Period.

**What is known about Smendes' reign?**
Little is known about Smendes' specific reign due to limited historical records. He ruled during a period of transition, with his succession marking the beginning of the 21st dynasty. No major military campaigns, architectural projects, or policy reforms are attributed to him.

## Why They Matter
Smendes' significance lies in his role as the founder of the 21st dynasty, which marked the beginning of the Third Intermediate Period in Ancient Egypt. His reign ensured continuity in Egyptian governance during a time of political change, though his impact on the broader narrative of Egyptian history remains limited due to the scarcity of historical records.

## Notable For
- First pharaoh of the 21st dynasty of Ancient Egypt
- Succeeded Ramesses XI of the 20th dynasty
- Ruled during the early Third Intermediate Period

## Body
### Early Life and Reign
Smendes was born in Ancient Egypt, though his exact birthdate is unknown. He ascended to the throne following Ramesses XI, the last pharaoh of the 20th dynasty, and ruled during the early Third Intermediate Period. His reign marked a significant transitional phase in Egyptian history, though specific details of his early life and reign are scarce.

### Royalty and Governance
As the first pharaoh of the 21st dynasty, Smendes governed Ancient Egypt during a period of political change. His rule ensured continuity in Egyptian governance, though no major military campaigns, architectural projects, or policy reforms are attributed to him in the available records. His succession marked the beginning of the Third Intermediate Period, a time of decentralized rule and political fragmentation.

### Legacy and Influence
Smendes' legacy is primarily tied to his position as the founder of the 21st dynasty. His reign marked a transitional period in Egyptian history, though his impact on the broader narrative of the Third Intermediate Period remains limited due to the scarcity of historical records. His succession ensured continuity in Egyptian governance during a time of political change, shaping the later political landscape of Ancient Egypt.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013