Seleucus I Nicator vs Shoshenq I

After the death of Alexander, Seleucus established control over Babylon and the eastern satrapies. He founded the Seleucid Empire, which stretched from Anatolia to India, and adopted the title of king. This marked the beginning of the Hellenistic period in the East.

Seleucus I Nicator fought against Antigonus I Monophthalmus at Ipsus. The allied forces of Seleucus, Lysimachus, and Cassander defeated Antigonus, who was killed. This battle solidified the division of Alexander's empire, with Seleucus gaining control of Syria and Mesopotamia.

Seleucus I founded the city of Antioch on the Orontes River, which became the capital of the Seleucid Empire. The city grew into a major center of Hellenistic culture, trade, and politics, rivaling Alexandria in importance.

Seleucus I was assassinated by Ptolemy Ceraunus, a son of Ptolemy I, while campaigning in Thrace. His death ended the last major Diadochi conflict and left the Seleucid Empire to his son Antiochus I, who faced challenges from within and without.

Shoshenq I, a Libyan chieftain, founded the 22nd Dynasty, ruling from Bubastis. This marked the rise of Libyan influence in Egypt, with Shoshenq consolidating power by appointing family members to key priestly and military positions.

Shoshenq I invaded the Kingdom of Judah and sacked Jerusalem, looting the Temple of Solomon and the royal palace. This campaign, recorded in the Hebrew Bible and on the Bubastite Portal at Karnak, brought immense wealth to Egypt and weakened Judah.

Shoshenq I led a major military campaign through Palestine and the Negev, attacking over 150 cities and towns. The campaign reasserted Egyptian dominance in the region and is documented on the Bubastite Portal at Karnak.

Shoshenq I commissioned the Bubastite Portal at the Temple of Karnak, a monumental gateway recording his military victories in Palestine. The portal served as a propaganda tool, showcasing his achievements and legitimizing his Libyan dynasty.