Libyan invasion

Yun-shuno

Banned
So we know that during various phases of the pharaonic era, that Libyan raiders attacked Egypt.

What I am curious about is-was there any time in Egypt long history where a full scale invasion from its western flank was possible if so when and would the consequences be? If not why not and what would have made it so?
 
I see references to Libyan Berber tribes moving into the western delta area during the Third Intermediate Period (1069-653 B.C.). Shoshenq I was also of Libyan ancestry and the founder of the 22nd dynasty. The 22nd dynasty ruled Egypt for roughly 200 years.

I am not sure about a full scale invasion though since sources on ancient Libya are few and far between. However, I would imagine that the Sahara would be quite difficult to cross for a large group of people.
 

Yun-shuno

Banned
I see references to Libyan Berber tribes moving into the western delta area during the Third Intermediate Period (1069-653 B.C.). Shoshenq I was also of Libyan ancestry and the founder of the 22nd dynasty. The 22nd dynasty ruled Egypt for roughly 200 years.

I am not sure about a full scale invasion though since sources on ancient Libya are few and far between. However, I would imagine that the Sahara would be quite difficult to cross for a large group of people.
Though what if a large band or several smaller ones attacked at roughly the same time and through the Egyptians off balance?

Did Egypt have forts on its western flank? If so that probably nipped it in the bud. Well also the Egyptians belived that the afterlife was in the west so IDK.

Let's say if it did happen for whatever reason could it succeed in perhaps torching Egyptian civilization? Or would it have minimal impact and result in simply a foreign dynasty?

I don't know though it's a cool thing to imagine barbarians coming across a western desert storming the pyramids and overwhelming the Nile flood banks.

Shows how much spare time I have:)
 
http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/history/dynasties-ancient-egypt-table.html

Table here that lists off the dynasties from 3110-332 B.C. The Libyans were not the only ones to start a foreign dynasty.

As far as forts are concerned, I see literature about ones in the south, east, and along the Nile River. I have not found much else about fortresses in the western part of the kingdom (besides the one in Siwa Oasis and QasrAllam fort) and would imagine that the Egyptians believed the desert to be a defensive feature. The thing about having groups attack at the same time is coordination between forces. The Libyans may have had methods of communication on the battlefield but, as previously mentioned, information about them is rather limited. The Egyptians were a resilient bunch and I would imagine that they would try to overthrow the foreign dynasty when they could.
 

Yun-shuno

Banned
http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/history/dynasties-ancient-egypt-table.html

Table here that lists off the dynasties from 3110-332 B.C. The Libyans were not the only ones to start a foreign dynasty.

As far as forts are concerned, I see literature about ones in the south, east, and along the Nile River. I have not found much else about fortresses in the western part of the kingdom (besides the one in Siwa Oasis and QasrAllam fort) and would imagine that the Egyptians believed the desert to be a defensive feature. The thing about having groups attack at the same time is coordination between forces. The Libyans may have had methods of communication on the battlefield but, as previously mentioned, information about them is rather limited. The Egyptians were a resilient bunch and I would imagine that they would try to overthrow the foreign dynasty when they could.
Is my scenario about them storming and razing the country though ASB?
 
I would say that someone more familiar with ancient Egyptian history would be a better person to ask. In my opinion, it would not be plausible and quite foolish to raze the kingdom.
 

trurle

Banned
Is my scenario about them storming and razing the country though ASB?
May be not ASB. Muslim Conquest of Egypt set an interesting precedent. Attacking in aftermath of severe crop failures and epidemics may equalise the chances of nomadic tribes and well-developed kingdom.
Of course, in this case nobody going to storm piramids. Instead, a series of sieges may happen, and the winning party will be those who take control of the meagre food supplies.
 
Wouldn't the Libyans (as in the 22nd dynasty of Shoshenq) just assimilate to Egyptian culture in the long-run? They weren't exactly very numerous but we can tell they could play a role in Egyptian politics when needed. Sure, the Libyans were "barbarians", but they no doubt idolised Egyptian civilisation that they wouldn't sack their way through the place. It's actually more interesting the Libyans never intervened much in Egypt before Shoshenq despite clearly being a regional force.

Another interesting idea on the same lines is a pre-Ptolomaic Greek dynasty, founded by Cyrenaicans (Battaids or another family). But you'd need an alliance of Cyrenaicans and Libyans, with Libyans being the foot soldiers to the Greek upper class who will become the next ruling dynasty of Egypt once things are settled.
 
Top