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Sesostris 3
Other spellings: Seostris, Senusert, Senwosret
King of Ancient Egypt, the 5th ruler of the 12th Dynasty, 1870- 1831 BCE, 39 years.
Sesostris 3 reigned as an absolute monarch, and extended his powers through reducing the influence of the Egyptian nobility. He reshaped the government of Egypt. He had Egypt divided into 4 large districts. In each there was a hierarchy of officials reporting directly to the vizier of Egypt. The vizier headed an administration with similarities with modern governments. There were departments of treasury, agriculture, war and more. This administration would survive several changes of dynasties, and become a central force in keeping Egypt together even in times of incompetent kings.
He secured Egypt's southern borders above the 2nd cataract of the Nile in the lands of Nubia. In order to suppress the growth of Nubian power groups, he sent 4 retaliatory campaigns into the region. He fought against the Libyans, and improved the trade relations with Syria and Palestine. Sesostris sent a campaign into Palestine, waging war against a place which possibly is Sechem.
It is believed that Sesostris made his son and heir Amenemhet 3 coregent some time before he died.
He had his pyramid built at Dahshur, but the work was of inferior quality, and despite being centuries younger than the pyramids of Snefru, his has mainly fallen in.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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