Twentieth Dynasty of Egypt

Twentieth Dynasty of Egypt
1189 BC–1077 BC
Portrait of Ramesses IX from his tomb KV6.
Portrait of Ramesses IX from his tomb KV6.
CapitalPi-Ramesses
Common languagesEgyptian language
Religion
Ancient Egyptian Religion
GovernmentAbsolute monarchy
Historical eraNew Kingdom of Egypt
• Established
1189 BC
• Disestablished
1077 BC
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Nineteenth Dynasty of Egypt
Twenty-first Dynasty of Egypt

The Twentieth Dynasty of Egypt (notated Dynasty XX, alternatively 20th Dynasty or Dynasty 20) is the third and last dynasty of the Ancient Egyptian New Kingdom period, lasting from 1189 BC to 1077 BC. The 19th and 20th Dynasties together constitute an era known as the Ramesside period owing to the predominance of rulers with the given name "Ramesses". This dynasty is generally considered to mark the beginning of the decline of Ancient Egypt at the transition from the Late Bronze to Iron Age. During the period of the Twentieth Dynasty, Ancient Egypt faced the crisis of invasions by Sea Peoples. The dynasty successfully defended Egypt, while sustaining heavy damage.