Explore / Articles Ancient Egypt: The Libyan Period The period
is called 'Libyan' because many of the kings at this time had
Libyan names. At the end of the New Kingdom, Egypt was divided
between the northern kings ruling from their new capital of
Tanis, and the high priests of Amun at Thebes. As the period
progressed, the country became more and more fragmented. By the
time the Kushite Piye invaded, there were four individuals
calling themselves king, as well as princes, chiefs and other
local dynasts. The limited resources available to these rulers,
caused by the fragmentation of the country, led to the reuse of
building materials and statues. Original art of this period
moved away from the opulence of the Ramesside period, and was
more austere and traditional. Innovations in metalworking led to
this medium becoming popular for statuary. Tombs of the Libyan
period were sometimes located within temple enclosures, perhaps
as part of a change in religious belief. This, and the caching
(gathering together for s