Smendes, who was also called Nesbaneb-Djedet in some records, was an official of the 20th Dynasty during the reign of Ramesses XI (1100-1070 B.C.) who usurped the throne of Egypt. Smendes began his career in Tanis, and he became the high priest of Amon and the viceroy of Lower Egypt, working with Herihor, another high priest of Amon and the viceroy of upper Egypt. Together the two men kept Ramesses XI secluded on his estates. When Ramesses died, Smendes and Herihor divided Egypt between them, initiating the 21st Dynasty.