Dynasties of Egypt

By NORAH ROMNEY and DTTV PUBLICATIONS

In ancient Egyptian history, some dynasties prospered, and some faded out of existence. They are traditionally divided into thirty-two pharaonic dynasties; they are classified into "kingdoms" and "intermediate periods" from these dynasties.Manetho, the third-century Egyptian priest, gives us the first thirty dynasties, which he published in Aegytiaca, now lost to ravages of time. These likely stems from the Ptolemaic rule in Egypt. The Ptolemaic Dynasty and the 31st dynasty form the remaining two.While widely used and valuable, the system does have its weaknesses. Some dynasties only governed part of Egypt and endured concurrently with other dynasties based in other cities. The Seventh might not have been at all, the Tenth appears to be a succession of the Ninth, and there may have been one or numerous Upper Egyptian Dynasties before the First Dynasty.The privilege of "Pharaoh" is utilized for those leaders of Ancient Egypt who governed after the alliance of Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt by Narmer throughout the Early Dynastic Period, circa 3100 BC. However, the specific title "Pharaoh" was not employed to direct Egypt's kings by their peers until the dominion of Merneptah in the 19th Dynasty, c. 1200 BC. Along with the name Pharaoh for later rulers, an Ancient Egyptian sovereign titulary was used by Egyptian kings, which prevailed relatively consistent during Ancient Egyptian history, originally featuring a Horus name.

• Language: English
• Publisher: NORAH ROMNEY
• Release date: Mar 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393727293

NORAH ROMNEY

Norah Romney is a Maori- Inuit ambassador with lineage to both cultures, she was orphaned early in her life losing both parents in a plane crash in the Pacific, she was adopted in the UK to  a family of archaeologists, anthropologists, historians, and folklorists. She is the first woman to be appointed as a lecturer in ethno-archaeology, and cultural folklorist as ambassador to to the Inuit's, she has spoken vastly on Maori traditions in 74 nations. Adopted into a wealthy middle-class English family in the United Kingdom, she sees herself as a global citizen with diverse roots, Having achieved Egyptology and Mesoamerican Qualifications her focus is now on Global Mythologies and their insight into ancient civilizations.

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DTTV PUBLICATIONS

DTTV PUBLICATIONS EDITORS

Senior Editor: Ryan Moorhen

Photography: Norah Romney

The Twelve Greatest Dynasties of Egypt

In ancient Egyptian history, some dynasties prospered, and some faded out of existence. They are traditionally divided into thirty-two pharaonic dynasties; they are classified into kingdoms and intermediate periods from these dynasties.

Manetho, the third-century Egyptian priest, gives us the first thirty dynasties, which he published in Aegytiaca, now lost to ravages of time. These likely stems from the Ptolemaic rule in Egypt. The Ptolemaic Dynasty and the 31st dynasty form the remaining two.

While widely used and valuable, the system does have its weaknesses. Some dynasties only governed part of Egypt and endured concurrently with other dynasties based in other cities. The Seventh might not have been at all, the Tenth appears to be a succession of the Ninth, and there may have been one or numerous Upper Egyptian Dynasties before the First Dynasty.

The privilege of Pharaoh is utilized for those leaders of Ancient Egypt who governed after the alliance of Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt by Narmer throughout the Early Dynastic Period, circa 3100 BC. However, the specific title Pharaoh was not employed to direct Egypt's kings by their peers until the dominion of Merneptah in the 19th Dynasty, c. 1200 BC.

Along with the name Pharaoh for later rulers, an Ancient Egyptian sovereign titulary was used by Egyptian kings, which prevailed relatively consistent during Ancient Egyptian history, originally featuring a Horus name.

Egypt was steadily administered, at least in part, by domestic ruler-pharaohs for nearly 2500 years, until it was overcome by the Kingdom of Kush in the late 8th century BC, whose kings embraced the classical pharaonic titular for themselves. Following the Kushite victory, Egypt underwent another independent constitutional rule before being subdued by the Achaemenid Empire, whose governors also assumed the title of Pharaoh. The last regional Pharaoh of Egypt was Nectanebo II, Pharaoh before the Achaemenids defeated Egypt for a second time.

Achaemenid control over Egypt ended abruptly through Alexander the Great's triumphs in 332 BC, after which it was controlled by the Hellenic Pharaohs of the Ptolemaic Dynasty. Their government and Egypt's sovereignty came to an end when Egypt became a Rome province in 30 BC. Augustus and succeeding Roman dictators were styled as Pharaohs when in Egypt until Maximinus Data in 314 AD.

The dates provided in this list of pharaohs are estimated. They are based fundamentally on Ancient Egypt's established chronology, often based on the Digital Egypt for Universities database generated by the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, but other dates taken from other professionals may be designated separately.

CHAPTER ONE

EGYPTIAN ORIGINS AND THE FIRST DYNASTY

Egypt—such a majestic country blanketed by mystery, archaeological gems, and sand stretches from end to end. Savants and scholars hold an almost reverential admiration for this land once hosted by the greatest and most technical ancient civilizations in the world. What is more, even the less learned among us are still mesmerized by the idea of a land that had once been a powerhouse of wealth and culture.

With the history of ancient Egypt spanning over 30 centuries, it is easy to be tangled in its web of anecdotes and gripping accounts. The decades of discoveries certainly do this preeminent civilization justice, however, recovering its artifacts and chronicling its rich history is vast. From all this work, we are introduced to a culture that is unmistakably breath-taking in all facets—from bizarre historical figures, mind-boggling advanced architecture to highly unusual mythology and traditions.

However, still today, Egypt continues to be an enormous enigma. There is much that we know about its history, its ancient origins, but the more we dig, the wider the gaps in the narrative seem to be. We have just barely scratched the surface of the secrets that this land holds. As we delve deeper into its mystifying structures and bizarre pharaohs, like Akhenaten and Ramses, we are met with even more questions rather than categorical answers.

THE TWO KINGDOMS OF Egypt: Upper and Lower

Forget about what you know about Egypt for now. Leave your knowledge of the pyramids and suspend your Egyptology viewpoint of the Pharaohs' crypts and tombs. This is a journey to a time before the opulence and the grandeur of ancient Egypt. Before the pyramids, the dynasties forged by Lost Knowledge and High Technology, and the Pharaohs' opulence, there was sand. Boundless and seemingly limitless sand. Despite the transcontinental nature of the land—with the Mediterranean Sea at the north and the Red Sea to the east—one can barely feel respite from the yellowed sands of land previously named Kemet on some accounts Misr in others.

However, as we soar higher on a bird's eye view, we can see that the stretch of sand is interrupted by an equally majestic geographical feature: the Nile. The Ultimate of All rivers, the Nile rises from the south of the Equator and drains into the north of Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. For the ancient Egyptians, the Nile River was more than just a body of water. Its influence trickled into the lives of everyone in its early communities.

It provided food, building materials and served as a mode of transportation. Most importantly, it was the lifeblood of the people. Wherever the Nile flowed, that is where the people stayed. It comes as zero surprises, then, that The Nile eventually became a place where early settlements were set up.

Eventually, the Nile no longer became just a provider for the people. It was also considered as a geographical division between two ancient kingdoms in 3400 BC.

You see, in about 5000 BC, as Egypt turned increasingly dry and arid, nomadic groups settled near the Nile. In the north, a settler community claimed the land for themselves in what they called the Red Land. To the south of the Nile, another group inhabited what was then called the lower land. As a result, the empire of Egypt was divided into its upper and lower half:

Egypt was then known far and wide as the Double Land or the Two Lands.

For centuries, Egypt was fractioned between these two ancient communities. However, a determined monarch was to bring the two kingdoms together and push forward the preeminent civilization we know as ancient Egypt. This is the story of how he and his successors unified a country and birthed the beginnings of a powerful and great civilization. Follow along as we explore the early beginnings of what was to flourish as a world-renowned nation whose forces were to be reckoned with in its time.

THE BIRTH OF AN ANCIENT Civilization

The story of Egypt begins with two kingdoms unified under one regime. We can say that Ancient Egypt was the sum of two rich cultures from the northern and the southern kingdoms.

Before their union, however, these kingdoms lived not without strife. Still, victory was eventually secured by the southern king Narmer, purportedly the celebrated and allegedly fabled King Menes.

Whether Narmer or a legendary Menes won the victory, we will attempt to uncover the truth later. For now, let us look at the immortalization of this victory in what is known as Narmer's Palette. Uncovered in 1898 in Hierakonpolis, said palette bore both the Red Land and the White Land's insignia. This gave way to the theory that Narmer (or Menes) had been the pharaoh to unite the kingdoms and become the ruler of unified Egypt.

Narmer's first plan of action was to build the Capital of ancient Egypt called Mennefer. The Greeks took the liberty of naming this the city of Memphis. This city was founded in the northern part of Egypt, right at the Nile river's apex. He would not have predicted it then, but he had hopes that this Capital would grow into a well-known metropolis—and it did.

Memphis became an indispensable unit for trade and culture in ancient Egyptian society. Inside its White Walls, we see the rise and development of Egyptian society and political ideology. It became the home of ancient Egyptian kings, the men who linked the people and the gods themselves.

The foundations of Ancient Egyptian society bloomed inside the walls of Memphis. In its surrounding areas are small farming villages that harvested wheat and barley. These villages lay the groundwork for the economy of the state.

In the arts arena, hieroglyphic writing was also developed alongside the ground rules of what was to be the most advanced civilization of its time.

3000 BC was a clean slate for Egypt's history. From this time, Egypt's rich and haunting culture blossomed and became what is now known as the 1st Dynasty.

This marked the first of thirty Egyptian dynasties, all of which was to span a total of over three millennia.

THE 9 KINGS OF THE 1st Dynasty

In the succeeding chapters, we will pay tribute to the pharaohs who had gallantly led Egypt's country into the marvel that it is today. Let us get to know each of them briefly before delving into their lives and accomplishments in the later chapters.

Narmer or quite possible Menes

We have Narmer or Menes to thank for the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. From this valiant militaristic campaign, a centralized government has been born and was thus named the 1st Dynasty of ancient Egypt. At the time, the Capital was still in Thanis. However, the city of Memphis was eventually developed to be the centre of trade, political power, and religious rites.

Narmer was married to Neithhotep, a princess of the ruling class in the north of the Nile. It was said that this marriage was carried out to cement the burgeoning empire further and stamp out the possibility of rebellion from the north's people. 

Hor-Aha

His son, Hor-Aha, succeeded Narmer. Although there too have been speculations that Hor-Aha was indeed Menes, we subscribe to the previous assumption that Hor-Aha had been Narmer and Neithhotep's, son.

Hor-Aha had remained loyal to his father's political decrees and military policies. He continued the then ongoing conquest for the land of Nubia. He was a particularly devout pharaoh, paying attention to religious rites and spending his time building the tombs like Mastaba. His architectural feats served as a precursor to the pyramids. Memphis's necropolis can be traced back to this pharaoh, seemingly obsessed with the afterlife and death-culture.

Djer

Following a timeline, we meet the son of Hor-Aha next, Djer. Like his father and grandfather, Djer sought to expand the land and accomplish architectural projects that heavily revolved around tombs and temples.

Egypt, as a nation, bloomed in trade and industrial matters during his seat in power. 

Djet

The son of Djer, Djet was not a particularly popular king. Not much has been recorded during his reign. What we do know, however, is that he was buried in Abydos with his retainers.

Merneith

His wife, Merneith, succeeded djet. Although she served as a regent to the throne for her son, Den, she still established her authority during her time in power. She introduced reforms, and her influence long after her reign is still evident in how her son ruled the state.

Den

We know Den as the first king to be depicted wearing the crown of a unified Egypt. In his 50 years on the throne, he was able to expand Egypt's influence, even managing to conquer Sinai. Den was considered the greatest king of the 1st Dynasty. Under his power, Egypt thrived both in trade and military exploits.

Anedjib

Little has been recorded of Anedjib, but his reign was said to have been characterized by turmoil and rebellion.

SEMERKHET

He was best known as the usurper to the throne. However, there has been enough evidence as of late that points to Semerkhet having a hard time keeping the kingdom in line.

Qa'a

Finally, we arrive at the last ruler of the First Dynasty. Qa'a was able to rescue Egypt from the bowels of destruction that his predecessors had left it in. Under him, the state became prosperous, and luxury was abundant. However, he was not able to leave the throne with an honest heir. Instead, after his death, war broke out. The succession was being contested between Sneferka and Horus Bird. A third claimant to the throne succeeded, and so the 2nd Dynasty of Egypt begun.

Menes/Narmer: The First Kings of the 1st Dynasty

Despite the two kingdoms' unification, duality continued to be an organizing principle for the ancient Egyptians. Life and death, upper and lower Egypt, the arid desert around the fertile river valley—these are the remnants of what was previously known as Double Lands.

In the same vein of duality, we now go back to the debate between the founding pharaoh: Was Egypt founded by Menes or Narmer? You see, in the previously mentioned Narmer's palette, there are two images of a king. One bore the crown of The Red Land and the other of the Desert Land. Some theories believe that one was Narmer and the other Menes. Thus, we are once again pulled back to pay respect to the ancient guiding principle of duality.

Nevertheless, instead of pitting these figures against each other, let us get to know them first instead.

Narmer

We first meet Narmer, which means Horus is the Striker in Ancient Egyptian. Narmer was the southern king who was married to Neithhotep A, the princess of the northern kingdom. From this marriage, scholars have deduced that this was a political agreement meant to strengthen the ties between the two kingdoms.

Narmer was said to have reigned over Memphis for 62 years.

With writing widespread even in this infant stage of Egyptian civilization, there has been plenty of hieroglyphics that exalt King Narmer. However, these are but bits and pieces of information that barely form a straight narrative of the full story of Egypt's unification.

For example, archaeologists have managed to dig up Scorpion's mace head and a vase that contains symbols for the king Scorpion and the Narmer Palette. However, it is difficult to conclude these findings. Perhaps our answers lie with the yet-to-be-located earliest site of the Capital, but while that has yet to be found, all we can do is to speculate simply.

Menes

On the other side of the scenario, we have king Menes.

Interestingly, this king is prominent in textbooks and history publications, yet there is no tangible proof of his existence. To this day, it is debated that the great king Menes is but a fabrication of the people—nothing but a part of a cultural tradition handed down through classical traditions.

Nevertheless, let us suspend our disbelief for a moment and get to know the man behind the legend.

Menes is also famously credited for the unification of the two kingdoms that make up ancient Egypt. His name roughly translates to he who endures, and he has done exactly just that. Despite the almost total absence of his name in archeological records, Menes has managed to remain top-of-mind in ancient Egypt's historicization.

THE ROYAL CONUNDRUM

Archaeologists and scholars have all taken a dip into the mystery pool and have expressed varying theories regarding the first kingship of ancient Egypt. Some say that Narmer and Menes are the same. Others say that Menes is the successor to Narmer, better known as Hor-Aha.

Whoever may have overseen the military and political manoeuvre that brought about the kingdoms' unification is secondary to the feat itself. What is essential is that whomever he (dare we say her) was, they have done the almost impossible achievement of marrying the north and south culture. This eventually bolstered the people and the culture into more glorified and majestic times.

It was from this point forward that the history of Egypt began. Everything that has happened before it has been cast aside as mythology.

Hor-Aha: The Second King of the 1st Dynasty

True enough, there is much to be debated about as to who the founding pharaoh of the 1st Dynasty of ancient Egypt was. However, we know for sure who succeeded Narmer or Menes: Hor-Aha (or simply Aha).

Also known as Horus the Fighter, Hor-Aha was said to have been the son of Narmer. He rose to the seat of power in his father's death when he was thirty years old. He was said to have ruled until the age of sixty.

During his reign, Hor-Aha was recorded to have performed many religious rituals. Not to mention, artifacts attributed to his reign has improved heaps and bounds from the previous rule. This can be considered a testament to the economic prosperity that happened during his time on the throne.

This esteemed king was married to Benerib and Khenthap. The latter bore him the son, Djer, soon to be the next king of ancient Egypt's 1st Dynasty.

Hor-Aha met his doom when he was carried away by a hippopotamus. Other records say that he was eliminated by a hippopotamus while he was out hunting it. Either way, this strikes an uncanny resemblance to the recorded manner of death of king Menes. It is then also speculated that Hor-Aha and king Menes are the same.

Either way, Hor Aha's reign ended, and he was buried with the royal household members. This was revolutionary at the time because he would have been the first pharaoh to be buried with servants for the afterlife. In his tomb were servants, dwarves, dogs, and even a group of young lions as a sign of his royalty.

In total, there were over 36 of his subordinates buried with Hor-Aha. Based on Egyptian belief, his legacy continues, and those buried with him will continue to serve him in the afterlife.

Djer: The Third Pharaoh of the 1st Dynasty

For the sake of following a timeline—sans all the theories that obscure us from getting a short succession of the throne in the 1st Dynasty—we come upon Djer as the third king of ancient Egypt. This would then mean that Djer was Hor-Aha's son and the grandson of Narmer. He was married to Den and was succeeded by Djet.

Hieroglyphs on Ivory and wood labels claim he reigned for about 40-60 years. During his administration, he was said to have carried out many military exploits against the Libyans. One ivory tablet tells the tale of Djer's visit to Buto and Sais in the Nile Delta. There was also a record under his reign called the year of smiting the land of Setjet. It is theorized that this referred to his escapades and succeeding conquer of the land of Sinai.

On top of his military feats, Manetho, an Egyptian priest, also claims that Djer had produced a treatise on anatomy during his time. Said treatise was to be used even two millennia after his reign.

During his death, he continued with his father's tradition of being buried with his attendants. He was buried with around 300 of his subordinates. Alongside his body and those of his retainers, several objects such as vases, bracelets, and ivory tablets