The 11th Dynasty of Mentuhotep II did not last long after him. Its last king's vizier was a man named Amenemhat, and most historians think this vizier became Amenemhat I, founder of the 12th Dynasty (c. 1985–1773 BC). Its kings ruled for about two centuries, one of the most stable stretches in Egyptian history.
Key idea
| King | Reign | Remembered for |
|---|---|---|
| Amenemhat I | c. 1985–1956 BC | founded the dynasty and Itjtawy; murdered in a palace plot |
| Senusret I | c. 1956–1911 BC | the White Chapel at Karnak, the obelisk at Heliopolis, forts in Nubia |
| Amenemhat II | c. 1911–1877 BC | trade and gifts with the Levant |
| Senusret II | c. 1877–1870 BC | work in the Faiyum; his pyramid at Illahun |
| Senusret III | c. 1870–1831 BC | the Nubian forts; changes in the provinces |
| Amenemhat III | c. 1831–1786 BC | the Faiyum; his pyramid at Hawara |
| Amenemhat IV and Sobekneferu | c. 1786–1773 BC | the end of the line; Sobekneferu was a woman who ruled as king |
Why it works
Keeping the throne in the family
Amenemhat I was killed in a palace conspiracy, as two famous texts, the Teaching of Amenemhat and the Tale of Sinuhe, tell. Several 12th Dynasty kings seem to have made their sons co-rulers before they died, so that the heir already held power. How long these co-regencies lasted, and even whether some of them happened, is still discussed.
Worked example: Sorting the names
- Senusret I built the White Chapel at Karnak and pushed into Nubia.
- Senusret III built the great chain of forts at the Second Cataract.
- Tie each number to a deed, and the names stop blurring.
Answer: The White Chapel: Senusret I. The chain of forts: Senusret III.
Common mistake