Also known as the Ramesside dynasty, the Nineteenth Dynasty continued the legacy of the New Kingdom with military conquests and impressive architectural projects, Ramesseum and Abu Simbel are prime examples of this grandeur.
Founded by Vizier Ramesses I, whom Horemheb chose as his successor to the throne, he only enjoyed kingship for little more than a year. His son Seti I took over. Seti's main priority was to reassert Egypt's sovereignty over territories that had been threatened by increasing Hittite pressure. He reconquered most of the disputed territories for Egypt. Back home, he embarked on ambitious building projects across Egypt, but his untimely death put a halt to that.
His son, Rameses II, would complete and expand his father's projects. He is unequalled in the number of buildings and monuments he has constructed, and would go on to rule the kingdom for 66 years. After the death of Ramesses II, his already 70-year-old son Merneptah took over. After only a few years, he too died, and power struggles erupted between Merneptah's heirs. Amenmesse usurped the throne from Merneptah's designated son and successor, Seti II. However, he only lasted four years before Seti regained power and destroyed most of Amenmesse's monuments.
The chronological order
It is important to note that the chronological order of the pharaohs is an evolving subject and should therefore be treated with a certain degree of caution. As new research is conducted, the order may be subject to change, which is a fundamental principle that applies to all Egyptian dynasties.
| № | Pharaoh | Also known as |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ramesses I | Ramses I |
| 2 | Seti I | Sethos I |
| 3 | Ramesses II | Rameses II, Ramses II |
| 4 | Merenptah | Merneptah |
| 5 | Seti II | Sethos II |
| 6 | Amenmesse | Amenmesses, Amenmose |
| 7 | Siptah | Merenptah Siptah |
| 8 | Tausret | Tawosret, Twosret |
The Nineteenth Dynasty according to Manetho
Nineteenth dynasty of six kings of Diospolis
- Ethos51 years
- Rhapsakes61 years
- Amenephthes20 years
- Rhamesses60 years
- Ammenemnes5 years
- Thouoris, who in Homer is called Polybos, husband of Alkandra, and during whose reign Ilion was taken7 years
- Total 209 years
In the above second book of Manetho, there is a total of 96 kings, ruling for 2121 years
Nineteenth dynasty of five kings of Diospolis
- Sethos 55 years
- Rhampses 66 years
- Ammenephthis 40 years4
- Ammenemes 26 years
- Thouoris, who in Homer is called Polybos, husband of Alkandra, and in whose reign Ilion was taken 7 years
- Total 194 years
In the above second book of Manetho, there is a total of 92 kings 1121 years
Nineteenth dynasty of 5 kings from Diospolis
- Sētʻovs55 years
- Ṙampʻsēs66 years
- Amenepʻtʻis8 years
- Ammenemēs26 years
- Tʻuovris7 yearsHomer calls him Polybos, the husband of Alkandra. In his reign Ilion was captured.
- In total, reigned for 194 years
The second book of Manetho contains 92 kings who reigned for a total of 2121 years
New Kingdom king lists
The Nineteenth Dynasty in the Abydos Canon contain two, and the Saqqara Canon three kings.
| № | Abydos Canon | Saqqara Canon |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||
| 2 | ||
| 3 | – |
Other sources
Homer, The Odyssey
4.120 While he pondered thus in mind and heart, forth then from her fragrant high-roofed chamber came Helen, like Artemis of the golden arrows; and with her came Adraste, and placed for her a chair, beautifully wrought, and Alcippe brought a rug of soft wool
4.125 and Phylo a silver basket, which Alcandre had given her, the wife of Polybus, who dwelt in Thebes of Egypt, where greatest store of wealth is laid up in men's houses. He gave to Menelaus two silver baths and two tripods and ten talents of gold.
1
see Odyssey 4.126, below.2
i.e., the city of Troy, which referred as Troy or Ilion.3
The sum of the individual items equals 204 years.4
The total number of kings is 246, and the sum of the years of the dynasties is 2221.5
The total number of kings is 171, and the sum of the years of the dynasties is 1967 or 2272.
Original text from:
https://pharaoh.se/ancient-egypt/dynasty/19/