The seventh pharaoh of the First Dynasty,
Semerkhet was the first pharaoh using the Nebty title in its ultimate form. The name in the New Kingdom king lists is Semsu or Semsem, which means the eldest, which might tie in with the 72 years mentioned in the Turin papyrus, but he likely only ruled for a decade or so. According to Africanus and Eusebius he was named Semempses by Manetho.
The Royal Titulary
From the hieroglyphic records
Horus Semer khet The Dual King Semsu*
Horus name
The oldest form of the name of a pharaoh, a falcon representing Horus is perched on the palace facade.
Horus name
Semer khet
s-mr-ḥt
Companion of the Gods
U23-s-X
Petrie, Royal Tombs, I, plate XXVIII
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 40-41, 7:H
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 40-41, 7:H
Throne names
Announced at the coronation and always written in a cartouche. The “official” name of the pharaoh. Also known as the Prenomen.
Throne name
Iry
iry
The Dual king who belongs to the Two Ladies
A469
Ivory label British Museum EA 32668
Petrie, Royal Tombs, I, plate XII (1)
The archaic sign (A469) is similar to A17 and was likely confused by the NK scribes.
Petrie, Royal Tombs, I, plate XII (1)
The archaic sign (A469) is similar to A17 and was likely confused by the NK scribes.
Throne name variant
Semsu*
smsw
The eldest
A23D
Abydos Canon no. 7
Mariette, Abydos, I, plate 43 (7)
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 40-41, 7:2
Mariette, Abydos, I, plate 43 (7)
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 40-41, 7:2
Throne name variant
Semsem*
smsm
The elder (of Horus)
s-m-s-m
Turin King List 3.18
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 40-41, 7:3
Gardiner, The Royal Canon of Turin (1959) II:18
Beckerath, “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, 2nd ed. MÄS 49 (1999). 40-41, 7:3
Gardiner, The Royal Canon of Turin (1959) II:18
The sources of antiquity
From the writings of the historians and scholars of antiquity
| Author | Greek | Transcription | Reign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Africanus i, 7 | Σεμεμψης | Semempsis | 18 years |
| Eusebius i, 7 | Σεμεμψης | Semempses | 18 years |
| Eratosthenes 5 | Πεμφως | Pemphus | 18 |
Bibliography
- Gauthier, H. Le livre des rois d'Égypte. MIFAO 17 (1907): 11–14
- Beckerath, J., 1999. “Handbuch der ägyptischen Königsnamen”, Second edition, MÄS 49: 40–41
- Leprohon, R. J., 2013. The Great Name: Ancient Egyptian Royal Titulary. Atlanta: 26–27
- Baker. D. D., 2008. The Encyclopedia of the Pharaohs: Volume I. London: 376–378
PLEASE NOTE
There might be errors on this page.
Make sure you use the correct source!
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There might be errors on this page.
Make sure you use the correct source!
Yes, you would be surprised...
