Amenmesse

Amenmesse was an alternative king during the late Nineteenth Dynasty in the New Kingdom. He reigned about 1203 to 1200 BC, with dates uncertain by about five years. Following the death of Merneptah, Amenmesse established authority primarily in Upper Egypt, based at Thebes, while Seti II maintained control in the northern Delta capital of Pi-Ramesses.

His parentage remains debated, though inscriptions link him to Queen Takhat. Amenmesse is largely regarded as a usurper who interrupted the direct line of succession between Merneptah and Seti II. His brief three-year rule left few surviving public works, as his names and images were extensively erased or recarved after Seti II restored sole authority.

Scholars know Amenmesse primarily from ostraca, graffiti, administrative records at the workmen's village of Deir el-Medina, and his unfinished tomb, KV10, in the Valley of the Kings. No secure royal mummy has been identified for him.

Monuments

• Tomb KV10

Explore further

Try the name on the Cartouche Desk, or see where the reign falls on the timeline.