Intef II

Intef II, who used the Horus name Wahankh, was a dominant ruler of the Theban Eleventh Dynasty during the Middle Kingdom transition. Inheriting a regional southern kingdom from his predecessor Intef I, he embarked on sustained military campaigns that pushed the Theban border northward as far as Abydos, directly weakening the Herakleopolitan realm. He reigned about 2117 to 2068 BC, with dates uncertain by about 20 years.

His nearly half-century reign brought internal stability, administrative strength, and renewed temple building to Upper Egypt. Upon his death, he was succeeded by his son Intef III, who inherited a much enlarged and secure realm. Intef II was buried in a monumental rock-cut saff-tomb, known as Saff el-Kisasija, at El-Tarif opposite modern Luxor.

Historians know of his reign through temple inscriptions, biographical stelae of his loyal followers, and his celebrated royal monument known as the Dog Stela.

Monuments

• Saff el-Kisasija at El-Tarif
• Dog Stela

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