Merenhor
Pl. 49
2175 BC to 2173 BC, about 2 years ยท First Intermediate Period
Merenhor ruled Egypt during the Eighth Dynasty, a time within the First Intermediate Period marked by rapid turnover on the throne and weakened royal authority. Based at the traditional capital of Memphis, he succeeded Djedkare Shemai and reigned before Qakare Ibi. His rule is conventionally placed around 2175 BC to 2173 BC, though dates from this era are uncertain by about thirty years.
No surviving monuments, contemporary building projects or burial sites have been identified for Merenhor. His reign was exceedingly brief, likely lasting around two years. Scholars know of his existence primarily through ancient king lists, notably the Abydos King List, where his throne name appears among other ephemeral rulers of the Memphite dynasties. The absence of archaeological remains in the provinces suggests that royal power remained largely restricted to the north.
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Dates are conventional and approximate. See method and sources.