The Pharaos

Pharaohs / Dynasty 16

Nebiryraw I

Pl. 95 · also Nebiriau I, Sewadjenre Nebiryraw

1629 BC to 1603 BC, about 26 years · Second Intermediate Period

Modern phonetic rendering, not a copy of an inscription

Nebiryraw I was a pharaoh of the Sixteenth Dynasty, ruling the southern kingdom of Egypt from Thebes. His reign lasted approximately twenty-six years, conventionally dated from around 1629 to 1603 BC, with chronological uncertainty of about twenty-five years. This lengthy tenure provided a notable degree of institutional continuity in Upper Egypt while Hyksos rulers dominated the Delta.

While surviving records from this fragmented era are scarce, Nebiryraw managed to maintain civic governance across the Theban province. He was succeeded upon his death by his son, Nebiryraw II, indicating an orderly succession within the ruling family.

Historians know Nebiryraw I chiefly from the Turin King List and the famous Juridical Stela of Karnak. This remarkable administrative text details the transfer of the governorship of El-Kab and its associated revenues to settle a substantial family debt, demonstrating the functioning of legal and bureaucratic institutions under his reign. His tomb and burial remain unknown.

Monuments

  • Juridical Stela of Karnak

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

Dates are conventional and approximate. See method and sources.