Ramesses VI

Ramesses VI governed Egypt for around eight years, reigning from about 1145 BC to 1137 BC, with dates subject to an uncertainty of about five years. He was a son of Ramesses III and seized or inherited power following the death of his nephew, Ramesses V. Like other Twentieth Dynasty pharaohs, he administered the realm from the royal residence at Pi-Ramesses.

His reign occurred in a period of declining Egyptian influence abroad, with the empire losing its remaining holdings in the Levant. Domestically, the central government contended with inflation and local unrest. Despite these strains, Ramesses VI undertook decorative additions at Karnak and took over the burial monument begun by his predecessor in the Valley of the Kings. He was eventually succeeded by his son, Ramesses VII.

Scholars know this ruler through rock inscriptions, administrative records, and his impressive tomb, KV9. The tomb features elaborate astronomical ceilings, intact architectural corridors, and extensive funerary compositions. The king's body was discovered heavily damaged in the KV35 royal cache, having been relocated in antiquity after ancient robberies.

Monuments

• KV9
• Karnak additions

Explore further

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