Ramesses XI

Ramesses XI was the last ruler of the Twentieth Dynasty and the New Kingdom, reigning for approximately thirty years from around 1107 BC to 1077 BC, with dates uncertain by roughly five years. He succeeded his father, Ramesses X, and resided primarily in the northern capital of Pi-Ramesses.

His prolonged rule witnessed the breakdown of centralised royal control across Egypt. A severe civil conflict broke out in Thebes involving the Viceroy of Kush, which culminated in the establishment of a semi-independent military and priestly regime in Upper Egypt led by High Priests of Amun like Herihor. In the north, administrative control devolved onto local figures such as Smendes. These events ushered in the era of Renaissance (Wehem Mesut) and laid the groundwork for the Third Intermediate Period. Upon his death, Smendes established the Twenty-First Dynasty.

Scholars know Ramesses XI through extensive legal records, correspondence known as the Late Ramesside Letters, and modest building texts at Karnak. Although he prepared tomb KV4 in the Valley of the Kings, it was never completed, and his actual place of burial and mummy remain unknown.

Monuments

• KV4
• Karnak pylons

Explore further

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