Setnakhte

Setnakhte was the founder and first pharaoh of the Twentieth Dynasty during the New Kingdom. His origins are obscure, but he emerged as a capable military leader who seized power in the wake of the political crisis that closed the Nineteenth Dynasty. He reigned about 1189 to 1186 BC, with dates uncertain by about five years, ruling from the Delta capital of Pi-Ramesses alongside Queen Tiy-Merenese.

His brief reign of roughly three years succeeded in ending factional strife, re-establishing administrative coherence across the country, and expelling foreign interference. His successful consolidation of power secured the throne for his son and successor, Ramesses III, who would oversee the last great period of New Kingdom prosperity.

Scholars understand Setnakhte primarily through the Elephantine Stela, which documents his military actions and restoration of temples, as well as his usurped burial in tomb KV14 in the Valley of the Kings, where he superseded Queen Twosret.

Monuments

• KV14 usurpation
• Elephantine Stela

Explore further

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