Flourished Circa 2008-1957 B.C.E.
King, Dynasty 11

National Hero. Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II reunited Egypt after the First Intermediate Period (circa 2130-1980 B.C.E.) and is considered to be the founder of the Middle Kingdom (circa 1980-1630 B.C.E.). Egyptians remembered him with Menes, founder of Dynasty 1 (circa 3000-2800 B.C.E.), and Ahmose, founder of the New Kingdom (circa 1539-1075 B.C.E.), as great national heroes. Yet, his policy of frequent name changes, reflecting different phases of his career, has confused modern scholars so that they cannot agree on whether he should be numbered Mentuhotep I, II, or III. This volume follows the most recent scholarship, which argues that he was Mentuhotep II.

Family. Nebhepetre Mentuhotep II claimed descent from Inyotef III and Queen Iah. He depicted himself in a graffito at Wadi Shatt el-Rigal and at the temple of Montu...