Pepi II Neferkare

Pepi II was the fifth ancient Egyptian King (Pharaoh) of the 6th dynasty (Old Kingdom), who reigned about 2245-2180 BC. During the long reign of the dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire began.

Origin and family

Pepi II was the son of Pharaoh Pepi I and his wife Anchenespepi II (also called Anchenesmerire II ). Half-brothers were his predecessor Merenre I., Tetianch and Hornetjerichet. As wives are his half sisters Neith and Iput II, his niece Anchenespepi III. and two other women named Anchenespepi IV and Wedjebten known. From the marriage with Neith was heir to the throne of Pepi II Antiemsaf ( Nemtiemsaf II ) produced, from his marriage to Anchenespepi IV became King Neferkare Nebi. In Nebkauhor - Idu and Ptahschepses it is probably because the other sons of Pepi II

Rule

He came after the early death of his half-brother Merenre I. as a child ( according to Manetho allegedly having 6 years ) to the throne and reigned, according to tradition ( Turin Royal Canon, Manetho ) 94 years. Probably, however, this number is wrongly deducted from the hieratic numeral 64. Clearly demonstrated is the year of 31 livestock census, which would be his 63rd year of reign (of Beckerath: 64), since the livestock census took place every two years. If he should really have ruled 94 years, he was the longest reigning monarch of all time, followed by King Alfonso I. at age 73 and Louis XIV of France with 72 years. But this is as mentioned very unlikely, since no single information has been handed calculated for the last 30 years of Pepi government.

Domestic Policy

At first he was under the regency of his mother and his uncle Zau ( D' w). An alabaster statue of unknown origin compares mother and son with the goddess Isis and her young son Horus, who would later take dominion over the earth circuit.

The vizierate in Memphis dressed first Ihi chenet and Chenu, Ima - Pepi and Schenai, Chabau-Chnum/Biu and later Ni-hebsed-Neferka-Re/Teti. Viziers at Abydos were next to the o a Djaw an Idi and Pepi night. As viziers in Mair Ankh - Pepi - ankh - Pepy and Heriib - Henikem are known. This strong decentralization is one of the causes for the decline of the Old Kingdom, although the coup is to put on in the time of turmoil throne under his successors.

Pepi had numerous children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of which he, however, so some survived. That was the cause of many serious confusion as regards the throne. These complexities probably accelerated the decline of the Old Kingdom and the end of the 6th Dynasty.

Expeditions

Numerous expeditions are occupied from Pepi's reign, so in the years of 14 and 31 count in the quarries of Hatnub. Harkhuf from Elephantine moved four times in the country Jam ( Nubia / Kerma ), from where he, according to his tomb a dwarf ( pygmy ) brought the young king what those very pleased. Pepi - night - Heqaib reports of military campaigns in Nubia and against Asians, which he attributes to the body of the Aa -en -ankh. Also Sabni bring back his late father Mehu, and Mehu II later Sabni above.

Tomb

The pyramid of King at Saqqara ( Men-anch-Pepi/Nefer-ka-Re ) was exposed by Gustave Jéquier. In a side length of 79 m, it was about 53 m high and the last great building of the Old Kingdom. Inside there are the Pyramid Texts. The data obtained in numerous fragments of wall decorations of the associated cult facilities also include the presentation of the roll-call officers of his court.

Its three principal wives Iput II ( Jpwjt ) Wedjebten ( Wḏb.tn ( = j)) and his half-sister Neith are buried in small pyramids next to his own. Neith the mother of his successor Antiemsaf II seems to be what is not backed up.