Setnakhte

Founder of the 20th Dynasty (r. 1189-1186 BCE). Mortal class — uniquely among Ramesside founders, his Birth Cycle attribution is not doctrinally elaborated in surviving inscriptions, consistent with his obscure origins. Probably overthrew Tausret in civil war and married Tiy-Merenese (probable daughter of Merneptah) to legitimize his rule. Usurped Tausret's KV14 tomb. Father of Ramesses III. Brief three-year reign focused on restoration of cult and consolidation of power; left the strong throne his son inherited.

Epithets

• wsr-ḫꜣw-rꜥ mry-jmn Egyptian · Userkhaure Meryamun · titlePowerful are the appearances of Re, Beloved of AmunElephantine Stela of Setnakhte; royal titulary (primary)

Relations

• spouse: Tiy-MereneseJE 20395 stela (primary)
• father of: Ramesses IIIJE 20395 stela; Abydos blocks (primary)
• enemy: Tausret (last 19th-Dynasty pharaoh, the queen he overthrew per the Elephantine Stela) · EgyptianElephantine Stela; KV14 usurpation (primary)

Sources

• existence: Elephantine Stela; KV14 tomb in the Valley of the Kings; JE 20395 stela from Abydos; Papyrus Harris I (later, under Ramesses IV) (primary)