Explore the Fascinating Nubian History and the World's First Civilization
Archaeology, Prehistory, Ancient History, Kingdom of Kush, Nubian Rulers, Medieval Nubia, Modern History, The Nubian Cause
Known Nubian Rulers since Antiquity
Ancient Nubian Rulers
This attempted list of rulers from ancient Nubia, from the Kingdom of Kerma to the Nubian Kushite 25th dynasty of Pharaohs of Nubia and Egypt and the Kushite Kingdom of Kerma, Napata and Meroe may contain disputed names and dates, as the sources are sometimes contradictory. We tried to base it on the newest available information and will update it according to the latest research. Rulers of ancient Nubia are mostly dated according to finds at their burial locations, the royal pyramids near Kerma, Nuri, Gebel Barkal and Meroe in today's Sudan. It is complemented by a list of leading officials with influence in Nubia. According to accounts of the Greek historian Diodorus Sicilus, eighteen of the known Egyptian pharaohs were of Nubian origin; however, their names have not been mentioned.
Whenever possible, we included images that have direct relation to the rulers, or at least images in context with the environment of their rule.
Granite statues of the Nubian Kushite Rulers of the 25th dynasty, 7th century BC, at the Museum of Kerma (Upper Nubian Valley, Northern Sudan), unearthed at Kerma by the famous archaeologist Charles Bonnet and his team. From left to right: Pharaohs Tantamani, Taharqa, Senkamanisken, Tantamani, Aspelta, Anlamani and Senkamanisken
Rulers of the Ancient Kingdom of Kerma
Awawa
King of Kerma
2000 (1870?) (1850?) BC
Awawa (or Awa’a) is the earliest Nubian king we know by name. He was a powerful Nubian king ruling at Kerma.
Kaa
King of Kerma
1900 BC
King ruling Kerma, father of Teriahi, and Awawa(?).
Teriahi
King of Kerma
1880 BC
King ruling Kerma.
Utatrerses
King of Kerma
1850 (1650) BC
King ruling Kerma, son of Awawa.
Nedjeh
King of Kerma
1700 (1650 / 1550) BC
King of Kerma; overtook Egyptian forts in Nubia about 1700 bc; some Egyptian soldiers stayed to work for him
Makeda
Queen of Kerma
1005 - 950 BC
Queen of Kerma
Aserkamani
King of Kerma
950 BC
King of Kerma
Seb
King of Kerma
King of Kerma
Karimala
Greaqt Royal Wife, Princess
(between 1000 and 943 bc)?
(also Katimala or Kadimalo) a Nubian queen, known from scene at the fortress in Semna in Nubia with Isis
Wife of Siamun? Viceroy of Kush? Called "King's daughter" and "King's Wife", husband possibly Siamun, father possibly Osorkon the Elder
Period of Nubian Kushite Pharaohs ruling Nubia and Egypt, 25th Dynasty
Lord A
King of Kush
890 - 840 BC
Buried in tomb El Kurru Ku. Tum. 1
Lord B
King of Kush
865 - 825 BC
Buried in tomb Ku. Tum. 6
Lord C
King of Kush
815 - 795 BC
Buried in tomb Ku. 14
Lord D
King of Kush
795 - 785 BC
Buried in tomb Ku. 11
Alara
King of Kush
25th dynasty
7785 - 760 BC (c. 795 to 752 BC)
The founder of the Kushite power in Napatan royal dynasty and was the first recorded prince of Nubia. He unified all of Upper Nubia from Meroë to the Third Cataract.
His wife is queen Kasaqa; his daughter Tabiry became the wife of King Piye. Buried in tomb Kurru 9 (?); his wife Kasaqa in Kurru 23
Buried at Ku.9(?)
Kashta
Pharaoh
25th dynasty
760 – 747 BC (752 bc)
Brother of King Alara, king of the Kushite Dynasty Kashta ruled Nubia and he also exercised a strong degree of control over Upper Egypt. Began to conquer Egypt from the Libyan pharaohs. During his reign, the native Kushite population adopted Egyptian traditions, religion and culture.
Wife queen Pebatjma; father of King Piye, Shabaca - Buried in Kurru 8. wife Kurru 7?Buried at Ku.8
Pebatjima
Queen of Kush
25th dynasty
fl. c. 8th century BC
Wife of King Kashta and mother of King Piye(possibly), King Shabaka, God's Wife Amenirdis I, Queens Khensa and Peksater
AmendrisI Khaneferumut
God's Wife of Amun
25th dynasty
(fl. c. 714 BC – c. 700 BC)
She was a Kushite princess, daughter of Pharaoh Kashta and Queen Pebatjma.
Piye or Piankhi
Pharaoh
25th Dynasy
747 - 716 BC or (747 - 712 BC) or (752 - 721 BC)
As ruler of Nubia and Upper Egypt, Piye took advantage of the squabbling of Egypt's rulers to expand Nubia's power beyond Thebes into Lower Egypt receiving the submission of the kings of the Nile Delta. Conquered all of Egypt and ruled as pharaoh from the city of Napata.
Buried in Kurru 17; wives Queen Tabiry (Kurru 53) Queen Abar (Nuri 53?) Queen Khensa (Kurru 4) Queen Peksater (Kurru 54)Nefrukekashta (Kurru 52)
Tabiry
Queen
25th Dynasy
c. mid-8th century BC
Tabiry was the daughter of Alara of Nubia and his wife Kasaqa and the wife of King Piye.
Peksater
Queen
25th Dynasy
c. mid-8th century BC
She was a daughter of King Kashta and Queen Pebatjma and a wife of the pharaoh, Piye.
Abar
Queen
25th Dynasty
c. mid-8th century BC
An Egyptian queen, the mother of King Taharqa and probably the wife of King Piye
Khensa
Queen
25th dynasty
c. mid-8th century BC
Khensa was the sister-wife of the Pharaoh Piye. Her name is sometimes written as Khenensaiuw.
Shepenupet II
Divine Adoratrice of Amun
25th dynasty
c. early-7th century BC
She was the daughter of the first Kushite phraoh Piyeand sister of Piye's successors Taharqa and Shabaka. Also called Shepenwpet II.
Shepenupet II was adopted by her predecessor in office, Amenirdis I, a sister of Piye. Shepenupet was God's Wife of Amun from the beginning of Taharqa's reign until Year 9 of Pharaoh Psamtik I. While in office she had to come to a power sharing arrangement with the mayor of Thebes, Mentuemhat.
Shabaka or Shabako Neferkare
Pharaoh
25th dynasty
716 - 702 BC or (712 - 702 BC) or (698 BC)
Shabaka is thought to be the son of King Kashta and Pebatjma, although a text from the time of Taharqacould be interpreted to mean that Shabaka was a brother of Taharqa and hence a son of Piye. He consolidated Nubia’s control over Egypt from Nubia to the Delta region. Shabaka maintained Egypt's independence from the Assyrian empire under Sargon II. Extended temples of Memphis, Abydos, Esna. Queen Qalhata (Kurru 5) Queen Mesbat Queen Tabekenamun? - Buried Kurru 15
Qalhata
Queen
25th dynasty
Daughter of King Piye and queen consort of her brother Shabaka. Buried El Kurru 5
Tabekenamun
King's Wife Great of Praises, Lady of all women
25th Dynasy
c. late-8th century BC
Tabekenamun was a daughter of King Piye and may have been a queen consort to her brother Taharqa or to Shabaka.
Mesbat
Queen, God's wife of Amun
25th Dynasy
c. mid-8th century BC
Daughter of Kashta or Khaemwaset and Queen Kasaqa
Ammeris
Governor of Sais
25th Dynasy
(died c. 695 BCE)
A vassal of Shabaka of the 25th dynasty, installed as governor of Sais by him.
>Shebitqo of the 25th Dynasty defeated Bakenranef of the 24th Dynasty, the former chose a faithful commander and placed him to the government of Sais. The original name of this ruler is lost, but it was evidently hellenized to Ammeris or Ameres, with the nickname "the Nubian" on account of his place of origin. He probably ruled the city until c. 695 BCE, when he was succeeded by Stephinates (Tefnakht II)
Haremakhet
High Priest of Amun
25th Dynasty
c. 7th century BC
Haremakhet, also Horemakhet or Harmakhis, was an ancient Egyptian prince and High Priest of Amun during the 25th Dynasty. A son of pharaoh Shabaka and possibly of his queen Tabaktenamun, he was appointed by his father as the High Priest of Amun in Thebes and he officiated during the reigns of Taharqa and Tanutamani.
Shebitku
Pharaoh
25th dynasty
702 - 690 BC or (707–690 BC)
Also called Shabataka. He was the nephew and successor of Shabaka and a son of Piye, the founder of the dynasty. He was the nephew and successor of Shebaka. During Shebaka's reign, there was a policy of conciliation and cooperation with the Assyrians. This kept the Assyrians from coming further into Egypt. Shebitku had a different policy; resistance. A stela from Kawa tells of Shebitku asking his brothers, including Taharqa, to come to him at Thebes from Nubia. The army went with Taharqa. Shebitku actively resisted Assyrian expansion under Sennacherib into Canaan. The king of Ethiopia (Kush) came against Sennacherib (of Assyria). Shebitku joined in the resistance against Sennacherib and an Egyptian army was sent to Palestine, led by Shebitku's brother, Taharqa.
His wife was Arty, a daughter of King Piye and was the wife of Shebitku (Kurru 6)
Buried Kurru 18
Arty
Divine Adoratrice of Amun
25th dynasty
Daughter of King Piye and wife of Shebitku. Buried Kurru 6.
Taharqa or Taharqo
Pharaoh
25th dynasty
690–664 BC
He was the son of Piye, the Nubian king of Napata who had first conquered Egypt. Taharqa's 26 year reign stands out from any other in the Third Intermediate Period by the extent of the building program he implemented in the first sixteen years of his reign, and the extent of the fighting against the Assyrians in the later years. In the kingdom of Napata, he built in every important site: Sanam, Napata, Abu Dom, and Kawa. In Kawa particularly, he rebuilt and expanded a temple complex that became the second most important in Kush. At the pinnacle of Jebel Barkal he installed a large inscribed gold-covered panel. In Egypt, it’s at Karnak that he made the greatest impact, thanks to the man he installed as Mayor of the City: the great Nubian Mentuemhet, a man who took an extraordinary pride out of his title as a fourth prophet to Amon. Taharqa also warred against the Assyrians and defeated them in Palestine. In 674 BC, King Esarhaddon of Assyria attacked Egypt. Taharqa swiftly rebuked their advance, and caused the invaders to retreat. Three years later Assyrian forces invaded Egypt and conquered Lower Egypt putting Neto I on the throne in Sias. As soon as the Assyrians left the country to their Egyptian vassals, Taharqa drove his forces north again and regained full control of Egypt in 669 BC restoring his rule over the complete Delta-region. The Assyrians once again got Egyptian governors to pledge allegiance to Assyria. Taharqa now was betrayed a second time by the alien chiefs of the Delta and abandoned his hopes of ever regaining Egypt, retreating to Nubia.
Buried Nuri1 - Queen Takahatenamun (Nuri 21?) Queen Atakhebasken (Nuri 36) Queen Naparaye (Kurru 3) Queen Tabekenamun? Buried at Nu. 1
Takahatenamun
Queen
25th dynasty
8th century BC
She was the daughter of King Piye and the sister-wife of King Taharqa. Takahat(en)amun is known from a temple scene of the temple of Mut in Gebel Barkal where she is shown standing behind Taharqa who is offering to Amun-Re and Mut.
Possibly buried at Nuri 21
Naparaye
Queen
25th Dynasy
c. late-8th century BC
Naparaye was the daughter of King Piye and the sister-wife of King Taharqa. She held several titles: Great of Grace (wrt im3t), Great of Praises (wrt hzwt), Sweet of Love (bnrt mrwt), (Great?) King's Wife (hmt niswt (wrt?)), Lady of the Two Lands (hnwt t3wy), and King's Sister (snt niswt).
Naparaye's name is known from her tomb in el-Kurru (Ku. 3). At her pyramid an alabaster offering table was found (Khartoum, No. 191)
Atakhebasken
Queen
25th Dynasy
c. late 8th century BC
Also known as Akhetbasaken. She was the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Taharqa.She was the Great Royal Wife of Pharaoh Taharqa.
Atakhebasken is mainly known from her tomb in Nuri (Nu. 36). The finds from the tomb include: a shawabti, canopic jars, which are now in Boston, and an altar now in the Meroe Museum in Khartoum.>
Amenirdis II
Divine Adoratrice of Amun
25th Dynasy
. c. 650 BC – c. 640 BC)
A daughter of the Kushite pharaoh Taharqa and was adopted by Shepenupet II, daughter of Piye, to become Divine Adoratrice of Amun.
Tamwetamani
Pharaoh
25th Dynasty
664 BC – c. 656 (653) BC
Also known as Tandaname, Tanwetamani or Tementhes. Son of Shabaka. Taharqa's nephew. After the Assyrians had appointed Necho I as king and left Egypt, Tantamani marched from Nubia, killed Necho I in battle and reoccupied all of Egypt. The Assyrians returned to Egypt, attacked Thebes, defeated Tantamani's army, killed many people and looted all the holy places, and effectively ended Nubian control over Egypt.
Buried Kurru 16, with beautiful painted chambers; Queen Piankharty Queen [..]salka Queen Malaqaye? (Nuri 59) Buried at Ku. 16
Piankharty
Queen
25th dynasty
Wife of Tantamani, anlso called Piye-arty or Piye-irty. Represented on Tantamani's dream stele in Ghiza. Atlanersa may be their son
Malakaye
Queen
25th dynasty
Wife of Tantamani
Kushite Nubian Rulers ruling Nubia after the 25th Dynasty (Ruling from NAPATA)
Atlanersa
Napatan King of Kush
653 - 643 BC
Probably son of Taharqa. Wives: Yeturow (King's Wife, King's Sister) (Nuri 53), Khaliset (King's Wife, King's Sister), Malotaral, mother of Senkamenisken(Nuri 41), Peltasen, Taba[...]
Children: Queen Nasalsa, Possibly Senkamenisken
Buried at Nuri 20
Yeturow
Napatan Queen of Kush
653–643 B.C.
Wife and sister of King Atlanersa
Buried at Nuri 53
Senkamanisken
Napatan King of Kush
643 - 623 BC (640 - 620 BC)
A Nubian king based at Napata possibly son of Altanersa. He was married to Queen Nasalsa (Nuri 24) who bore him two sons: Anlamani and Aspelta and queen Madiqen; Queen Amanimalel? (Nuri 22?)
Buried at Nuri 3
Nasalsa
Napatan Queen Mistress of Cush, and Daughter of Re
Also called Nensela. Wife and sister of King Sensamanisken, mother of Aspelta, Ansamani and Queen Madiqen
Amanimalel
Napatan Queen of Kush
Probably wife of Nasalsa, possibly mother of queens Asata and Madekan
Anlamani
Napatan King of Kush
623–593 B.C. ( 620 –600 BC).
Son of King Senkamanisken. During his reign, Kush experienced a revival in its power in the region. Queen Mediken ? (Nuri 27)
Buried at Nuri 6
Mediqen
Napatan Queen of Kush
(also Madekan) Probably wife of Anlamani; daughter of King Anamimalel and queen Nasalsa
Artaha
Napatan Queen of Kush
Wife of Aspelta.
Asata
Napatan Queen of Kush
Wife of Aspelta.
Aramatelqo Aramatle-go or Amtalqa
Napatan King of Kush
568–555 BCE
Also called Armantelqo. Son and successor of King Aspelta and Queen Henuttakhibit.
Wives: Queen Atmataka (Nuri 55) Queen Piankh-her Queen Maletasen (Nuri 39) Queen and sister Amanitakaye, mother of King Malonaqen (Nuri 26) Sister and Queen Akhe(qa)? (Nuri 38)
Buried at Nuri 9
Atmataka
Napatan Queen of Kush
Wife of King Amtalqa
Buried at Nuri 55
Piankh-her
Queen of Kush
Wife of King Amtalqa
Amitakaye
Queen of Kush
Wife of King Amtalqa, mother of King Malonaqen
Buried at Nuri 26
Malonaqen
or Maloinaken
Napatan King of Kush
555 - 542 BC (553-538 BC)
His prenomen was "Sekhemkare." He is thought to be the son of king Aramatle-qo and queen Amanitakaye, although this is based merely on assumptions. His queen consort is thought to be Tagtal, who was buried at Nuri (Nu. 45)
He is well known from his pyramid (Nu.5) at Nuri as well as by a votive cartouche from Kawa and on blocks (from temple M 242, 294) and other objects in Meroë
Kushite Nubian Rulers ruling from MEROË
Analmaaye or Analmaye
Meroitic King of Kush
542 – 538 BC (538-533 BC)
He succeeded King Malonaqen and was in turn succeeded by King Amaninatakilebte
Buried at Nuri 18
Amani-natake-lebte or Amaninatakilebte
Meroitic King of Kush
538–519 BC
These remains, along with engraved blocks at Meroe, are the only known records of the ruler. function of which remains obscure
According to Herodotus, the Persian King, Cambyses attempted an invasion of Meroe in about 525 BC that possibly occurred during the reign of Amaninatakilebte
Buried at Nuri 10
Karkamani
Meroitic King of Kush
519–510 BCE (513-503 bc)
He succeeded King Amaninatakilebte and was in turn succeeded by King Amaniastabarqa
Buried at Nuri 7
Amaniastabarqo or Amaniastabarqa
Meroitic King of Kush
510–487 BCE ( 503-487 BC)
The pyramid was excavated by a Harvard University-Boston Museum of Fine ArtsExpedition in 1917. As a result, many of the objects that belonged to him are now in Boston, including ushabtis, pottery, foundation deposits, stone objects and gold artifacts.
Buried at Nuri 2
Siaspiqa
Meroitic King of Kush
487–468 BCE)
Also called Si'aspiqo Queen Piankhqew-qa? (Nuri 28)
Several inscribed stelas bearing his name and numerous artefacts
Buried at Nuri 4
Nasakhma
Meroitic King of Kush
468–463 BCE
Nasakhma was succeeded by Malewiebamani, who may have been his eldest son. It is possible that Talakhamani was a younger son of Nasakhma who took the throne after his brother Malewiebamani. Another possibility is that Talakhamani is Malewiebamani's son and thus possibly Nasakhma's grandson.
Nasakhma was buried at Nuri (Nu. 19)
Saka-aye
Meroitic Queen
Probably mother of Malewiebamani Period, Service of Nesi Nasakhma, 468–463 B.C.E..
Provenance: From Nuri, Pyramid 31 (Tomb of Queen Saka-aye
Malewiebamani
Meroitic King of Kush
463 – 435 BC (453-423 BC)
Malewiebamani's mother was probably Queen Saka'aye. Malewiebamani was the son of either Nasakhma (whom he succeeded) or Siaspiqa.
Buried at Nuri 11
Talakhamani
Meroitic King of Kush
435 –431 BC (423-418 BC)
He may have been a son of Nasakhma and a younger brother of Malewiebamani. It is also possible Talakhamani was a son of Malewiebamani.
Buried at Nuri 16
Irke-Amanoteor Amanineteyerike
Meroitic King of Kush
431 - 405 BC (418 - 398 bc) (425–400 B.C.)
His name is also written as Amanneteyerike, Aman-nete-yerike, or Irike-Amannote.
The son of King Malewiebamani, and brother of Baskakeren. His predecessor Talakhamani was either an older brother or an uncle. May have been married to Atasamale, sister-wife , mother Harsiotef (Buried Nuri 61). Possibly father of Harsiotef and Batahaliye
Himself buried at Nuri 12
Baskakeren
Meroitic King of Kush
405 - 404 BC (398-397 bc)
He was probably a son of King Malewiebamani and the younger brother of King Amanineteyerike. He succeeded Amanineteyerike to the throne.
Buried Nuri 17
Harsiyotef or Harsiotef
Meroitic King of Kush
404 - 369 BC (397-362 BC) (400–365 B.C.) (390-350 bc)
Also called Si'aspiqo Queen Piankhqew-qa? (Nuri 28)
Harsiotef (also called Harsiyotf: was probably the son of Queen Atasamale and King Amanineteyerike.
His inscription describes the holy site of Jebel Barkal. He covered temples partly with gold, laid out gardens and cattle pens, rebuilt the old royal palace at Jebel Barkal which had sixty rooms. His wives were his sister Batahaliye (Nuri 44) and probably sister Pelkha, mother of Nastasen.
Buried at Nuri 13
Unknown King (Qore)
Meroitic King of Kush
369–353 BCE (362-342 BC)
Buried at Kurru 1
Akhratan Throne name: Kanakht Tjema Neditef
Meroitic King of Kush
353 - 340 BC (350-335 bc) (342-328 BC)
Also called Achratenin. Took some titles based on Egyptian pharaohs. Possibly son of Harsiotef and brother of Nastasen. Cartouche and headless black granite statue
Buried at Nu. 14
Amanibakhi
Meroitic King of Kush
340 - 335 BC
Amanibakhi was the successor of Akhraten and the predecessor of Nastasen. The burial place of Amanibakhi is Nuri, but grave is not known
Buried at Nuri
Nastasen
Meroitic King of Kush
335 -. 315 BC (320–310 B.C) (328-308 BC)
He was probably the son of King Harsiotef and Queen Pelkha and his wife may have been Sekhmakh. (Nuri 56?)
Nastasen defeated an invasion of Kush from Upper Egypt led by a local ruler, Khabbash, who came with transport ships, people and cattle. Nastase took his treasures and dedicated it to the God Amun.
Buried at Nuri 15
Sekhmakh
Meroitic Queen
fl. c. mid-4th century BC
Wife of King Nastasen. (Nuri 56?) Sekhmakh is known from the great stela of the king, where she is depicted in the roundle. There is also her funerary stela,[1] found in a temple at Jebel Barkal and obviously reused
The burial, where the stela was once placed is unknown. Sekhmakh bears the titles king's daughter, king's wife and mistress of Egypt. Her royal parents are unknown.
Aktisanes
Meroitic King of Kush
Period between 315 - 270 BC
Aktisanes is a Nubian king who is mentioned by the Greek historian Hecataeus of Abdera. He is perhaps identical with Menmaatre-Setepenamun Gatisen known from Nubian sources. Married Kandake Alakhebasken.
Buried at Barkal 11
Alakhebasken
Meroitic Queen
Wife of Nubian King Aktisanes
Aryamani
Meroitic King of Kush
Peruid between 315 - 270 BC (275 - 250 BCE)
Also called Arkamani. Nubian King attested on a stela found in Kawa. Reigned for at least 23 years.
Buried at Barkal 14
Kahs...merj Imen
Meroitic King of Kush
Period between 315 - 270 BC
Buried at Barkal 15
Irike-Piye-qo or Piankhi-yerike-qa
Meroitic King of Kush
Period between 315 - 270 BC
Mentioned in partially damanged and poorly written stela of Aryamani, Kawa XIII
Burial place unknown
Sabrakamani
Meroitic King of Kush
Burial place unknown
Mentioned only in an inscription found so far. It is found in the Amun temple at Kawa.[1] This badly damaged inscription also mentions king Piye-Iry-qo, who therefore preceded him. The inscription is on top of two inscriptions from Amanineteyerike, which is an indication that Sabrakamani reigned later than Amanineteyerike. The inscription lists dedications to the temple
Buried at Barkal 7(?)
Arakamani-qo
Meroitic King of Kush
270–260 BC
(also Arkamaniqo,[2] Arkakamani or Ergamenes I[1]) was a Nubian king of Meroë instructed in Greek philosophy who ruled in the early third century BCE.
The only secure archeological attestations of Arakamani come from his funerary pyramid. Consolidated transfer of power to Meroe; more African influence. According to historian Theodorus Sicilus, The priests at Meroë have acquired great power. They formed a resolution, sending a courier to the king, with an order to him to die. Arkamani opposed this tradition, and massacred the priests, instituting a new religion.
Buried at Begarawiyah S 6
Amanislo
Meroitic King of Kush
Between 260–250 BCE
Amanislo is mainly known from his pyramid at Meroë. He is buried in Meroe, Beg. S 5. He is also known from an inscription on a granite lion figure
Buried at Begarawiyah S 5
Bartare
Queen Bartare of Meroe
Between 260–50 BCE
Buried at Begarawiyah S 10
Aman....tekha
Meroitic King of Kush
250 - 235 BC
Amantekha, also Aman-tekha or Amantaka, is so far only known from his pyramid in Meroe (Beg. N.4) and was the first king buried at the North Cemetery at Meroe. The king's name appears on blocks from the south wall of the pyramid chapel.
Buried at Begarawiyah S 4
Sheshep-ankh-en-Amun Setepenre
Meroitic King of Kush
Between -235 BC
Shesep ankh Atum, means living image of Atum, Atum being both the creator god and the setting sun.”
Buried at Barkal 14
Armekhamani
Meroitic King of Kush
235-218 BC
The king is mainly known from his building activity at the Musawwarat es-Sufra temple complex. The main temple complex at this place was built by Arnekhamani, but was never finished. Most likely the king died before completing. The son is called Arky and bears the title Priest of Isis, of Ipeber-ankh (Musawwarat es-Sufra).
Buried at Begarawiyah N 53
Arqamani
Meroitic King of Kush
218 - 200 BC (221–204 BC)
Arqamani (also Arkamani or Ergamenes II) was a Kushite King of Meroë dating from the late 3rd to early 2nd century BCE. It is believed that Arqamani ruled in Meroë at the time of the Egyptian revolt of Horwennefer against Ptolemy IV Philopator (reign 221–204 BC He is attested by a number of inscriptions and reliefs from Kalabsha, Philae and the temple of Dakka. In the latter locality, he usurped some donation inscriptions originally inscribed for Ptolemy IV.
Buried at Begarawiyah N7
Tabirqo = Adikhalamani ?
Meroitic King of Kush
200 - 190 BC (207-186 BC)
Adikhalamani is said to be contemporary with an Egyptian revolt dated to ca. 207-186 BCE During this revolt a ruler, Horwennefer (who may have been a Nubian) took control of Thebes and revolted against Ptolemy IV Philopator. The revolt ended ca. 186 BCE when Ankhwennefer (his successor or more likely Horwennefer with a different nomen) was captured and executed.
Adikhalamani initiated the building of the Temple of Debod, which contains reliefs showing the king offering to various deities, including Amun, Mut, Osiris, Isis, Harpocrates, Nekhbet and Wadjet.
Buried at Beg. N 9
Unknown king (Qore)
Meroitic King of Kush
190 - 185 BC
The name or information about this king is not known.
Buried at Begarawiyah N 10
Shanakdakhete Shanakdakheto (Kandake)
First Meroitic Ruling Nubian Queen
170 - 150 BC ( 177-155 BC) (170 - 160 bc)
Shanakhdakheto or Shanakdakhete was a Queen of the Kingdom of Kush, when the polity was centered at Meroë. She is the earliest known ruling African queen of ancient Nubia and reigned from about 170 to 150 BC, although the period 170–160 BC is also mentioned.[1] She is said to have ruled with full power in the Meroë Empire. She is also said to have ruled without a king. As queen she played a significant role in the Meroitic religion. In the 2nd century BC Shanakdakheto built the Temple F at Naqa, Shanakdakheto's name is inscribed as a royal queen in the Egyptian Meroitic hieroglyphs. This inscription is the one seen on the doorjambs of the altar niche of Temple F in Naqa
Buried at Begarawiyah N 11
Unknown king
Meroitic King of Kush
150 -130 B.C.
Buried at Begarawiyah N 12
Naqyrinsan Setepenre
Meroitic King of Kush
130 - 110 B.C.
Buried at Begarawiyah N 13
Tanyidamani
Meroitic King of Kush
110 - 90 B.C. (120 to 100 BC.) (100–75 B.C.))
Tanyidamani was a Kushite king of Meroë who ruled around 100 BCE. He is known by some objects, the most remarkable among these is a large stele from Jebel Barkal: it is the first long-known text in Meroitic alphabet. Another smaller, red siltstone stele was found in the temple of Apedemak at Meroë, and is now at the Walters Art Museum
Buried at Beg. N 20
Unknown King (Qore)
Meroitic King of Kush
Period between 90 and 50 BC
Buried at Buried at Bar. 2
Unknown King or Queen
Meroitic King or Queen of Kush
Period between 90 and 50 BC
Buried at Bar. 4
Nawidemak
Meroitic Ruling Nubian Queen (Kandake)
Period between 90 and 50 BC (after 12 BC?)
Nawidemak is the fourth in succession of female rulers of Kush, known as Kandakes. She is known from the wall relief of her burial chamber at Meroe (Beg. N 6), which shows her wearing a royal coat, sash and tasseled cord, Both the fastening knot on her coat and on the cord feature a couchant animal, symbols of royalty. In the relief, she wears the crown of Osiris on her head.
Also known as Naldamak, she succeed her mother, Amanitore, who reigned from BCE 12. Nawidemak is portrayed on a pyramid as Osiris, a male god sheltered by the wings of the great goddess Isis. Before her ruled aunknown queen. Her husband was prince Apedemakhe. Her son Arikharer [Arikhankharer] ruled in 10-15.
Buried at Barkal 6
Amanikhabale
Meroitic King of Kush
50 - 40 BC
Amanikhabale (also Amanikable, transliterated Astabarqaman)
Buried at Begarawiyah N 2
Teriteqas
Meroitic King of Kush
Between 40 and 10 B.C. (50–1 B.C.)
Buried at Begarawiyah 14
Aqrakamani
Meroitic King of Kush
c. 29–25 BCE
Aqrakamani is only known from a Demotic inscription at Dakka. The date of the inscription and therefore the date of the king are disputed, but it seems most likely that the inscription was written when the Triacontaschoenus (parts of Lower Nubia, where the temple of Dakka is standing) was under Meroetic rule. The text also mentions his mother, the queen (t3 pr-ˁ3t) Naytal
Burying location unknown
Amanirenas
Meroitic Ruling Nubian Queen (Kandake)
Between 40 and 10 B.C. (ca. 12 BC)
Wife of Qore Teriteqas, who died in battle. In 27 BC, the Romans launched an attack on Kush. Amanirenas and her son Akinidad defeated Roman forces at Syene and Philae. She led Kushite armies against the Romans in a war that lasted five years, from 27 BC to 22 BC. After an initial victory the Kushites were driven out by Gaius Petronius. The Romans established a new frontier at Maharraqa.
Strabo accounts of a "fierce one-eyed queen Candace" capturing a series of Roman forts in southern 25 BC Nubia. She cut off the head of a statue of Augustus and "buried the severed head of the glorious Augustus beneath the steps of a temple dedicated to victory."
After defeats by Petronius who occupied and ravaged the city of Napata, Kush failed to overwhelm the Roman garrison at Primis (today Qasr Ibrim). A peace treaty was signed in 24 B.C. in Dakka. Kandake Amanirenas had spared her people centuries of domination by successfully resisting conquest by Rome. Unlike other kingdoms, she did not cede large swaths of territory and never was forced to pay tribute or contribute material resources to Rome.
Jebel Barkal (Bar. 4?)
Akinidad
Crown Prince of Kush
Between 40 and 24 B.C.
Akinidad was the son of Amanirenas; as a crown prince he served as Chief of the city Qasr Ibrim. He fought the Romans at the side of his mother Amanirenas, and was killed in 24 BC during the battle for Dakka. A large stela with Meroitic cursive script was erected in Qasr Ibrim in his memory.
Extract of the writing: "Protect the prestige of the prince as is the tradition (and) vouchsafe the soul and honorable offering." "(There) will be eternal honor indeed for the prince." "The good embarkation of Akinidad (to Paradise) to will grant the patron a boon, (and) bring (him) eternal good"
The location of his burial is unknown.
Amanishakheto
Meroitic Ruling Nubian Queen (Kandake)
10 BC - 1 AD (50-40 BC)
In Meroitic hieroglyphs her name is written "Amanikasheto" (Mniskhte or (Am)niskhete). In Meroitic cursive she is referred to as Amaniskheto qor kd(ke) which means Amanishakheto, Qore and Kandake ("Ruler and Queen")
Amanishakheto was both a warrior and a builder. This queen is known until today for her impressive jewelry collection, now on display at the Egyptian Museum of Berlin and that of Munich, as well as the construction of Meroe’s ancient pyramids. Amanishakheto can be seen on the walls of the Amun Temple of Kawa, the palace of Wad ban Naqa, and on the stela of Qasr Ibrim in Upper Egypt, and on another in Naqa.
Collection of jewelry found in her pyramid in 1834 by Italian treasure hunter Giuseppe Ferlini, who destroyed the pyramid in search of its burial goods
Buried at Begarawiyah N 6
Natakamani
Meroitic co-ruling King of Kush (coregent with Amanitore)
Between 1 and 20 AD (1 - 50 AD) (15 - 40 AD)
Natakamani is the best attested ruler of the Meroitic period. He was born to Queen Amanishakheto. Natakamani is known from several temple buildings and from his pyramid in Meroe. He restored the temple of Amun. Dedication of the temple at Faras. On several monuments he appears together with co-regent Queen Amanitore.
Buried at Begarawiyah N 22
Amanitore
Meroitic Co-ruling Nubian Queen (Kandake) - coregent with Natakamani
Between 1 and 20 AD (1 - 50 AD) (15-40 AD)
Amanitore is often mentioned as co-regent with Natakamani, but it is unclear whether she was his wife or his mother. Her royal palace was at Gebel Barkal, the area of her rule was between the Nile and the Atbara rivers. Amanitore is mentioned in a number of texts as a ruler, including the temple at the Nubian capital of Napata, in a temple in Meroe near Shendi, and at the Naqa Lion Temple. She restored the temple of Amun at Meroe and the Amun temple in Napata. Water reservoirs were constructed at Meroe, and built Amun temples at Naqa and Amara.
Buried at Begarawiyah N 1
Arikhankharer
Meroitic Crown Prince of Kush
Between 1 and 20 AD
Arikhankharer was the eldest son of Natakamani and Amanitore. While he was crown-prince the temple of Amun at Naqawas decorated. Arikhankharer is depicted on a slab now displayed at the Worcester Art Museum in Worcester, Mass. He is given the title pkrtr which means crown-prince. Arikhankharer died fairly young and was succeeded as crown-prince by his brother Arikakahtani.
Buried at Begarawiyah N 5
Arikakahtani
Meroitic Crown Prince of Kush
Between 1 and 20 AD
Arikakahtani succeeded his brother Arikhankharer after his death
Buried at Begarawiyah N 56
Period of the late Nubian Kushite rulers ruling from Meroë
Progressive fragmentation and decline of the Kingdom of Kush, until invasion by King Ezana heading the Aksumite Kingdom around 350 AD. The Kingdom of Kush breaks up into three Nubian kingdoms: Nobatia in the North, with capital in Faras; Makuria, with capital Old Dongola; and Alodia in the South, with capital Soba.
Shorkaror
Meroitic King of Kush
20 - 30 AD
(also transliterated Sherkarer, Sherakerer) Shorkahor was the third son of Natakamani and Amanitore.. While he was crown-prince the temple at Amada was constructed.. After Natakamani's death Shorkahor took the throne. Shorkahor commanded the inscription of a Meroitic relief found at Jabal Qayli, near the trade route to Kassala. This is the easternmost inscription of the Meroitic kings found so far
Burying location possibly at Begarawiyah 10
Pisakar
Meroitic King of Kush
30 - 40 AD
Buried at Beg. N. 15
Amanitaraqide
Meroitic King of Kush
40 - 50 AD
Buried at Beg. N. 16
Amanitenmemide
Meroitic King of Kush
50 - 62 AD
Amanitenmemide was a Nubian king whose throne name was Nebmaatre. His name is written in Meroitic, while his throne name is written in classical Egyptian hieroglyphs. He is thus far only known from his pyramid in Meroe (Beg. N17).
Buried at Beg. N. 17
Amanikhatashan
Meroitic Ruling Nubian Queen (Kandake)
62 - 85 AD
Also Amanikha Tashan. Amanikhatashan is famous for having sent her Kushite cavalry to help Titus during the Great Jewish Revolt in 70 AD. She was also a priestress of Sky goddess Nut.
Buried at Beg. N 18
Teritnide
Meroitic King of Kush
85 - 90 AD
Buried at Beg. N 40
Teqerideamani I
Meroitic King of Kush
90 - 114 AD
Teqerideamani I is believed to have been a King of Kush dating to the end of the 1st and beginning of the 2nd century AD.
Buried at Beg. N. 28
Tamelerdeamani
Meroitic King of Kush
114 - 134 AD
His name appears on a copper medallion and a fragment of masonry. Both engravings were found at Meroe which were written in the Meroitic script
Buried at Beg. N. 34
Adeqetali
Meroitic King of Kush
134 - 140 AD
Buried at Beg. NAI
Takideamani
Meroitic King of Kush
140 - 155 AD
Tarekeniwal was a Kushite King of Meroe of whom little is known. He likely ruled the Meroitic empire during the 2nd century AD. Tarekeniwal is only known from his pyramid in Meroe (Beg. N 19). His name appears on the pylon of the cult chapel in front of the pyramid, which was in modern times restored. The chapel and its decoration is still well preserved.His name is inscribed there in Meroitic hieroglyphs in a sacrificial tablet. His parents were also named; his father's name is Adeqetali and his mother's name is Napatadakheto. The sacrificial tablet is now in Berlin.
Buried at Beg. N 29
Tarekeniwal
Meroitic King of Kush
155 - 170 AD
Tarekeniwal is only known from his pyramid in Meroe (Beg. N 19. His name appears on the pylon of the cult chapel in front of the pyramid, which was in modern times restored. The chapel and its decoration is still well preserved.
Buried at Beg. N.19
Amanikhalika
Meroitic King of Kush
170 - 175 AD
Buried at Beg. N.32
Aritenyesbokhe
Meroitic King of Kush
175 - 190 AD
Buried at Beg. N.30
Amanikhareqerem
Meroitic King of Kush
190 - 200 AD
Until recently not much was known about Amanikhareqerem. His name only appeared on two ram figures and an object found at Napata. In recent years new excavations at Naqa provided more evidence for him. In 1998, a sandstone medallion with his name was found and recently a temple decoration with his name was excavated at the same place
Buried at Beg. N.37
Teritedakhatey
Meroitic King of Kush
200 - 215 AD
Buried at Beg. N.38
Aryesbokhe
Meroitic King of Kush
215 - 225 AD
Buried at Beg. N.36
Unknown king (Qore)
Meroitic King of Kush
225 - 246 AD
Buried at Beg. N.51
Unknown king (Qore)
Meroitic King of Kush
246 AD
Buried at Beg. N.36
Teqerideamani II
Meroitic King of Kush
246 - 266 AD
The most important monument of Teqerideamani is an inscription in demotic in the Isis temple at Philae, which bears his name. The inscription is dated during the reign of the Roman emperor Trebonianus Gallus—10 April 253—and is so far the only secure date in early Nubian history.
Unknown burial location
Maleqorobar
Meroitic Ruling Nubian Queen (Kandake)
266 - 283 AD
Maleqorobar , also Malegereabar, was a queen or Candace of Kush (modern day Sudan) from 266 to 283 CE; she is one of eight Candaces known to the Western world. She ruled over the ancient kingdom from Meroe half a century prior to its final decline and sacking by the Roman proxy state of Axum. According to several sources, nothing is known of her reign.[1] Some list her as the last Candace of Meroe, but this is inaccurate; that title should be attributed to Lahideamani (306 to 314 CE).
Buried at Beg. N.27
Yesbokheamani
Meroitic King of Kush
283 - 300 AD
Yesebokheamani (or Amaniyesebokhe) was the king (Qore) of Kush who took control of the Dodecaschoenus after the Roman withdrawal in 298. This enabled him to make a personal visit to the temple of Isis at Philae.
He is known from a stela in the temple of Apedemak in Meroë with an inscription in cursive Meroitic script. A monumental lion statue was erected at Qasr Ibrim in his honour, with an inscription in hieroglyphic Meroitic describing the king as "beloved of Amun of Luxor", erected after the Kushite occupation of the Dodecaschoenus, which affected all the land south of Philae. There is archaeological evidence for the Kushite fortification of Kalabsha, presumably as a defence against the raiding.
Buried at Beg. N.24
Lakhideamani
Ruling Nubian Queen (Kandake)
300 - 308 AD
They are known to have ruled over Meroe during its decline but no other details have come to light. Meroe's wealth and prestige began to wane c. 200 CE when Rome elevated the Kingdom of Axum in Ethiopia to its primary partner in trade and Meroe was slighted.
Buried at Beg. N.26
Patrapeameni
Ruling Meroitic Queen of Kush
300- 308 AD
Patrapeameni was also known as Nahidemani. During her era the Meroeans developed a unique art from uniting styles of Black Africa and Mediterranean Egypt.
Amanipilade
Ruling Meroitic Queen of Meroë
308- 320 AD
Amanipilade was a Nubian queen regnant of Kush. She was the final queen of the city of Meroë in between circa 308 to 320, she likely died around 350 AD. Much like other Kushite rulers her name incorporated that of the god Amun. Amanipilade is solely attested from a meroitic inscription on a funerary inscription of Shiye found in Meroë. Her parents names also mentioned there, her father; Tekye and mother; Makehanye.
Unknown King or Queen
Meroitic King or Queen of Kush
320 - ? AD
In c. 330 CE Meroe was invaded by Axum, most likely under their king Ezana, and sacked; it was deserted c. 350 CE.
Burial location unknown
Queens and rulers in Egypt known to be of Nubian origin
Nefertari
Queen, wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II
19th dynasty (c. c. 1295-1255 B.C.)
Nefertari, knowns to be of Nubian origin, was the loved wife of Pharaoh Ramesses II famous for her beauty and grace. She was highly educated and able to both read and write hieroglyphs, a very rare skill at the time. She used these skills in her diplomatic work, corresponding with other prominent royals of the time. She is known to have even accompanied Ramses, in some cases, on military campaigns. Nefertari held many titles, including: Great of Praises, Sweet of Love, Lady of Grace, Great King’s Wife, his beloved, Lady of The Two Lands, Lady of all Lands. Nefertari had at least four sons and two daughters.
What was probably a politically inspired union would, over time, blossom into an amorous relationship wherein Ramses II celebrated his love for her with monuments and poetry dedicated to her honor. Ramesses II personally named her ‘The one for whom the sun shines’, and wrote love poems for her: ✶ Wonderful! My Love is unique, no one can rival her. ✶ Just by passing, she has stolen away my heart ✶ .✶ Nefertari, you are herald as the Nubian queen ✶ who married King Rameses II of Egypt for peace ✶ a union that brought fighting ✶ between Nubia and Egypt to an end ✶ a truce lasting well over a hundred years. ✶ It took a great deal of courage ✶ such an incredible sacrifice you made ✶ inhabiting a land ✶ that was hostile to your people ✶ for peace, was a brave path you paved.
The greatest honor was bestowed on Nefertari however in Abu Simbel. Nefertari is depicted in statue form at the great temple, but the small temple is dedicated to Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.
Amenhotep III
Pharaoh
18th dynasty, 1386-1349 BC
Also known as Amenhotep the Magnificent, his reign was a period of unprecedented prosperity and splendour, when Egypt reached the peak of its artistic and international power.Amenhotep III reign was a period of peaceful prosperity, which Egypt did not experience again until the reign of Ramses II, and was one which resulted in unprecedented artistic development.Monuments glorifying Amenhotep III, his reign, and the gods, were constructedall over Egypt. In Nubia, the temples of Soleb and Sedeinga, devoted respectively to Amenhotep III, who was deified during his lifetime, and his wife Tiye, are monumental attestations to Egypt’s presence to the south of its borders. He was a master of diplomacy, who placed other nations in his debt through lavish gifts of gold so that they would be inclined to bend to his wishes, which they invariably did. His generosity to friendly kings was well established, and he enjoyed profitable relationships with the surrounding nations. Amenhotep III's vision was of an Egypt so splendid that it would leave one in awe, and the over 250 buildings, temples, statuary, and stele he ordered constructed attest to his success in this.
He was only twelve years old when he came to the throne and married Tiye in a royal ceremony. It is a significant aspect of Amenhotep's relationship with his wife that, immediately after their marriage, she was elevated to the rank of Great Royal Wife. He ruled Egypt with Tiye for 38 years until his death and was succeeded by Amenhotep IV, later known as Akhenaten. He maintained the honor of Egyptian women in refusing requests to send them as wives to foreign rulers, claiming that no daughter of Egypt had ever been sent to a foreign land and would not be sent under his reign.
Tiye
Queen, wife of Pharaoh Amenhotep III
18th dynasty, 1398-1338 BCE
Tiye (also known as Tiy, was a queen of Egypt, wife of the pharaoh Amenhotep III, mother of Akhenaten, and grandmother of both Tutankhamun and Ankhsenamun. She exerted an enormous influence at the courts of both her husband and son and is known to have communicated directly with rulers of foreign nations. The Amarna letters also show that she was highly regarded by these rulers, especially during the reign of her son.
Tiye's father was Yuya, a provincial priest from Akhmin, and her mother was Tjuya, a servant of the queen mother, Mutemwiya. Her parents' names, some claim, are not Egyptian, and it has been suggested that they were Nubian. Scholars who have noted Tiye's unusual role in the affairs of state point to the Nubian custom of female rulers. The Candaces of Nubia were all strong female rulers, and so some scholars speculate that perhaps Tiye felt free to wield power in the same way as a male ruler because of her upbringing and heritage.
Egyptian officials, viceroys and overseers of Kushite Nubia
Ahmose called Si-Tayit
Viceroy of Kush
18th dynasty (c. late-16th century BC), reign of Ahmose I in Egypt
Viceroy of Kush during the reign of Ahmose I. Possibly the first Viceroy to serve in that capacity. Early in the reign of Amenhotep I,
Ahmose called Turo
Viceroy of Kush
18th dynasty, reign of Amenhotep and Thutmose I in Egypt
Son of Ahmose called Si-Tayit.
Seni
King's son of Kush and Mayor of Thebes
18th dynasty, reign of Thutmose I and Thutmose II in Egypt
Seni was an ancient Egyptian official with the titles king's son of Kush (Viceroy of Kush), overseer of the southern countries and mayor of the southern city (Thebes). He was in office under the kings Thutmosis I and Thutmosis II. As king's son of Kush he was the main official in charge of the Nubian provinces.
Penre
Viceroy of Kush
18th dynasty, reign of Hatshepsut in Egypt
Penre was an ancient Egyptian official of the New Kingdom, in office under the ruling queen Hatshepsut (about 1508–1458 BC). Penre was viceroy of Kush. The writing of his name varies on the monuments between Penre (Panre), Pare and Payre. Because of his high titles, he was one of the most important officials at the royal court, ruling the Nubian provinces. Kush is the Ancient Egyptian name for Nubia.
Amen-Em-Nekhu
Viceroy of Kush
18th dynasty, reign of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III in Egypt
According to Pammiger, sometime after year 2 of Hatshepsut/Tuthmosis III, Seni retired and was succeeded by Amen-em-nekhu, a confidant of Hatshepsut. After Hatshepsut's death, in year 23 Amenemnekhu was replaced by Nehi, a confidant of Tuthmosis III.
Inebny
Viceroy of Kush, Commander of the Bowmen
18th dynasty, reign of Hatshepsut and Thutmose III in Egypt
Inebny was an ancient Egyptian official of the New Kingdom, in office under the ruling queen Hatshepsut (about 1508–1458 BC) of the 18th Dynasty. Inebny/Amenemnekhu was viceroy of Kush, therefore one of the most important officials at the royal court, ruling the Nubian provinces.
Nehi
Viceroy of Kush
18th dynasty, reign of Thutmose III in Egypt
Nehi (or Nehy) was an Ancient Egyptian official with the titles of a viceroy of Kush – the governor of the Nubian provinces which were under Egyptian control. Nehy was in office under Thutmose III. In the 23rd year of Thutmose III he followed the king on his campaign to Syria. There are several inscriptions of Nehy found in Nubia, attesting building activity at several places. Nehi is attested at Buhen, Sai Island and Semneh.
Usersatet
Viceroy of Kush
18th dynasty, reign of Amhenotep II in Egypt
Nehi (or Nehy) was an Ancient Egyptian official with the titles of a viceroy of Kush – the governor of the Nubian provinces which were under Egyptian control. Nehy was in office under Thutmose III. In the 23rd year of Thutmose III he followed the king on his campaign to Syria. There are several inscriptions of Nehy found in Nubia, attesting building activity at several places. Nehi is attested at Buhen, Sai Island and Semneh.
Maiherpri
Noble of Nubian origin
18th dynasty, reign of Thutmose IV in Egypt
An Egyptian noble of Nubian origin. He probably lived during the rule of the 18th dynasty king Thutmose IV. He probably grew up in the royal nursery as a prince of a vassal territory and as an adult was an advisor or bodyguard to the pharaoh.
Amenhotep
Viceroy of Kush
18th dynasty, reign of Tuthmosis IV and early years of Amenhotep III in Egypt
Amenhotep was an ancient Egyptian official with the title king's son of Kush. He appears with his main title in a rock inscription on the island of Suhel. Here he also bears the titles overseer of the cattle of Amun, overseer of works in Upper and Lower Egypt, chief of the stalls of his majesty, overseer of the southern foreign lands and king's scribe.
Merymose
Viceroy of Kush
18th dynasty, reign of Amenhotep III in Egypt
Merymose, also Mermose or Merimes, served for almost the entire four decades of Amenhotep III's reign. Merymose likely accompanied Amenhotep III in year 5 on his campaign against Kush. It is possible that at a later time Merymose led a campaign against the people of an area called Ibhet. The people of Ibhet had resisted Egyptian domination and may have even attacked some Egyptian interests. Merymose led an attack against the Nubians. He killed 312 Nubians and captured 740 prisoners.
Tuthmose
Viceroy of Kush
18th dynasty, reign of Akhenaten in Egypt
Tuthmose was given the titles King's Son of Kush, Overseer of the Gold Lands of Amun, Overseer of masons, Overseer of the borderlands of His Majesty, and Fan-bearer on the King's right.In year 12 of Akhenaten, Tuthmose was ordered to put down a rebellion by some of the Nubians, according to a stela set up at Buhen. Here were found the fragments of the stela mentioning this rebellion and a viceroy of Kush..
Amenhotep called Huy
Viceroy of Kush
18th dynasty, reign of Akhenaten and Tut Ankh Amun in Egypt
Titles of Huy: Scribe of the letters of the viceroy, Merymose. King's scribe, Mery-netjer priest, King's messenger to every land. Married to Taemwadjsy, chief of the harem of Amun and of the Harem of Nebkheperure (Tutankhamun). Buried in TT 40 located in Qurnet Murrai. In the tomb there is reference to a Temple named "Satisfying the Gods" in Nubia.
Paser I
Viceroy of Kush
18th dynasty, reign of Aye and Horemheb in Egypt
Paser was the son of the Viceroy Amenhotep called Huy, who served during the reign of Tutankhamun, and the Lady Taemwadsji. Paser is attested in a stela at Gebel El Shams, in Suhel, at the road from Assuan to Philae, and on lintel from the temple of Aniba shows Paser adoring the cartouches of Horemheb
Amenemopet
Viceroy of Kush
19th dynasty, reign of Seti I in Egypt.
Son of Paser and grandson of Amenhotep-Huy and Taemwadjsy. Mentioned in the temple at Beit el Wali. Amenmopet also has the title First charioteer of His Majesty.
Pennesuttawy
General
19th dynasty, c. late-14th century BC.
A general and superintendent of the Southern Lands (Kush) at the beginning of the 19th dynasty of Egypt. Pennesuttawy was a brother of the High Priest of Amun, Parennefer.
Yuny
Viceroy of Kush
19th, reign of Ramesses II in Egypt
(Also Yunni or Iunni) On a stela in Abydos is inscribed: "Made by the Superintendent of Deserts in the Southern Foreign country, Viceroy in Nubia (Ta-Sety), Chief of Works in the Estate of Amun, Chief of the Madjayu-militia, Iuny. Yuni started the Egyptian building projects at Amara West and Aksha. It was "on his orders that the first blocks of the Abu Simbel temples were cut." Yuny commemorated his work with a rock-cut scene showing himself standing before Ramesses II on the Abu Simbel cliff. After ten years under Ramesses II, Yuny retired from his post in Nubia.
Heqanakht
Viceroy of Kush
19th dynasty, reign of Ramesses II in Egypt
Heqanakht may have been Viceroy of Kush during the 8th to 24th year of Ramesses II's reign. He is present in a rock stela from Abu Simbel, shown adoring Queen Nefertari before offerings in year 24, as well as in a graffiti in Aswan, in a squatting statue from Quban, in the temple of Amada, in Aksha, Amarah and Abry.
Paser II
Viceroy of Kush
19th dynasty, reign of Ramesses II in Egypt
Paser II was the son of the High Priest of Min and Isis named Minmose, related to the troop commander of Kush, commander of the army, and other high officials. He is attested in a statue, a donation stela and a rock stela from Abu Simbel.
Huy
Viceroy of Kush
19th dynasty, reign of Ramesses II in Egypt
Huy was also Mayor of Tjarw and a royal messenger to the Hatti. According to an inscription, he escorted Queen Maathorneferure from Hatti to Egypt. Buried inTT14 in Thebes (Luxor)
Setau
Viceroy of Kush
19th dynasty, reign of Ramses II in Egypt, probabbly after year 38
Setau was "a graduate of the royal school", and according to an inscription carved at the temple of Wadi es-Sebua built by him around 1236 BC, he also served as Chief Bowman of Kush, Steward of Thebes, Overseer of the Gold Lands of the Lord of the Two Lands, King's scribe, Governor of the City, and Overseer of the treasury. He also brags to have exploited Nubia, doubling the taxes: "I brought all the dues of the land of Kush in double measure"
Anhotep
Viceroy of Kush
19th dynasty, reign of Ramses II in Egypt
Viceroy of Kush, Governor of the South Lands, Scribe of the Tables of the Two Lands, from the time of Rameses II. His wife was named Hunuro. Anhotep's tomb is TT300.
Mernodjem
Viceroy of Kush
19th dynasty, reign of Ramses II in Egypt
Also Mernudjem. A stela from Abu Simbel mentions that Mernodjem was of a military background.
Khaemtir
Viceroy of Kush
19th dynasty, reign of Meneptah and Seti II in Egypt
Also Khaemteri (Khaemtjitry). Monuments attesting to Khaemtir's service as Viceroy mostly stem from Buhen, a Nubian fortress located at the Second Cataract. The monuments of viceroy Khaemtjitry all seem to show damage to his name.Vizier Khaemtjitry is shown on a block from a shrine in Deir el-Medina. The name of Khaemtjitry has been plastered over and replaced by that of the Vizier Parahotep. There is some confusion about his function.
Messuy
Viceroy of Kush
19th dynasty, Reign of Meneptah in Egypt
Messuy was appointed Viceroy of Kush in year 5 of Merneptah and followed Khaemtir in office. Messuy added many inscription to temples and sites in Nubia, including Amada, Aksha, Amara, Temple of Beit el-Wali, Wadi es-Sebua, and Bigeh Island. Some scholars suggest that Messuy was to be identified with Pharaoh Amenmesse. Kraus conjectured that Messuy had taken power in Southern Egypt after a short reign of Seti-Merneptah, the son and heir of Merneptah.
Sety
Viceroy of Kush
19th, reign of Siptah in Egypt
Sety, or Sethy or Seti, is given many titles in Abu Simbel: Hereditary Prince, Count, King's Son of Kush, Overseer of the Gold Lands of Amun, Fan-bearer on the King's right, King's Scribe of the letters of Pharaoh, First chief in the stable, Eyes of the King of Upper Egypt, Ears of the King of Lower Egypt, High-Priest of the Moon-god, Thoth, Overseer of the Treasury, and Overseer of the letter-scribes in the Court of the Palace-of-Ramesses-Miamun, in the Court. He is also mentioned in Buhen, Suhel and on the road from Assouan to Philae.
Hori I
Viceroy of Kush
20th dynasty, reign of Siptah, Setnakhte and Ramesses III in Egypt
Hori's titles include: King's Son of Kush, First charioteer of His Majesty, and King's messenger to every land.Hori's tomb was found in Tell Basta.
HoriII
Viceroy of Kush
20th dynasty, reign of Ramesses III and Ramesses IV in Egypt
Hori II is a son of Hori I and also served as Viceroy of Kush. Their tombs have been found in Tell Basta. Hori II may have been the father of a later Viceroy named Wentawa. Hori II held the titles King's son of Kush, overseer of the Gold Lands of Amen-Re, King of the Gods, and king's scribe. A depiction of Hori II and the Governor of Buhen are shown before the cartouche of Ramesses III on a lintel from Buhen. Hori II is also attested in Suhel Island and Semneh.
Siese
Viceroy of Kush
20th dynasty, reign of Ramesses IV in Egypt
Nothing more is known about Siese than that he was probably the successor of Hori II as Viceroy of Kush.
Nahihor
Viceroy of Kush
20th dynasty, reign of Ramesses VII and perhaps Ramesses VIII in Egypt
This viceroy of Kush is only known as successor of Siese. He is the father of Viceroy Wentawat.
Wentawat
Viceroy of Kush
20th dynasty, reign of Ramesses IX in Egypt
Wentawat (also written as Wentawuat) was a son of the Viceroy Nahihor. Wentawat's titles include: King's son of Kush, overseer of the Gold Lands of Amun-Ra King of the Gods, Head of the stable of the Court. A stela shows Wentawat, his wife Tausert (also written as Tawosret) and his son Nahihor (or Naherhu), who held the title of Head of the stable of the Residence. Another son, Ramessesnakht, succeeded his father as Viceroy of Kush. Wentawat is also known from a damaged granite statuette depicting him while kneeling and holding the figure of a god.
Ramsessenakht
Viceroy of Kush
20th dynasty, reign of Ramesses XI in Egypt
Viceroy of Kush, son of Wentawat who preceded him in this function.
Tjeni?
Viceroy of Kush
20th dynasty, reign of Ramesses XI in Egypt
A viceroy mentioned in grafitto on a pillar in the temple of Buhen. The text also mentions Ramesses XI.
Pinehesy
Viceroy of Kush
end of the 20th dynasty, reign of Ramesses XI in Egypt
This Viceroy became persona non-grata. Panehsy, the most powerful person in the Thebaid, set up a military coup by his own decision and without royal support. High Priest Amenhotep may not have been killed then, but helped by the king, without gaining back his former position, however. A source of conflict was Amenhotep's accusation of atrocities by the Nubian soldiers of Panehsy against the Theban population, whereupon Panehsy received the royal command to leave Thebes and to travel south. Nine months after the war had started, Herihor's army dispelled that of Panehsy, the later enemy of state, to the south. Panehsy, buried in Aniba, can be considered the founder of an independent Nubia.
Setmose
Viceroy of Kush
20th dynasty, reign of Ramesses XI in Egypt
This Viceroy of Kush has been newly recognized and published in 1985 the Egyptology journal Göttinger Miszellen
Piankh
Viceroy of Kush
20th dynasty, reign of Ramesses XI in Egypt
Piankh held a number of official positions including High Priest of Amun,[3] King's scribe, King's son of Kush, Overseer of the foreign countries to the South, overseer of the granaries and commander of the archers of the whole of [Upper] Egypt. In year 10, Piankh, in his position as Viceroy of Kush, led an army into Nubia with the apparent aim to 'meet' a certain Pinehesy, probably the former Viceroy of Kush. It is believed that since then he lived in Nubia as an enemy of the state. Although it is often postulated that it was the aim of this expedition to fight Pinehesy, this is by no means certain.
Herihor
Viceroy of Kush
20th dynasty, reign of Ramesses XI in Egypt
Herihor was an Egyptian army officer and High Priest of Amun at Thebes (1080 BC to 1074 BC) during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses XI. At the decoration of the hypostyle hall walls of the temple of Khonsu at Karnak, Herihor served several years under king Ramesses XI since he is shown obediently performing his duties as chief priest under this sovereign.[6] But he assumed more and more titles, from high priest to vizier, before finally openly taking the royal title at Thebes, even if he still nominally recognised the authority of Ramesses XI, the actual king of Egypt.
Akheperre
Viceroy of Kush
21st dynasty, reign of Menkheperre in Egypt
The el-Hibeh archive mentions Akheperre who is a Third Priest of Amun and a Viceroy of Kush.
Neskhons
Female Viceroy of Kush, King's Daughter of Kush
21st dynasty, reign of Siamun in Egypt
Also Nsikhonsou, mentioned on the stela as the 'great one of the musical part of Amun-Re, king of gods, priestess of Satet, (female) viceroy of Kush, overseer of the Southern Lands' Wife of Pinudjem II. Also entitled First Great favourite of Amen-Re, priestess of Khnum, Lord of the Cataract, king's son of Kush, Overseer of the Southern Lands. She was the daughter of Smendes II and Takhentdjehuti,[1] and wed her paternal uncle, High Priest Pinedjem II, by whom she had four children: two sons, Tjanefer and Masaharta, and two daughters, Itawy and Nesitanebetashru.
Name lost
Viceroy of Kush
21st dynasty, reign of Osorkon II in Egypt
King's Son of Kush, Overseer of the Southern Lands, Prophet of Khnum - reign of Osorkon II
Hat-nakht
Viceroy of Kush
22nd dynasty, reign of Takelot II in Egypt
King's Son of Kush, Overseer of the Southern Lands reign of Takelot II
Pamiu I
Viceroy of Kush
22nd dynasty, reign of Osorkon III and Takelot III in Egypt
The title of Viceroy is attested on the coffins of his grandsons. Pamiu's son Pakhuru also became Vizier and later married Ir-bast-udja-tjau, a daughter of Takelot III. Another son Pediamonet would also become Vizier. The office of Viceroy was not inherited by Pamiu's sons.
Ankh-Osorkon
Viceroy of Kush
22nd dynasty, reign of Takelot III? in Egypt
Vizier, Overseer of the Southern Lands, Prophet of Khnum reign of Takelot III? From Basis of a standing statue, from Akhmin.