Ammenemes II

King 1929-1895 BC.

    By the time that Ammenemes II (son of *Sesostris I) had become king, the Twelfth Dynasty had overcome its initial insecurity and was well-established. Following the concept introduced by *Ammenemes I, *Sesostris I had associated Ammenemes II with him as co-regent; during this period the latter had pursued a non-military campaign to *Nubia.

    There is not a great amount of evidence available about his reign, although it is known that he continued to make agricultural and economic improvements, to support mining and quarrying projects, and to trade with Punt (in Year 28 of his reign, a stela records an expedition to the land of the *Puntites). He also had important contacts with northern countries. A sphinx discovered at Katna (north of Homs in Syria) was inscribed with the name of one of his daughters and the statuette of another daughter was found at Ras Shamra in Syria. Treasure discovered in the Temple of Mont at Tod in Upper Egypt provides the most impressive evidence of his contact with Syria. This came to Egypt probably as a gift or as tribute from the ruler of Byblos or some other principality. Housed in four bronze caskets and inscribed with the name of Ammenemes II, the treasure included items of Mesopotamian and Aegean craftsmanship; in addition to ingots of gold and silver, there was among the silver vessels one of Aegean design, and there were also Babylonian cylinder seals and amulets from Mesopotamia.

    Ammenemes II chose a new site for his pyramid—at Dahshur in northern Egypt; it followed the same pattern as his father's monument at Lisht.

BIBL. Vandier, J. A propos d'un depot de provenance asiatique trouve a Tod. Syria 18 (1937) pp 174-82, pls 28-9.

Biographical Dictionary of Ancient Egypt by Rosalie and Antony E. David