Amenemhat I

(reigned c. 1985–1955 BC)

   Throne name Sehetepibre. Son of Senusret and Nefret. He is first attested as vizier of Mentuhotep IV of Dynasty 11 and must be identical to the founder of Dynasty 12, although it is not clear if he came to the throne peacefully or as a result of a coup d’etat. Amenemhat I proved a strong and effective ruler, establishing a new capital at Itjtawy, now Lisht in the Fayum. He began the campaign of conquest of Nubia and also built a series of fortifications along Egypt’s Sinai border known as the Walls of the Ruler. He apparently installed his son Senusret I as coregent, although this has been doubted by some Egyptologists. Amenemhat I was assassinated after 30 years of rule in an apparent palace conspiracy that was later crushed by his son. He was buried in a pyramid complex at Lisht. A wisdom text in his name, The Instruction of Amenemhat I, was composed after his death, presumably during his son’s reign.

   See also Intefyoker; Khety; Sinuhe.

Historical Dictionary Of Ancient Egypt by Morris L. Bierbrier