Seti II

The fifth pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty, Seti II, ruled for almost six years. During the early years of his reign his control of Upper Egypt was challenged by Amenmesse, who may have been another of Merenptah’s sons. The political situation during this time is unclear, but the two rivals may have shared power for several years. Eventually, Seti II emerged triumphant and ended his rule as sole pharaoh.

Although his reign was short and troubled, Seti II left behind several important monuments, including a temple to the goddess Hathor in the Levant, as well as a station for the barque of Amun and several chapels dedicated to the Theban triad at Karnak. Several important documents have also survived from this reign, including a story known as “The Tale of the Two Brothers,” and documents relating to the trial of a royal workman named Paneb. Seti II began a tomb for himself in the Valley of the Kings (KV 15), but this was left unfinished at the time of his death. His body was moved several times before it reached its final resting place in the tomb of Amenhotep II.