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The Dynasty itself began with a series of four kings (in fact
hardly more than nomarchs), who ruled from Thebes. Three known as Intef
(or Inyotef), one - Mentuhotep. They were each involved in
struggles against the northern kings of Herakleopolis. Interestingly,
their Horus names indicate more their aspirations than reality: Intef II
called himself 'Kings of Upper and Lower Egypt', whereas his control did
not extend beyond the X nom of Upper Egypt; and
Intef III gave himself the name
Hr nxt nb-tp-nfr
Horus Nekhetnebtepnefer
(Beautiful and Strong Champion). The three Intefs were buried in
great tombs in the Dra Abu el-Naga, on area to the north of the Theban
plain on the west bank, close to where the road starts into the later
Valley of the Kings. This theban nomarchs
were, de facto, the most powerful vassals of hard-working
Heracleopolitan Dynasties IX and X. After long-year rivalry with North
they gained the rule over Egypt. Mentuhotep Nebhephetre re-unified the
land and established the rule, beginning the glorious period of the
Middle Kingdom. |
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