c.2160 BCE
9th and 10th Dynasties of Egypt
2160–2025 BCE
The 9th and 10th Dynasties are the Herakleopolitan kings, who ruled much of northern and central Egypt from Herakleopolis Magna while a rival Theban house grew in the south. Many of the kings bore the name Khety.
Their history is reconstructed from sparse and partly later evidence. The wisdom text known as the Instruction for King Merikare is traditionally linked to this line, though its authorship and date are debated. Conflict with Thebes ended with the reunification under Mentuhotep II.
- Dates
- 2160–2025 BCE
- Rulers profiled
- 3
Rulers of the 9th and 10th Dynasties
Best-known rulers: Khety rulers; Merikare (traditional attribution). Every ruler profile in the archive for this dynasty, in the order used by the chronology. Each name links to a full profile with dates, background, sources and illustrations.
Major monuments
- Herakleopolis Magna
- provincial tombs
- Instructions for King Merikare (attribution debated)
Key events
- Conflict and negotiation with Theban rivals
- eventual Theban reunification.
Reading the evidence
The numbering and succession are reconstructed from sparse, partly later evidence; Merikare’s historical placement is debated.
Sources: Shaw (2000); UCL Digital Egypt; Metropolitan Museum chronology. See the full bibliography.