Amenmesse (Menmire)

The usurper

The succession following Merneptah's death was chaotic. Amenmesse—whose exact lineage remains heavily debated, though he may have been a son of Ramesses II or a younger brother of Seti II—revolted against the legitimate heir. He successfully seized control of Upper Egypt and lower Nubia, holding power for up to four years before being defeated. His monuments were subsequently destroyed or usurped by his rivals.