Thirteenth Dynasty of Egypt

Thirteenth Dynasty of Egypt
1803 BC–1649 BC
Granite statue of Pharaoh Imyremeshaw in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
Granite statue of Pharaoh Imyremeshaw in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo
CapitalItjtawy (c. 1803 BC – c. 1677 BC)
Thebes (c. 1677 BC – c. 1648 BC)
Common languagesEgyptian language
Religion
ancient Egyptian religion
GovernmentAbsolute monarchy
Historical eraSecond Intermediate Period of Egypt
• Established
1803 BC
• Disestablished
1649 BC
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Twelfth Dynasty of Egypt
Fourteenth Dynasty of Egypt
Fifteenth Dynasty of Egypt
Sixteenth Dynasty of Egypt
Abydos Dynasty

The Thirteenth Dynasty of ancient Egypt (notated Dynasty XIII) was a series of rulers from approximately 1803 BC until approximately 1649 BC, i.e. for 154 years.[1] It is often classified as the final dynasty of the Middle Kingdom (which includes Dynasties XI, XII and XIV), but some historians instead group it in the Second Intermediate Period (with Dynasties XIV through XVII).

Dynasty XIII initially ruled from the Nile Delta to the second cataract of the Nile. However, the dynasty marked a period of decline and instability, with Dynasty XIV rising concurrently and the Hyksos Dynasty XV taking control shortly after.

Sekhemre Khutawy Sobekhotep is usually considered Dynasty XIII's first pharaoh, and Merneferre Ay, while not the final pharaoh, was the last to occupy the Middle Kingdom capital of Itjtawy, and the last of the dynasty with a significant recorded reign.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference ryholt was invoked but never defined (see the help page).