Ankhwennefer (pharaoh) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ankhwennefer |
|
|---|---|
| Chaonnophris | |
| Ruler of Upper Egypt | |
| Reign | c. 200–186 BC |
| Predecessor | Horwennefer |
| Father | Horwennefer? |
| Died | c. 186 BC |
Ankhwennefer (meaning "May Onnophris live") was an ancient Egyptian ruler. He was a rebel pharaoh who controlled much of Upper Egypt. This was during the time of the Ptolemaic dynasty. He took over after another rebel leader, Horwennefer. Ankhwennefer ruled for about 14 years, from 200 to 186 BC. He was also known as Ankhmakis.
Reign
Becoming a Pharaoh
Ankhwennefer became pharaoh in Upper Egypt around 200 BC. He took over from Horwennefer. We don't know much about his family. He might have been Horwennefer's son. When he started ruling, things were tough. The rebels had lost their main city, Thebes. The Ptolemaic army was strong. They controlled Thebes and even a city called Syene further south.
Fighting Back
Ankhwennefer was very brave. He led his army north. They attacked Ptolemaic supply lines. This caused problems for the Ptolemaic army. Other rebellions also started in northern Egypt. A big war, the Fifth Syrian War, helped him too. The Ptolemaic army was busy fighting elsewhere. In 200 BC, the Ptolemaic army lost a major battle. This allowed Ankhwennefer to get stronger. The rebels pushed the Ptolemaic soldiers back. They took back Thebes and other areas.
Challenges and Defeat
Even after taking back Thebes, Ankhwennefer faced problems. The Ptolemies were still fighting him. Also, the Kingdom of Kush from the south invaded. They wanted to expand their land along the Nile. In 197 or 196 BC, the Ptolemies fought back. They retook a city called Lykopolis. Later, Ptolemy V was officially crowned pharaoh.
Ankhwennefer's army became weaker. They lost control of the rich northern areas. The Kingdom of Kush kept pushing from the south. The Ptolemaic army moved south. They recaptured the Sauty province after tough battles. In 191 BC, they captured Thebes again. Ankhwennefer retreated to the border of Kush. He managed to get soldiers from Nubia to help him. His last stronghold might have been Syene.
The war continued until about 186 BC. Ankhwennefer's army, made of Egyptians and Nubians, was finally defeated. His son was killed in the battle. Ankhwennefer himself was captured.
After Capture
Ankhwennefer was put in prison. However, he might have been spared by Ptolemy V. Egyptian priests may have asked for his release. Many other rebels in the south were also forgiven. In the months that followed, the Ptolemaic army defeated the remaining rebels in northern Egypt.
We don't know many details about Ankhwennefer's rule. Most of the records from that time were destroyed.
See also
