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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 or or 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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