Pepi II

Fact 1 on Pepi II:

Name: This pharaoh of ancient Egypt was also known as Pepy II, Pepi II, Phiops II or Fiiops II.
 

Fact 2 on Pepi II:

History: The power of the pharaohs and the royal family were declining as non-royals were raised to exalted positions in the government and the priests became highly influential. Tombs of court officials rivalled those of kings, an indication that the wealth of Egypt was being transferred to the non-royal officials.
 

Fact 3 on Pepi II:

History: He ruled as the king of Egypt during the period in ancient Egyptian history known as the Old Kingdom and was a pharaoh of the 6th dynasty of kings by right of inheritance. He succeeded Pharaoh Merenre, his half-brother, to the throne of Egypt.
 

Fact 4 on Pepi II:

Family: His father was Pepi I and his mother was Queen Ankhenespepi II.
 

Fact 5 on Pepi II:

Pepi II was underage when he succeeded his half-brother to the throne of Egypt. His mother Queen Ankhesenpepi II, the widow of King Pepi I, ruled in the role as regent until her son reached maturity.
 

Fact 6 on Pepi II:

His uncle, the vizier Djau, was a staunch supporter of his sister Queen Ankhenespepi II and her young son, and was able to maintain stable government. This was an important factor as there had been considerable political intrigue and conspiracies during the reigns of previous rulers of the 6th Dynasty. The Nomarchs (regional representatives of the Pharaoh) also continued to gain in power and influence.
 

Fact 7 on Pepi II:

As Pepi II was only six years old when he inherited the throne he needed the protection of his family.
 

Fact 8 on Pepi II:

Family: Pepi married his sister Neith, whose status and title was the "Hereditary Princess", "Great of Praises" and "Great one of the hetes-sceptre". It was acceptable for the pharaoh to practise incest in order to retain the sacred and divine bloodline. The son of Pepi and Neith was Merenre.
 

Fact 9 on Pepi II:

Family: The names of his 'lesser wives' were Iput II, Ankhesenpepi III, Ankhesenpepi IV and Udjebten. It was acceptable for the king of Egypt to practise Polygamy, meaning he had more than one wife at the same time. Having several wives or concubines enabled the pharaoh to maintain the his dynasty and ensure the line of succession of his family.
 

Fact 10 on Pepi II:

The governor of Upper Egypt in the south of the country was called Harkhuf. This official undertook various trading expeditions to Nubia and lands beyond in the south of Africa. His trading expeditions were well documented. He brought back luxury goods such as incense, ebony, oils, panther skins and elephant tusks (ivory). He also presented dancing pygmy, who delighted the boy-king. The young king was so pleased with the pygmy that he sent a letter to Harkhuf, which was reproduced in his tomb.