Amenemhat XII (Pharaonic Survival)

Amenemhat XII the Wise
Pharaoh of Egypt
Reign	2 January 1910 - 10 March 1935
Coronation	27 JFebruary 1910 (Mennefer) 21 April 1910 (Waset) 8 June 1910 (Sesostria)
Predecessor	Seti VIII
Successor	Horemheb X
Co-Rulers	Senusret XII (1910-1920) Seti VIII (1910-1929)
Born	July 7, 1861(1861-07-07) Palace of the Lotus Per-Senusret, Egypt
Died	March 10, 1935(1935-03-10) (aged 73)
Spouse	Khenemetneferhedjet XXV, Nefertiti XXXV, Tiye XXX, Nefertiti XXXVI, Meretseger XVII, Wadjet XVIII, Ahmose LVI, Meritra XVI, Iset XIV
Issue	Horemheb X Amongst Others
Full name
Horus Name: Kanakht Tutmesut Djosernesyt Nebty Name: Wehemmesut Sekhemkhepesh Menibra Golden Horus Name: Sehotepnetjeru Gemenefanhurbak Praenomen: Nebkheperkara Setepenimentet Nomen: Amenemhat Sausire Meriatum
House	Tutankhamun
Father	Seti VIII
Mother	Khentkaus XXV
Religion	Kemetism

Amenemhat XII (born as Sonbef Wegaf Nebiriau Siamun Thutmose July 7, 1861 – March 10, 1935) was a prominent Egyptian monarch whose reign shaped the cultural, economic, and political landscape of the Egyptian Empire. Born in the Palace of Papyrus in Sesostria during the reign of his grandfather, Senusret XII the Glorious, Amenemhat was the son of then Crown Prince Seti and Khentkau. Educated at the prestigious Amenhotep VIII Institute and later the Imperial University, he gained recognition for his profound understanding of economics, earning the nickname "Nebiriau Come Again" in homage to his ancestor Nebiriau VIII, a celebrated economic reformer.

Amenemhat began his public career in 1886 as Lesser King of Lower Egypt, overseeing significant cultural and economic projects, including the construction of the Temple of Isis in Alexandria and the establishment of a major library in Mendes. His elevation to co-monarch in 1910 marked a turning point, leading to a reign characterized by military leadership, economic innovation, and administrative reforms. He successfully navigated the Egyptian Empire through periods of global conflict and economic crises, including World War I and the Great Depression, instituting policies that solidified Egypt’s position as a regional power.

Early Life

Amenemhat XII as Lesser King of Lower Egypt

Amenemhat Sonbef Wegaf Nebiriau Siamun Thutmose was born on July 7, 1861, in the Palace of Papyrus in Sesostria, as the son of Crown Prince Seti and his wife, Khentkaus. His birth occurred during the reign of his grandfather, Senusret XII the Glorious. Amenemhat's early education took place at the prestigious Amenhotep VIII Institute, and he later attended the Imperial University, where he developed a deep interest in economics. His exceptional skill in this field earned him the nickname "Nebiriau Come Again," a reference to his illustrious ancestor Nebiriau VIII, renowned for his economic reforms. At the age of 27, Amenemhat was diagnosed with a rare and mysterious condition that caused his physical aging process to cease entirely, leaving him with the appearance and vitality of a man in his prime for the rest of his life. In 1879, Amenemhat married his first wife, Khenemetneferhedjet, and the following year, they welcomed their first son, Horemheb, who would later ascend the throne as Horemheb X. In 1886, Amenemhat was appointed Lesser King of Lower Egypt, a position that granted him the authority to wear the crowns of Egypt, although his tenure was not considered part of his official reign. This role came with significant administrative responsibilities, and Amenemhat established his base of operations in Mendes.

As Lesser King, Amenemhat undertook several significant projects to enhance the cultural and economic prosperity of Lower Egypt. He commissioned the construction of a grand temple dedicated to Isis in Alexandria, showcasing his devotion to traditional Egyptian deities. Additionally, he spearheaded the establishment of a new library in Mendes, which became a center of learning and scholarship. Amenemhat's tenure as Lesser King lasted until 1910, when he was elevated to the position of co-monarch alongside his father and grandfather.

Amenemhat XII at his coronation

Reign

On January 2, 1910, Amenemhat was elevated to co-monarch by his grandfather and father as Amenemhat XII. His ascension marked a significant milestone in Egyptian history. He was crowned King of Lower Egypt in Memphis on February 27, 1910, King of Upper Egypt in Waset on April 21, 1910, and Emperor of the Egyptian Empire in Sesostria on June 8, 1910. These ceremonies solidified his position as a unifying figure across the Egyptian territories. The year following his coronation tested Amenemhat's leadership skills. During the Italian conquest of Libya, the Egyptian government was divided on how to respond. The Prime Minister and Senusret XII advocated for entering the conflict, while Seti VIII sought to maintain peace. Amenemhat sided with his father, and Egypt remained neutral, a decision that preserved stability within the empire.

When World War I broke out three years later, Amenemhat was given command of the Egyptian troops in the Levant Campaign. One of his notable achievements during this time was the capture of Jerusalem in 1916, which brought him widespread recognition as a capable military leader. Following the war, Amenemhat shifted his focus to economic policy and historiography. In 1919, he was elected president of the Geographical Society, a position he held until 1929, when he resigned due to an increasingly demanding schedule. The death of Senusret XII in 1920 placed Amenemhat in charge of planning an elaborate state funeral. Millions of mourners gathered to pay respects to the late pharaoh, who was remembered as "The Great Egyptian." This event further cemented Amenemhat's role as a unifying leader.

In 1922, Amenemhat initiated the construction of the Desheret Railway to connect the growing population in the western desert to the mainland. This infrastructure project was prompted by the transformation of the Usergeb Depression into a freshwater lake, which boosted settlement in the area. That same year, Amenemhat signed a treaty with Ethiopia to link the Egyptian and Ethiopian railway systems, fostering stronger regional ties. On November 4, 1922, the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun I was discovered. Amenemhat oversaw the transport of its treasures to the National Museum of Sesostria and ensured the remains of the pharaoh were safeguarded by the royal family. He later constructed a new tomb to house the remains of New Kingdom pharaohs, preserving Egypt’s cultural heritage.

In 1924, Amenemhat introduced the Amenemhatid Administrative Reforms. These reforms created new nomes in the eastern and western deserts, reflecting population growth around Lake Sesostris, Lake Thutmosis, and the northern coast. He reorganized the western oases into a province comprising four nomes, each governed by a nomarch. The reforms officially went into effect on January 6, 1925, streamlining governance and administration across the empire. However, the global economic downturn of 1929, known as the Great Depression, severely impacted Egypt. The collapse of exports led to economic turmoil, parliamentary deadlock, and widespread unrest. Riots erupted in cities like Memphis and Thebes, and political assassinations escalated. Fascist groups, such as the Sons of Seth and the Warriors of Anhur, gained influence and launched terrorist campaigns.

Frustrated by parliamentary inaction, Amenemhat invoked Article 8 of the Sesostrid Constitution on January 3, 1930, returning Egypt to an absolute monarchy. He delivered a powerful speech in parliament, declaring its suspension and asserting his sole authority. Under martial law, Amenemhat ordered mass arrests, banned fascist organizations, and executed their leaders. The military occupied key cities, enforced curfews, and established a Government of National Salvation. Corruption became punishable by severe measures, including dismemberment. To address the economic crisis, Amenemhat implemented the Plan of Economic Salvation. He halved political salaries, opened the imperial treasury, and utilized wealth accumulated by Nebiriau VIII over 300 years earlier to fund housing for the homeless and create temporary jobs through public works projects. He also reinstated the grain dole to combat food insecurity, distributing supplies from royal and imperial farms. Additionally, he launched a large-scale military renovation program. These measures stabilized the economy, and by mid-1932, Egypt became the first nation to recover from the global depression.

In 1932, Amenemhat enacted a 50-Year Plan aimed at achieving economic self-sufficiency by 1982. This plan included long-term investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and industry, ensuring Egypt's resilience against future crises. By 1933, the rise of the Nazi Party in Germany and growing Italian militarism raised concerns for Amenemhat. Recognizing the potential threat of a German-Italian alliance with imperialist ambitions, he implemented strict measures. Any German or Italian citizen entering Egypt was subject to rigorous searches, and in 1934, Amenemhat quadrupled the scale of Egypt's rearmament program to prepare for possible conflict.

Amenemhat prior to his speech declaring Egypt an absolute monarchy again

Amenemhat XII passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 10, 1935, at the age of 73. Later that year, on October 3, Italy invaded Ethiopia, setting the stage for global conflict. Amenemhat’s policies and foresight, however, left Egypt better prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.

Legacy

Amenemhat XII's legacy is one of profound resilience, foresight, and transformation. His tenure as Lesser King of Lower Egypt and later as Pharaoh exemplified a commitment to cultural preservation, economic reform, and military preparedness. His leadership during pivotal moments, such as the Levant Campaign in World War I and the Great Depression, showcased his ability to adapt to challenges while maintaining stability within the Egyptian Empire.

The economic policies introduced under Amenemhat XII, including the Plan of Economic Salvation and the 50-Year Plan, laid the groundwork for long-term prosperity and self-sufficiency. These initiatives not only mitigated the effects of the global economic downturn but also established Egypt as a model of recovery and innovation. His administrative reforms modernized governance structures, creating efficient systems to manage population growth and regional development.

Amenemhat XII's cultural contributions were equally significant. His efforts to preserve Egypt's rich heritage, such as the safeguarding of Tutankhamun I's treasures and the construction of tombs for New Kingdom pharaohs, reinforced the importance of history in national identity. His dedication to education and scholarship, evident in his support for libraries and academic institutions, fostered a spirit of intellectual growth.

Despite the challenges of his later years, including rising fascism and global tensions, Amenemhat XII’s decisive actions preserved Egypt's sovereignty and unity. His rearmament initiatives and strategic alliances prepared the empire for future conflicts, leaving a legacy of preparedness and resilience.