| Senusret IX the Restorer | |
|---|---|
| |
| Pharaoh of Egypt | |
| Reign | 14 January 1650 - 9 November 1689 |
| Coronation | July 8 1650 (Mennefer) 10 September 1650 (Waset)) 12 November 1650 (Sesostria) |
| Predecessor | Dedumose VIII |
| Successor | Twosret V |
| Born | January 8, 1601 Palace of the Lotus Per-Senusret, Egypt |
| Died | November 9, 1689 (aged 88) |
| Spouse | Twosret XV, Hatshepsut XXXVI, Khentkaus XXIV, Meritra XI, Meritamun XIII,
Merithathor VI, Meritbast X |
| Issue | Crown Prince Thutmose Crown Prince Amenhotep Djoser of Lebanon Amongst others |
| Full name | |
| Horus Name: Kanakht Tutmesut Gemeneftawybak Nebty Name: Wehemmesut Sekhemkhepesh Golden Horus Name: Userrenput Khakaura Praenomen: Kheperkheperkara Setepenunut Nomen: Senusret Sabast Meriamun | |
| House | Nebiriau |
| Father | Dedumose VIII |
| Mother | Henutsen XXII |
| Religion | Kemetism |
Senusret IX (Senusret Sadedumose Hesunebiriaut; 8 January 1601 – 7 November 1689) was King of the United Kingdom of Egypt from 14 January 1650 until his death in 1689. He was the fifth son of King Dedumose VIII and Queen Henutsen XXII. Named after his father’s deceased brother, he quickly became his father's favorite due to his gentle nature, reminiscent of his uncle. As a favored son, Senusret received the finest education, emerging as the most well-educated prince of his generation. Despite his father's turbulent reign, marked by constant rebellions, Senusret remained focused on his studies, becoming a competent soldier and a trusted leader. By 1629, Senusret was appointed Vizier of Upper Egypt, a move that prepared him to eventually succeed his father. His popularity with the public grew, particularly after his charitable actions and his efforts to improve the lives of the people. In 1646, he was formally named Crown Prince, although his father's final years were marked by increasing unrest and political turmoil. Senusret's leadership and opposition to some of his father's more brutal policies earned him widespread respect.
Ascending the throne on January 14, 1650, after his father’s assassination, Senusret IX ruled Egypt with a focus on rebuilding the nation’s economy and restoring stability. His reign marked the beginning of a new era of prosperity, known as the Pax Sesostrica, during which trade flourished, cities were restored, and the military was modernized. Senusret's rule was distinguished by his emphasis on collaboration with the Egyptian Parliament and his commitment to ensuring a peaceful transition of power to future generations. As a monarch, Senusret IX left an indelible mark on Egyptian history, strengthening the kingdom’s institutions and restoring its glory through both military success and diplomatic efforts. His reign is remembered as a time of renewal and stability, punctuated by personal tragedy but characterized by an enduring legacy of governance and national unity.
Early Life[]
Senusret was born on July 8, 1601 AD, as the fifth son of King Dedumose VIII and Queen Henutsen XXII. He was named after his father's deceased brother, Prince Senusret, one of the two brothers whom Dedumose ever truly loved. As Senusret grew, his gentle nature reminded his father of his late uncle, making him his father's favorite son. Dedumose ensured that Senusret became the most well-educated of his sons, intending to name him as his successor. These plans succeeded, and Senusret was considered the best-educated prince of his generation.
During his father's reign, Dedumose VIII faced many challenges, including constant rebellions. However, Senusret remained largely unaffected, focusing on his studies until the age of 22. In 1624, after completing his education, he began military training. Chroniclers describe him as a competent soldier, though not as skilled as his great-grandfather, Tutankhamun V, or his sons, Thutmose and Amenhotep. In 1620, Senusret married his first wife, Twosret, and their first son, Prince Thutmose, was born in 1621. A second son, Amenhotep, followed in 1623, and a third son, Djoser, was born in 1626. These three sons would later become known as "the Great Three."
Early Political Involvement[]
In 1628, Senusret’s elder brother, Dedumose, rebelled against their father. Senusret led the assault on the capital and successfully captured his brother, which solidified his father’s decision to name him as heir. Over the following years, Senusret began receiving increasing responsibilities. In 1629, he was appointed Vizier of Upper Egypt, a move widely regarded as preparation for his proclamation as crown prince. In 1634, he was made Mayor of Sesostria, where he earned the respect and affection of the general population through charitable actions, such as building homeless shelters and providing aid to the city of Akhmin, which had been destroyed by his father.
Crown Prince[]
In 1644, Senusret was officially named Crown Prince of Egypt. Worried about another succession crisis, King Dedumose VIII ordered the execution of all male members of the direct Nebirionic dynasty, except for Senusret, Prince Thutmose the Elder, and their heirs. Despite Senusret’s efforts to dissuade his father from this brutal decision, Dedumose remained resolute. However, Senusret did manage to convince his father to spare one son from each of the royal queens, which improved his image among the public for opposing the act and saving some of his brothers, despite being the primary beneficiary.
In June 1646, Senusret's third son, Djoser, married Queen Anne II of Lebanon. Following this, Senusret embarked on a public relations campaign to restore the image of the Nebirionic dynasty. His first target was the Egyptian Parliament, which had suffered under his father's reign. In 1647, Senusret delivered a speech to Parliament, acknowledging the institution’s importance and promising to rule with their cooperation when he eventually ascended the throne. He reaffirmed the words of his ancestor, Senusret VIII, quoting, "Men should be allowed to speak freely, for that is the least costly way to fix an issue." Senusret also vowed never to execute any member of Parliament during his reign. This speech was a success, and the members of Parliament pledged their support and loyalty to him.
Public Relations and Rising Popularity[]
Between 1647 and 1648, Senusret toured the provinces of Upper and Lower Egypt, making large donations from his personal funds and rebuilding cities destroyed during the "House Wars." His meetings with the common people further boosted his popularity. In 1648, his father celebrated his second Sed Festival, attended by only a few nobles and about 100 commoners. At the end of the celebrations, King Dedumose announced an aid package for the struggling people, though many attributed this act to Senusret's influence.
The Bubastis Massacre[]
In June 1649, a riot erupted in Bubastis. Dedumose ordered a brutal suppression of the revolt, but Senusret intervened and halted the massacre, further increasing his personal popularity. This incident, known as the Bubastis Massacre, marked his father’s last significant action as ruler.
The Death of Dedumose VIII[]
In January 1650, King Dedumose VIII was found dead, his face purple, indicating poisoning. The culprit was later identified as Beshotep, the king’s cupbearer. Dedumose had seemingly anticipated his assassination, as his will included brutal punishments for his murderer and their family. However, Senusret chose to pardon Beshotep's family and commuted his sentence to a simple beheading, further enhancing his reputation for mercy and justice.
Reign[]
Accession[]
Senusret IX ascended to the throne on January 14, 1650, at the age of 48. His first act was to meet with parliament, where he informed them of his accession and the circumstances of his father’s death. Senusret reaffirmed his commitment to parliament, and in turn, they swore their allegiance, now to him as their king. After this, Senusret was proclaimed king in the capital. His father, Dedumose VIII, was buried on April 3, attended by only 10 people: the King, Queen, Crown Prince, and seven Medjay. Queen Mother Henutsen XXII famously remarked, "Good riddance," a sentiment shared by many. Chroniclers noted that only 60 people lined the streets for the procession, making it the smallest crowd for a royal funeral in the nation's history, surpassing even the modest turnout for Unas III’s funeral, who had been the least popular pharaoh until then.
Following his father’s burial, Senusret was crowned King of Lower Egypt in Memphis on July 8, King of Upper Egypt on September 10 in Waset, and King of the United Kingdom on November 12 in Sesostria. At his third coronation, Senusret met with ambassadors and announced his plans for the nation, which included restoring the trade routes established by Nebiriau VIII, reestablishing naval power in the Red Sea, and revitalizing the economy.
Early Reign (1650-1660)[]
Senusret IX initiated the reconstruction of many ruined cities throughout Egypt, a process that spanned three years. The king was able to carry out these projects in part due to his father Dedumose VIII’s frugality, as well as the fact that many of these reconstructions had already been underway for nearly a decade. In 1651, Senusret ordered the royal fleet back to port for an overhaul and signed a peace treaty and non-aggression pact with Atlanersa V, the monarch of Nubia, valid for 10 years. Additionally, in response to the execution of Charles I of England, he banned English ships from Egyptian ports.
In 1652, the royal fleet returned to active service, once again patrolling the Egyptian coast and the Red Sea. Senusret also resumed his grandfather's investment in firearms, further modernizing the Egyptian army. By 1653, Egyptian soldiers were equipped with muskets. That same year saw the marriage of his eldest son, Crown Prince Thutmose, on May 12, and his brother, Amenhotep, on June 8. On April 14, 1654, Senusret welcomed his first grandchild by his eldest son, Twosret, named after her grandmother. In November of the same year, his brother Amenhotep’s first son, Prince Tutankhamun, was born. The king also solidified a key political alliance by supporting Nebiriau I's election as governor in 1655. Nebiriau would become one of Senusret's most trusted allies, remaining a powerful figure even after leaving office in 1670.
In 1656, Senusret began construction of a new city, Nefernebiriau, which was planned as a storage hub. Construction took seven years. By 1657, the reconstruction of Egypt was complete, and Senusret embarked on an extensive tour of the kingdom to visit the restored sites. Everywhere he went, he was greeted by massive crowds. During this period, Crown Prince Thutmose was left in charge of the capital. In 1658, Senusret’s 25th and final child was born. That same year, Bedouin raiders attacked the western lands, and the king, along with his eldest sons, successfully repelled the invaders. This victory elevated Senusret IX’s popularity further. By 1659, the king had revised several old laws from his predecessors and appointed Prince Thutmose as mayor of Sesostria. However, tragedy struck that year when Crown Prince Thutmose’s first son, Anhurhotep, died at just seven months old.
Middle Reign (1661-1680)[]
In 1660, Pharaoh Senusret IX and his sons set out to attack the Yemeni coast. During the campaign, Senusret was struck by an arrow in the shoulder but made a quick recovery. In 1661, Atlanersa V of Nubia launched an attack on Lower Nubia. Due to a parliamentary crisis in Egypt, Senusret was unable to respond personally and sent his sons, Crown Prince Thutmose and Prince Amenhotep, to handle the invasion. The brothers successfully reconquered Lower Nubia, but tragedy struck on February 2, 1661, when Crown Prince Thutmose was killed by an arrow that pierced his neck and heart. The death of the crown prince sent shockwaves through Egypt, leading to a national outpouring of grief. His widow, Crown Princess Meritamun, gave birth to another daughter on July 8th, deepening the nation’s sorrow.
Fueled by the death of his brother, Prince Amenhotep launched a brutal revenge campaign, razing Nubian towns from Syene to Kerma. On April 17, 1661, a treaty was signed, and Amenhotep returned to the capital as a national hero. The death of Crown Prince Thutmose triggered a succession crisis, as he left behind only daughters. In response, Senusret IX declared his second son, Amenhotep, as the new crown prince but maintained his daughter Twosret as throne princess. Senusret's reasoning was that at 60 years old, he could die soon, and Twosret, who was only seven years old, had just begun her studies. Amenhotep would serve as crown prince until Twosret reached the age of 18. It was proclaimed that when Twosret turned 22, she would marry her cousin, Prince Tutankhamun, the eldest son of Crown Prince Amenhotep.
In 1662, Senusret passed the Crown Laws, revising Egyptian succession laws. The new laws reinforced primogeniture and stipulated that if a male heir died with only daughters, the eldest daughter should succeed and marry the nearest male descendant of Narmer I. Senusret further expanded his influence by marrying his daughter, Sitamun, to King Sahura XI of Punt. In 1663, Egypt entered its second Nebirionic Golden Age, also known as the Pax Sesostrica, a period marked by internal stability, flourishing trade, and a booming economy.
In 1665, the king embarked on another royal tour, visiting Egypt's provinces and receiving widespread acclaim. However, in 1669, the city of Gebtu burned down, and Tjenu was hit by a plague outbreak. Senusret sent aid from his personal treasury to help the stricken cities. In 1670, a new governor was elected, and Senusret’s granddaughter, Crown Princess Tamar of Lebanon, visited Egypt. During her visit, the king awarded her the Order of the Sematawy, the highest honor in the land. Tamar reported the ill health of her father, King Consort Djoser, and Senusret agreed to his wish to be buried in Lebanon.
Later that year, Senusret appointed Crown Prince Amenhotep as Prince Regent and traveled to Lebanon to be with Djoser on his deathbed. Upon Djoser's death, Amenhotep declared a 70-day mourning period. After the funeral, Senusret visited Sultan Mehmed IV in Constantinople before returning to Egypt in early 1672. In 1674, Twosret was officially appointed Crown Princess of Egypt on her birthday. King Senusret presented her with a golden vulture crown and a silver-and-gold mock pschent. In 1676, she married Prince Tutankhamun, sparking celebrations throughout the kingdom. Senusret gifted her silks and presented Tutankhamun with a jewel-encrusted ceremonial sword and dagger. The King of Punt, Mentuhotep VII, also attended, bringing his stepmother, Princess Sitamun, and her three children. He gifted Twosret anklets, bracelets, and collars made of gold, electrum, and encrusted with jewels.
In 1677, Senusret attempted to pass a law introducing an age limit of 65 for parliament members, but the bill was rejected by the House of Commons. Remarkably, Senusret accepted their decision without forcing the issue, marking the first time a Pharaoh willingly acquiesced to a decision contrary to his own. In 1678, construction began on two new fortresses: Sekhemtawy on the Biau Peninsula and Akhtawy in the west. However, the builders of the latter were attacked, and Senusret sent Crown Prince Amenhotep to subdue the attackers. Though victorious, Amenhotep suffered an injury to his left arm, which became infected and had to be amputated. By 1679, the fortresses were completed, and in 1680, Senusret IX celebrated his first Sed festival with massive public celebrations. He announced a charity package and the construction of 26 new hospitals and four universities
Final Years (1681-1689)[]
In 1681, Twosret gave birth to her first son, Prince Senusret, who would later ascend the throne as Senusret X, the first monarch of the Tutankhamunian dynasty. That same year, Crown Prince Amenhotep died of appendicitis, leaving Senusret devastated. The following years saw Senusret intensifying Twosret's training for the throne. In 1686, Senusret IX launched his last military campaign, repelling a Nubian invasion of Lower Nubia, but at the cost of Crown Prince Tutankhamun’s life. In his final years, Senusret focused on preparing his granddaughter for rulership and overseeing public projects. In 1689, the king celebrated his fourth and final Sed Festival, though his health began to decline. After suffering several strokes, Senusret IX died on November 9, 1689, at the age of 88, after a 39-year reign. His death was deeply mourned, as he was remembered as the king who rebuilt Egypt and restored its strength.
Legacy[]
Senusret IX is remembered as one of Egypt’s most significant and transformative rulers. His 39-year reign saw the restoration of Egypt’s prosperity and power, following the unstable period under his predecessor, Dedumose VIII. Senusret's ability to rebuild the kingdom’s infrastructure, revive its economy, and restore international relations cemented his reputation as a stabilizing figure in Egyptian history. His policies, particularly the reconstruction of major cities and fortresses, marked a golden age known as the Pax Sesostrica, during which Egypt experienced internal peace and external security.
His military campaigns, particularly the defense against Bedouin and Nubian incursions, as well as his expeditions to the Yemeni coast, displayed his commitment to safeguarding Egypt's borders. Although the loss of his son, Crown Prince Thutmose, in battle brought Egypt into a period of mourning, Senusret managed to ensure a smooth succession by naming his second son, Amenhotep, as Crown Prince, and later preparing his granddaughter, Twosret, as heir.
In terms of domestic reforms, Senusret's reign was notable for his introduction of new laws, particularly the Crown Laws that reinforced the principle of primogeniture and ensured that Egypt would be ruled by a descendant of Narmer I. He also showed remarkable diplomatic acumen, managing relations with foreign powers such as Nubia, Punt, and even the Ottoman Empire.
Senusret’s personal investment in public works and the welfare of his people was unparalleled. The king’s large-scale infrastructure projects, including the construction of hospitals, universities, and storage cities, laid the foundation for a thriving Egyptian society well into the future. His charity work, such as funding aid to plague-stricken cities and providing employment to the homeless, further solidified his legacy as a ruler who cared deeply for his people.
By the end of his reign, Senusret was affectionately known as "Senusret the Gardener," a title reflecting his passion for cultivating the royal gardens, which became a symbol of Egypt's restored vitality. His multiple Sed festivals, especially his final one in 1689, were marked by national celebrations that demonstrated the deep affection his subjects had for him. His reign became a model of how a ruler could guide Egypt through a period of renewal, and his death in 1689 was met with widespread grief.
Senusret IX's legacy was carried on by his granddaughter, Twosret, who succeeded him, continuing the work he began in stabilizing and strengthening the kingdom. His reign is remembered as a pivotal period in ancient Egyptian history, one that restored Egypt to its former glory and left a lasting imprint on its political, military, and cultural landscape.
Family[]
| Name | Rank | Sons | Daughters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twosret XV | Great Royal Wife | Thutmose, Crown Prince of Egypt, 6/11/1621 - 2/2/1661 Amenhotep, Crown Prince of Egypt, 23/8/1623 - 14/4/1681 Djoser, King Consort of Lebanon, 9/2/1626 - 25/7/1670 Nebiriau, Prince of Egypt 22/5/1630 - 11/8/1690 |
Sitamun, Princess of Egypt 22/6/1628 - 9/4/1688 |
| Hatshepsut XXXVI | Second Queen | Anhurhotep, Prince of Egypt 12/7/1625 - 24/4/1676 Sneferu, Prince of Egypt 10/6/1627 - 19/11/1681 |
Merimut, Princess of Egypt 4/9/1630- 16/11/1687 |
| Khentkaus XXIV | Third Queen | Amenemhat, Prince of Egypt //1626 - //1678 Ahmose, Prince of Egypt //1629 - //1677 |
Twosret, Princess of Egypt 22/10/1633 - 8/9/1668 |
| Meritra XI | Fourth Queen | Shumose, Prince of Egypt 9/3/1630 - 9/5/1682 Gebhotep, Prince of Egypt 17/8/1640 - 12/9/1684 |
Mutemwia, Princess of Egypt 16/10/1632 - 22/6/1680 Ptahneferu, Princess of Egypt 11/9/1635 - 14/4/1686 Neferneferuamun, Princess of Egypt 3/3/1638 - 2/8/1689 |
| Meritamun XIII | Imperial Consort | Horemheb, Prince of Egypt 15/11/1632 - 18/7/1667 Ramesses, Prince of Egypt 12/9/1634 - 22/5/1683 Seti, Prince of Egypt 15/12/1637 - 15/11/1680 |
|
| Merithathor VI | Imperial Consort | Khety, Prince of Egypt 20/1/1639 - 11/4/1685 Merenptah, Prince of Egypt 10/4/1641 - 9/8/1688 |
Iset, Princess of Egypt 1/7/1644 - 17/5/1682 |
| Meritbast X | Imperial Consort | Siptah, Prince of Egypt 5/5/1652- 11/6/1679 Meriamun, Prince of Egypt 2/12/1655 - 4/8/1683 Gemenefkhonsbak, Prince of Egypt 9/3/1658- 12/6/1691 |