Senusret XII (Pharaonic Survival)

Senusret XII The Glorious
Pharaoh of Egypt
Reign	1 January 1850 - 31 December 1920
Coronation	11 January 1850 (Mennefer) 2 June 1850 (Waset)
Predecessor	Thutmose VIII
Successor	Seti VIII
Co-Rulers	Senusret XI (1850-1857) Thutmose VIII (1850-1859) Seti VIII (1901-1920) Amenemhat XII (1910-1930)
Born	May 16, 1821(1821-05-16) Palace of the Lotus Per-Senusret, Egypt
Died	December 31, 1920(1920-12-31) (aged 99)
Spouse	Henutsen XXV, Nefertari XLIII, Isetnofret XII, Henuttamehu V
Issue	Seti VIII Senusret Nebiriau, King of Lebanon Amongst Others
Full name
Horus Name: Kanakht Tutmesut Wafkhasut Nebty Name: Wehemmesut Sekhemkhepesh Smenkhibra Golden Horus Name: Segerehtawy Sehotepnetjeru Ankhmaatra Userrenput Gemenefamunbak Praenomen: Usermaatra Setepenanhur Nomen: Senusret Saanhur Merisekhmet
House	Tutankhamun
Father	Thutmose VIII
Mother	Henutmira XXXIII
Religion	Kemetism

Senusret XII was an influential pharaoh of Egypt who reigned for an extraordinary 70 years, leaving an indelible mark on Egyptian history. Born in 1821, Senusret was proclaimed co-pharaoh by his grandfather and father in 1850. During the early years of his reign, Senusret focused on ambitious building projects, notably drafting plans for three canals to expand trade routes and livable areas. In 1851, Senusret initiated the excavation of Nefershuplaya, unearthing significant artifacts, including a solar clock from the predynastic period that captivated his interest. Determined to preserve this ancient monument, he altered his construction plans, incorporating an artificial island to safeguard it.

Senusret's reign faced challenges, including the outbreak of the first Anglo-Egyptian War in 1851. Remarkably, Senusret, alongside his father and grandfather, successfully defended Egypt, lifting the Nile blockade and leading to victory in 1855. Following the war, Senusret advocated for the respectful treatment of fallen soldiers, overseeing their mummification and orchestrating a grand funeral procession in their honor. In 1859, Senusret ascended to sole pharaohhood, inheriting Egypt after the defeat of the French.

Undeterred, Senusret forged ahead with his visionary projects, establishing the Royal Egyptian Transport Company and overseeing the construction of the Biau Canal. Completed in 1866, the canal transformed trade routes between Europe and Asia, bringing prosperity to Egypt but also attracting envy from European powers. Senusret's leadership was tested when the British attempted to seize the canal in 1868, sparking conflicts and diplomatic negotiations. Senusret's firm stance and strategic prowess averted disaster, earning him the epithet "the Glorious."

Throughout his reign, Senusret pursued diplomatic alliances and infrastructure projects, solidifying Egypt's status as a regional power. His commitment to progress and defense of Egyptian interests left an enduring legacy, shaping Egypt's future for generations to come, he along with Senusret X and Senusret XI are known as the three great lords of the Tutankhamunid dynasty.

Name

Senusret was born Senusret Satehutymose Bettutankhamun, His birth name meaning Senusret, son of Thutmose (VIII), of the House of Tutankhamun, upon taking the throne he altered his name to the new royal protocol of 7 Names, His horus name was Kanakht Tutmesut Wafkhasut: Victorious bull, the (very) image of (re)birth, who curbs foreign lands; Nebty Name: Wehemmesut Sekhemkhepesh Smenkhibra: He who renews the births, strong with a sword, Potent is the heart of Ra; Golden Horus: Segerehtawy Sehotepnetjeru Ankhmaatra Userrenput Gemenefamunbak: He who has quieted down the Two Lands, who has satisfied the gods, Living is the justice of Ra, rich in years, Amun has found for himself a servant; Praenomen: Usermaatra Setepenanhur: Powerful is the justice of Ra, chosen by Anhur; Nomen: Senusret: Man of Wosret or Man of Power; Sanetjer: Saanhur: Son of Onuris; Merinetjer: Merisekhmet: Beloved of Sekhmet. He was known as Senusret the younger during his early reign, later he became known as the Glorious and the Fabulous

Early Life

The man who would become Pharaoh Senusret XII was born on May 16, 1821, the eldest son of Crown Prince Thutmose and Crown Princess Henutmira. He was born on the occasion of the victory parade of the conquest of Nubia. Senusret's date of birth was seen as an auspicious sign. His father and mother later brought him to the oracle of Amun in Sekhet Iamu, where the oracle foretold of a great future for the child. Senusret spent his first years at the capital. He began schooling at age 6 and consistently received high grades, being noted from a young age for his intelligence, particularly in History and architecture. Senusret was married to Crown Princess Henutsen on May 26, 1838, and his first son was born two years later, he would to become the golden pharaoh Seti VIII.

Senusret entered college specializing in political science and architecture. When he finished, his grandfather Senusret XI sent him to inspect the buildings in Upper and Lower Nubia. Senusret took notice of the many sites which still showed signs of the war of conquest. He sent a letter to his grandfather requesting autonomy in the repair works, which Senusret the elder granted. His grandson took the old Roman principle of planned cities and created a truly exceptional urban layout wherever he went. His masterpiece was the city of Agartum, capital of the kingdom of Kush, where he redesigned the city in its entirety. In recognition of his achievements, his father Thutmose VIII gave him the task of inspecting the major cities around the country to see what could be done. Senusret embarked enthusiastically on this journey, and over 200 towns and cities benefited from his royal tour. In particular, Senusret gave his opinion that the canals dug during the reigns of Senusret IX and Senusret X in the cataracts should be upgraded. This work was overseen by his father, Thutmose VIII, who decided Senusret should take a more active role in raising his children.

By 1849, Senusret was an accomplished and popular prince, and so his grandfather and father decided it was time to give him the ultimate promotion to the kingship.

Reign

Accession and Co-regency

Senusret was proclaimed co-pharaoh by his grandfather and father in 1850. The young man focused on building works during the first decade of his reign, drafting early plans to build three canals in order to expand trade and the livable area. In early 1851, he declared that Nefershuplaya should be excavated to further extend its depth. During the dig, many artifacts were recovered. Senusret took a keen interest in these objects, in particular, a solar clock dated to the predynastic period. This artifact piqued his interest, and he ordered it should remain in place. He eventually made a few alterations to his plans, which incorporated an artificial island to preserve this monument when the area was flooded. He had to put a temporary stop to his plan due to the outbreak of the first Anglo-Egyptian War in 1851. During this war, Senusret, his father, and grandfather were able to defeat the British. Senusret successfully lifted the blockade on the Nile. After the war was won in 1855, Senusret suggested to his grandfather Senusret XI for the royal family to pay the costs of mummifying the fallen soldiers. The elder Senusret agreed and appointed him to oversee the work. When the process was finalized in 1856, Senusret and his father Thutmose VIII led a grand funeral procession to the Persokar cemetery. His grandfather had by then severely weakened, and he finally died in 1857 aged 96. His father Thutmose VIII became the senior monarch. The new pharaoh inherited a growing political situation with France, which culminated in an attempted French invasion of Punt. At first, the Egyptians were met with mixed results. The Egyptian forces led by Thutmose and Senusret were able to successfully stop an invasion on the Biau Peninsula close to where the canal was being built. But the naval fleet being led by the Duke of Akhmin suffered a crushing defeat, which resulted in the loss of 12 ships and the death of the duke. Though Senusret is known to have said, "He was lucky he died by French arms; otherwise, I would have executed him myself and it would have been a long and excruciating painful death." Thutmose VIII sent his son to take care of the navy, and Senusret was able to finally defeat the French. While this was going on, France and Egypt entered into peace negotiations. The treaty was to be mediated by the Dutch monarch Willem III. Thutmose's representative demanded monetary compensation. At first, he was only offered half of what he was asking. Senusret instructed the diplomats that any attempt to 'short-change' the Egyptians was to be responded to with a threat of restricting access to the Biau Canal in the future. After this, the Egyptians got more concessions. Unfortunately, Pharaoh Thutmose VIII got an infection from a leg wound which led , causing the king's lifelong disdain for everything french. Senusret thus became sole pharaoh at the age of 39.

Sole reign

Upon becoming the sole monarch, Senusret immediately resumed his plans to build the canals, forming the Royal Egyptian Transport Company, whose first priority was to build the Biau Canal. The construction took about 6 years to complete. Preliminary building works had been going on since 1853. Five ports were built for the canal: Port Senusret the Wise, Port Thutmose the Victorious, Port Necho the Ambitious, Port Senusret the Conqueror, and Port Senusret the Magnificent. In total, 1108 people died during the construction of the canal and five ports, mostly of malaria rather than work-related accidents as the government provided free healthcare. Construction was finished on June 21, 1865, and the canal was opened on January 12, 1866. The first ship to cross the canal was the battleship Senusret III in homage to the pharaoh who built the first canal.

The canal immediately streamlined the connection between Europe and Asia. The canal became a huge success; its profits were used to transform the Usergeb Depression and Nefershu Playa into a lake by building two canals. While the Biau canal had brought much profit, it had also brought the envy of the European nations. For who controlled the canal could cripple an empire. It took two years until the first European empire decided to make its move. In 1868, the British attempted to seize the canal. In hopes of distracting the Egyptian army, they supported a rebellion in the Punt Strait against the central government and also sponsored an attack on Egyptian Yemen by local Arab clans. In response to this, Egypt sunk 4 ships to block the canal, which ended up souring public opinion towards the British due to the delays it caused. Egyptian Yemen was able to defeat the Arab coalition with ease. King Teti I went on a rampage, completely destroying over 40 settlements and setting fire to the countryside. He took 6 chieftains captive, made them bend the knee to a portrait of his cousin Senusret XII, and executed all of their sons except the youngest of each. For this, he became known as Teti the Bloodthirsty. After this, there was never an Arab attack on Egyptian Yemen again. While this was happening, the rebellion was brutally suppressed by Taharqa IX and Senusret VII in an event known as the Petbahotep Bloodbath. 4039 people were executed by the new and much more competent Duke of Akhmin, Petbahotep V, who was coincidentally named after the god of revenge. For participation in the rebellion, while the rest were put in forced labor. The war eventually came to an end due to diplomatic pressures on the British government when it became known that the Russians and Prussians were considering aiding the Egyptians, and after the Egyptian government considered completely banning British access to the canal. Peace was declared on May 21, 1870. Egypt tripled the price for British ships for 11 years. The canal wasn't cleared until August 8, 1871. Less than 5 months later, on December 12, 1871, French representatives sent an ultimatum to Egypt, requesting full control of the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Senusret was fed up with Europeans demanding concessions of him, not to mention his particular disdain for the French. He decided to send them a message on the 13th of December. He, his government officials, and the population of the capital participated in a cursing ritual towards the French. The multitude spent 3 hours chanting in front of statues of Anhur and Sekhmet. Foreign observers noted it was quite a sight. The following day, Senusret sent a fleet towards French Algeria. He also issued the Year 21 IV Akhet Day 16 decree in which he seized all French ships in Egypt and blew them up. This event became known as the Explosive Christmas. The Egyptian fleet arrived in Algeria with orders coming from Senusret himself to capture everything on site. France was still reeling from the recent Franco-Prussian War; the recently restored monarchy was keen to end the conflict. In 12 April, an armistice went into effect; the French government withdrew their demands in June, and Egypt handed the towns it had taken back to France on July 2nd. A peace treaty was finally signed in September in which Egypt agreed to a small deduction of the fee to cross the Biau Canal, despite the protests of the Pharaoh.

Senusret XII and Queen Henutsen XXV leading the apis bull procession

The Ship Senusret III on the Inauguration of the Biau Canal, June 21, 1865

This treaty marked the beginning of a 20-year period of peace in which not a single battle happened. Senusret spent this time building the canals at Usergeb and Nefershu. The latter was completed on June 6, 1873, while the former was not completed until November 16, 1886. By 1891, both were at full water capacity. In 1890, Senusret celebrated his Ruby Jubilee in a lavish ceremony which had military parades and a royal tour through the kingdom. For the first time, the railway was used for this purpose. All previous monarchs had used ships, including Senusret himself. During this tour, Senusret inaugurated many cities established in the newly habitable regions of Usergeb and Nefershu. It was during this period he earned the epithet "the Fabulous." In 1893, the long peace known as the Pax Sesostrica came to an end. The Kingdom of Italy attempted an invasion of Punt; Italian forces were routed by the army of Punt. This was considered a major humiliation for the young nation. Of the affair, Senusret is said to have remarked: "How the mighty have fallen! They once ruled the Mediterranean; now they can't defeat the most pathetic enemies, and somehow they thought they had a chance to defeat us... The kingdom has not seen this level of stupidity since the reign of Smendes VIII. I sincerely question the sanity of the Italian government." A peace treaty was quickly signed in which Egypt didn't ask much out of pity. Later on the same year, the Pharaoh signed a friendship treaty with Great Britain. Relations had been improving steadily since the Second Anglo-Egyptian War. Relations had improved further when British intelligence alerted to a plot to kill the King of Yemen. Senusret visited the country in 1896, marking the first such visit by a Pharaoh. This treaty would later lead to an alliance between the two. In June 1894, the Biau Peninsula was attacked by a Bedouin coalition. The Egyptian army ravaged the southern Levant for five months in an event which came to be known as the Egyptian Fury. Senusret ordered his generals to avoid looting cities to minimize the risk with the Ottoman Empire. Egypt returned to peace.

Co-regency with son and grandson

In the following decade, embassies continued to be opened around the world: Moscow, Berlin, Paris, Rome, Vienna, Washington DC, Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Peking, Tokyo, Constantinople, and Addis Ababa. Peace was threatened in 1900 during the Gulf of Djoser incident when a German ship accidentally fired on the coastline, killing one man. Egypt requested a small payment, which was granted by the German government.

In 1911, Italy invaded the Ottoman provinces of Tripolitania and Cyrenaica. Egypt agreed to a treaty to settle the borders, which was finalized by 1913. The negotiations were overseen by Pharaoh Seti VIII, who had been proclaimed king in 1901. Senusret gave control of foreign policy to Seti VIII. In 1910, Senusret XII proclaimed his grandson, Amenemhat, as co-pharaoh. He was put in charge of legal matters.

When WW1 started, Egypt originally declared neutrality until the British government offered a substantial incentive. Egypt officially declared war on 12 January 1915. The Egyptian army assisted in the invasion of the Levant. The Egyptian army was able to advance quickly, taking Jerusalem. By 1916, the Egyptians had advanced to Antioch, where Amenemhat XII met Theodosius I and George VIII, forming an alliance with the Syrian kingdoms. The war would continue until 1918. During this time, Mesopotamia and Assyria rebelled against the Turks and joined the Entente powers.

When the Russian Revolution occurred, a plan was crafted to rescue the Romanov family, but it ultimately failed. When the war ended, Egypt helped to defeat the Turkish Reconquista, ensuring a diminished Ottoman Empire. This was one of the last acts of the reign of Senusret XII. The celebration of Senusret's platinum jubilee occurred on May 7, 1920. He was the seventh pharaoh to achieve a platinum jubilee. This was to be his last public appearance. In early August, he fell seriously ill. He got progressively worse until he died on December 31 at the age of 99 after reigning 70 years, 11 months, and 30 days, the longest of his dynasty and seventh longest overall.

Empress Henutsen XXV

Family

Wife	Married on	Rank	Sons	Daughters
Henutsen XXV (1821-1917)	May 26, 1838	Great Royal Wife	Pharaoh Seti VIII the Golden, 18 May 1840 - 3 July 1929 Thutmose Prince Royal, 22 May 1842 - 17 June 1843 Senusret, Prince Royal, 26 August 1844 - 17 June 1883 Nebiriau, King of Lebanon, 24 June 1847 - 19 November 1921	Princess Henutsen, 26 October 1849 - 23 January 1850
Nefertari XLIII (1821-1900)	January 15, 1841	Second Queen	Prince Ahmose 6 February, 1852 - 27 June 1946 Prince Ankhmenra 6 February, 1852 - 8 September 1922
Isetnofret XII (1821-1912)	August 11, 1842	Third Queen	Prince Meriamun, 27 September 1843 - 9 June 1910
Henuttamehu V (1823-1919)	April 15, 1844	Fourth Queen	Prince Thutmose, 11 August 1848 - 18 January 1937
Meretseger XV (1823-1901)	May 26, 1845	Imperial Consort	Prince Ramesses Meriptah, 22 July 1847 - 1928
Wadjet XVI (1827-1909)	February 13, 1847	Imperial Consort		Princess Neferamun, 24 December 1847 - 16 June 1942
Ahmose LIV (1822-1920)	October 12, 1848	Imperial Consort		Princess Henutmira, 30 April 1850 - 17 June 1933
Henutsen XXVI (1826-1922)	May 6, 1850	Imperial Consort	Prince Alexander Herihor, 28 June 1852 - 17 July 1919
Nodjmet VI (1886-1966)	July 23, 1910	Imperial Consort	Prince Djoser, 22 January 1916 - 26 March 1975 Prince Amenhotep the Warrior Prince, 16 May 1922 - 18 October 2039	Princess Iset, 15 September 1919 - 22 July 2013

Legacy

Senusret XII, known for his ambitious infrastructural projects and diplomatic acumen, left a lasting legacy that shaped Egypt's geopolitical landscape and economic prosperity. Proclaimed co-pharaoh in 1850 by his grandfather and father, he embarked on a reign marked by visionary initiatives and strategic alliances.

During the early years of his reign, Senusret prioritized building works, envisioning three canals to bolster trade and expand habitable areas. His interest in archaeology and preservation led to the excavation of Nefershuplaya, unearthing significant artifacts including a solar clock from the predynastic period. Senusret's decision to incorporate an artificial island to protect this monument exemplified his commitment to cultural heritage.

In 1851, Senusret demonstrated military prowess during the first Anglo-Egyptian War, lifting the blockade on the Nile and later advocating for the dignified burial of fallen soldiers, showcasing his compassion and leadership.

Upon assuming sole pharaohship in 1857, Senusret recommenced his canal projects, culminating in the completion of the Biau Canal in 1866. This feat revolutionized trade routes, facilitating commerce between Europe and Asia and spurring economic growth.

Senusret's defiance against European powers, notably during the British and French invasions, underscored his determination to safeguard Egyptian sovereignty. His astute negotiation skills during peace talks ensured favorable outcomes for Egypt, securing concessions and preserving national interests.

The Pax Sesostrica era, characterized by diplomatic stability and infrastructural development, underscored Senusret's commitment to progress and prosperity. His Ruby Jubilee celebration in 1890 marked a culmination of his achievements, solidifying his epithet as "the Glorious" and showcasing Egypt's resurgence on the world stage.

Senusret's strategic alliances with Great Britain and successful repulsion of foreign aggressions cemented Egypt's status as a formidable regional power. His legacy of resilience, innovation, and diplomacy reverberates through Egypt's history, earning him a place among the most revered pharaohs of the modern era.