House of Khety

Egyptian history

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June 30, 2026

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The "House of Khety" refers to the 10th dynasty of ancient Egypt, which ruled during the First Intermediate period (c. 2118–c. 1980 BCE). This dynasty was based in Heracleopolis and was in conflict with a rival dynasty in Thebes. Kings named Khety were prominent in this dynasty. This period was marked by internal struggles and shifting boundaries, making it difficult to reconstruct the exact course of events. Literary texts from this era, such as the Instruction for Merikare, offer insights into the upheavals, though their dating is debated. The House of Khety eventually lost power to the 11th dynasty, which reunited Egypt under Mentuhotep II.1

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ancient Egypt
The 10th (c. 2080–c. 1980 bce) and 11th (c. 2080–c. 1940 bce) dynasties
…a whole was termed the House of Khety. Several Heracleopolitan kings were named Khety; another important name is Merikare. There was intermittent conflict, and the boundary between the two realms shifted around the region of Abydos. As yet, the course of events in this period cannot be reconstructed.
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…a whole was termed the House of Khety. Several Heracleopolitan kings were named Khety; another important name is Merikare. There was intermittent conflict, and the boundary between the two realms shifted around the region of Abydos. As yet, the course of events in this period cannot be reconstructed.
Read More