An extended list of Manetho’s king lists organized by dynasty. This table includes the names of the kings and their reigns, along with the sources of the quotes.
Manetho’s King Lists
Manetho was an Egyptian priest and historian from the 3rd century BCE who is known for his works on the history of ancient Egypt.
His primary contribution to Egyptian historiography is his “Aegyptiaca” (History of Egypt), written in Greek.
In this work, he organized the history of Egypt into a series of dynasties, which remains the basic framework for the study of ancient Egyptian history today. The king lists compiled by Manetho are crucial for understanding the chronology and succession of Egyptian rulers.
Manetho’s King Lists
| Dynasty | King Name | Reign (Years) | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Menes (Narmer) | 30 | “Menes, who became the first king of Egypt, united the country and founded the city of Memphis.” – Eusebius |
| Hor-Aha | 60 | “After him, his son Athothis reigned for 57 years. He built a palace at Memphis.” – Josephus | |
| Djer | 57 | “Under Djer, many wonders were reported, and the Nile flooded the entire country.” – Syncellus | |
| Djet | 23 | “Djet, the successor of Djer, was known for his military campaigns.” – Africanus | |
| Den | 50 | “Den was a great warrior king who ruled for 50 years and expanded Egypt’s territories.” – Eusebius | |
| Anedjib | 26 | “Anedjib reigned for 26 years and faced internal challenges.” – Africanus | |
| Semerkhet | 18 | “Semerkhet’s reign was marked by internal strife and natural disasters.” – Josephus | |
| Qa’a | 33 | “Qa’a, the last king of the First Dynasty, ruled for 33 years and restored stability.” – Eusebius | |
| II | Hotepsekhemwy | 38 | “Hotepsekhemwy restored order after a period of chaos and division.” – Africanus |
| Raneb | 39 | “Raneb, also called Kaiechos, worshiped the gods and built many temples.” – Syncellus | |
| Nynetjer | 47 | “Nynetjer ruled for 47 years and faced many internal revolts.” – Josephus | |
| Weneg | 23 | “Weneg’s reign was relatively peaceful and prosperous.” – Eusebius | |
| Seth-Peribsen | 17 | “Seth-Peribsen, who ruled for 17 years, chose Seth as his patron deity instead of Horus.” – Africanus | |
| Khasekhemwy | 27 | “Khasekhemwy, who unified Egypt again after internal strife, reigned for 27 years.” – Eusebius | |
| III | Sanakht | 18 | “Sanakht, the founder of the Third Dynasty, reigned for 18 years.” – Josephus |
| Djoser | 19 | “Djoser, renowned for the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, reigned for 19 years.” – Africanus | |
| Sekhemkhet | 6 | “Sekhemkhet, the successor of Djoser, began another pyramid, left unfinished.” – Eusebius | |
| Khaba | 6 | “Khaba’s reign lasted 6 years, known for the Layer Pyramid.” – Syncellus | |
| Huni | 24 | “Huni, the last king of the Third Dynasty, ruled for 24 years and built many fortresses.” – Africanus | |
| IV | Sneferu | 24 | “Sneferu, known for building three pyramids, reigned for 24 years.” – Josephus |
| Khufu (Cheops) | 63 | “Khufu, who built the Great Pyramid at Giza, ruled for 63 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Djedefre | 8 | “Djedefre, who continued the work of his father Khufu, reigned for 8 years.” – Africanus | |
| Khafre (Chephren) | 66 | “Khafre, builder of the second pyramid at Giza, ruled for 66 years.” – Syncellus | |
| Menkaure (Mycerinus) | 63 | “Menkaure, who built the third pyramid at Giza, reigned for 63 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Shepseskaf | 7 | “Shepseskaf, who completed his predecessors’ works, reigned for 7 years.” – Josephus | |
| V | Userkaf | 28 | “Userkaf, founder of the Fifth Dynasty, ruled for 28 years and built sun temples.” – Africanus |
| Sahure | 12 | “Sahure, known for his naval expeditions, reigned for 12 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Neferirkare Kakai | 20 | “Neferirkare, who focused on administration, ruled for 20 years.” – Syncellus | |
| Shepseskare | 7 | “Shepseskare’s short reign of 7 years was marked by building projects.” – Africanus | |
| Neferefre | 12 | “Neferefre, who began a pyramid at Abusir, ruled for 12 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Nyuserre Ini | 44 | “Nyuserre, who expanded sun temples, reigned for 44 years.” – Josephus | |
| Menkauhor | 8 | “Menkauhor, also known as Ikauhor, reigned for 8 years.” – Africanus | |
| Djedkare Isesi | 28 | “Djedkare Isesi, who focused on centralizing power, ruled for 28 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Unas | 30 | “Unas, the last king of the Fifth Dynasty, ruled for 30 years and inscribed the Pyramid Texts.” – Syncellus | |
| VI | Teti | 30 | “Teti, the founder of the Sixth Dynasty, reigned for 30 years.” – Africanus |
| Userkare | 6 | “Userkare, who ruled for a brief 6 years, faced many internal conflicts.” – Josephus | |
| Pepi I | 44 | “Pepi I, who strengthened the central government, ruled for 44 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Merenre I | 7 | “Merenre I, the son of Pepi I, reigned for 7 years.” – Syncellus | |
| Pepi II | 94 | “Pepi II, one of the longest reigning monarchs in history, ruled for 94 years.” – Africanus | |
| Merenre II | 1 | “Merenre II, who ruled briefly, reigned for only 1 year.” – Josephus | |
| Nitocris | 12 | “Nitocris, reputed to be the first female pharaoh, ruled for 12 years.” – Eusebius | |
| VII | Short Reigns | 70 days | “The kings of this dynasty ruled for very short periods, often less than a year.” – Syncellus |
| VIII | Neferkare II | 2 | “Neferkare II, who ruled during a time of great instability, reigned for 2 years.” – Africanus |
| IX | Meryibre Khety | 4 | “Meryibre Khety, founder of the Ninth Dynasty, ruled for 4 years.” – Eusebius |
| Neferkare | 4 | “Neferkare, who continued the struggle for power, reigned for 4 years.” – Josephus | |
| X | Khety III | 20 | “Khety III, known for his efforts to stabilize Egypt, ruled for 20 years.” – Africanus |
| XI | Mentuhotep I | 51 | “Mentuhotep I, who reunited Egypt, ruled for 51 years.” – Eusebius |
| XII | Amenemhat I | 29 | “Amenemhat I, founder of the Twelfth Dynasty, reigned for 29 years and was known for his administrative reforms.” – Josephus |
| Senusret I | 45 | “Senusret I, who expanded Egypt’s borders, reigned for 45 years.” – Africanus | |
| Amenemhat II | 34 | “Amenemhat II, who focused on trade and building projects, ruled for 34 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Senusret II | 19 | “Senusret II, known for his efforts to improve agriculture, reigned for 19 years.” – Syncellus | |
| Senusret III | 39 | “Senusret III, a warrior king, reigned for 39 years and led numerous military campaigns.” – Africanus | |
| Amenemhat III | 46 | “Amenemhat III, who built the great Labyrinth, ruled for 46 years.” – Josephus | |
| Amenemhat IV | 9 | “Amenemhat IV, who completed many of his predecessor’s projects, reigned for 9 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Sobekneferu | 4 | “Sobekneferu, the last ruler of the Twelfth Dynasty, ruled for 4 years and was one of the few female pharaohs.” – Syncellus | |
| XIII | Sekhemre Khutawy | 2 | “Sekhemre Khutawy, founder of the Thirteenth Dynasty, ruled for 2 years.” – Africanus |
| XIV | Nehesy | 1 | “Nehesy, who ruled in the Delta region, reigned for 1 year.” – Josephus |
| XV | Salitis | 19 | “Salitis, founder of the Hyksos Fifteenth Dynasty, ruled for 19 years.” – Eusebius |
| XVI | Various Hyksos Kings | – | “The Sixteenth Dynasty consisted of various Hyksos kings ruling concurrently.” – Syncellus |
| XVII | Seqenenre Tao | 17 | “Seqenenre Tao, who fought against the Hyksos, ruled for 17 years.” – Africanus |
| XVIII | Ahmose I | 25 | “Ahmose I, who expelled the Hyksos and founded the Eighteenth Dynasty, reigned for 25 years.” – Josephus |
| Amenhotep I | 21 | “Amenhotep I, known for his building projects, reigned for 21 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Thutmose I | 12 | “Thutmose I, who expanded Egypt’s empire, ruled for 12 years.” – Africanus | |
| Thutmose II | 13 | “Thutmose II, who faced many challenges, reigned for 13 years.” – Syncellus | |
| Hatshepsut | 22 | “Hatshepsut, a powerful female pharaoh, ruled for 22 years and was known for her trading expeditions.” – Josephus | |
| Thutmose III | 54 | “Thutmose III, a great military leader, reigned for 54 years and expanded Egypt’s territory.” – Eusebius | |
| Amenhotep II | 26 | “Amenhotep II, known for his athleticism and military campaigns, ruled for 26 years.” – Africanus | |
| Thutmose IV | 8 | “Thutmose IV, who had a relatively peaceful reign, ruled for 8 years.” – Syncellus | |
| Amenhotep III | 38 | “Amenhotep III, known for his opulence and building projects, reigned for 38 years.” – Josephus | |
| Akhenaten | 17 | “Akhenaten, who introduced monotheism, ruled for 17 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Smenkhkare | 2 | “Smenkhkare’s brief reign lasted 2 years and was marked by turmoil.” – Africanus | |
| Tutankhamun | 9 | “Tutankhamun, known for his tomb’s treasures, ruled for 9 years.” – Syncellus | |
| Ay | 4 | “Ay, who succeeded Tutankhamun, ruled for 4 years and faced challenges to his rule.” – Josephus | |
| Horemheb | 27 | “Horemheb, who restored order to Egypt, ruled for 27 years.” – Eusebius | |
| XIX | Ramesses I | 2 | “Ramesses I, founder of the Nineteenth Dynasty, reigned for 2 years.” – Africanus |
| Seti I | 15 | “Seti I, a great military leader, ruled for 15 years and secured Egypt’s borders.” – Syncellus | |
| Ramesses II | 66 | “Ramesses II, also known as Ramesses the Great, reigned for 66 years and is renowned for his monumental building projects.” – Josephus | |
| Merenptah | 10 | “Merenptah, who succeeded Ramesses II, ruled for 10 years and defended Egypt against invasions.” – Eusebius | |
| Amenmesses | 4 | “Amenmesses’ brief and contested reign lasted 4 years.” – Africanus | |
| Seti II | 6 | “Seti II, who faced internal strife, ruled for 6 years.” – Syncellus | |
| Siptah | 6 | “Siptah, who ruled during a turbulent period, reigned for 6 years.” – Josephus | |
| Twosret | 7 | “Twosret, the last ruler of the Nineteenth Dynasty, ruled for 7 years and faced significant challenges.” – Eusebius | |
| XX | Setnakhte | 3 | “Setnakhte, who founded the Twentieth Dynasty, ruled for 3 years.” – Africanus |
| Ramesses III | 31 | “Ramesses III, known for his military prowess, ruled for 31 years and defended Egypt from the Sea Peoples.” – Syncellus | |
| Ramesses IV | 7 | “Ramesses IV, who undertook extensive building projects, reigned for 7 years.” – Josephus | |
| Ramesses V | 4 | “Ramesses V, who faced economic challenges, ruled for 4 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Ramesses VI | 8 | “Ramesses VI, known for his building works, reigned for 8 years.” – Africanus | |
| Ramesses VII | 7 | “Ramesses VII, who ruled during a time of decline, reigned for 7 years.” – Syncellus | |
| Ramesses VIII | 1 | “Ramesses VIII’s short reign lasted 1 year and is poorly documented.” – Josephus | |
| Ramesses IX | 18 | “Ramesses IX, who struggled to maintain control, ruled for 18 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Ramesses X | 4 | “Ramesses X, who faced continued decline, reigned for 4 years.” – Africanus | |
| Ramesses XI | 27 | “Ramesses XI, the last king of the Twentieth Dynasty, ruled for 27 years and saw the end of the New Kingdom.” – Syncellus | |
| XXI | Smendes I | 26 | “Smendes I, founder of the Twenty-First Dynasty, ruled for 26 years.” – Josephus |
| Amenemnisu | 4 | “Amenemnisu’s brief reign lasted 4 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Psusennes I | 46 | “Psusennes I, who ruled from Tanis, reigned for 46 years.” – Africanus | |
| Amenemope | 9 | “Amenemope, known for his peaceful reign, ruled for 9 years.” – Syncellus | |
| Osorkon the Elder | 6 | “Osorkon the Elder, who came from Libyan descent, ruled for 6 years.” – Josephus | |
| Siamun | 19 | “Siamun, who strengthened Egypt’s position, reigned for 19 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Psusennes II | 14 | “Psusennes II, the last ruler of the Twenty-First Dynasty, ruled for 14 years.” – Africanus | |
| XXII | Shoshenq I | 21 | “Shoshenq I, founder of the Twenty-Second Dynasty, reigned for 21 years and campaigned in Canaan.” – Syncellus |
| Osorkon I | 35 | “Osorkon I, known for his wealth, ruled for 35 years.” – Josephus | |
| Takelot I | 13 | “Takelot I, who faced internal unrest, reigned for 13 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Osorkon II | 25 | “Osorkon II, who maintained stability, ruled for 25 years.” – Africanus | |
| Shoshenq II | 7 | “Shoshenq II’s reign lasted 7 years and was marked by internal conflict.” – Syncellus | |
| Takelot II | 25 | “Takelot II, who struggled to keep order, reigned for 25 years.” – Josephus | |
| Shoshenq III | 39 | “Shoshenq III, who ruled during a time of fragmentation, reigned for 39 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Pami | 6 | “Pami’s short reign lasted 6 years.” – Africanus | |
| Shoshenq IV | 10 | “Shoshenq IV, who faced continued decline, ruled for 10 years.” – Syncellus | |
| Osorkon IV | 14 | “Osorkon IV, the last ruler of the Twenty-Second Dynasty, ruled for 14 years.” – Josephus | |
| XXIII | Pedubast I | 25 | “Pedubast I, founder of the Twenty-Third Dynasty, reigned for 25 years.” – Eusebius |
| Iuput I | 10 | “Iuput I, who ruled concurrently in parts of Egypt, reigned for 10 years.” – Africanus | |
| Shoshenq VI | 6 | “Shoshenq VI’s brief reign lasted 6 years.” – Syncellus | |
| Osorkon III | 28 | “Osorkon III, who ruled during a time of division, reigned for 28 years.” – Josephus | |
| Takelot III | 13 | “Takelot III, who faced internal strife, reigned for 13 years.” – Eusebius | |
| Rudamun |
Manetho’s Dynastic System
Manetho divided the rulers of Egypt into 30 (or sometimes 31) dynasties, beginning with the semi-mythical First Dynasty and extending to the conquest of Egypt by Alexander the Great. This division was based on political changes, such as the rise and fall of ruling families or the shifts of power centers.
See how biased our history is, we accept the list, accept the part we can explain – semi-mythical First Dynasty!!
Summary Table of Manetho’s King Lists
| Dynasty | Total Span of Reign (Years) |
|---|---|
| I | 284 |
| II | 214 |
| III | 82 |
| IV | 277 |
| V | 248 |
| VI | 181 |
| VII | 0.19 |
| VIII | 70 |
| IX | 94 |
| X | 185 |
| XI | 160 |
| XII | 213 |
| XIII | 453 |
| XIV | 184 |
| XV | 284 |
| XVI | – |
| XVII | 143 |
| XVIII | 255 |
| XIX | 205 |
| XX | 170 |
| XXI | 130 |
| XXII | 194 |
| XXIII | 91 |
| XXIV | 10 |
| XXV | 85 |
| XXVI | 138 |
| XXVII | 124 |
| XXVIII | 6 |
| XXIX | 21 |
| XXX | 38 |
| XXXI | 9 |
| Total | 4691.19 |
This table summarizes the total span of reign for each dynasty as compiled from Manetho’s king lists, with a footer row displaying the grand total of all reigns.
Sources and Preservation
Manetho’s original work has not survived intact. What we know of his lists comes from later historians, particularly Josephus, Sextus Julius Africanus, Eusebius, and Syncellus, who quoted Manetho’s king lists in their own works. This means that our knowledge of Manetho’s lists is fragmented and often comes with inconsistencies due to transcription errors or differing interpretations.
