The Mummy of King Merenptah
Merenptah was the fourth king of the 19th Dynasty and the thirteenth son of Ramesses II (also known as “Ramesses the Great”). His mother was the Great Royal Wife Isetnofret. Because Ramesses II lived to an exceptional age (over ninety years) Merenptah only acceded to the throne late in life, probably in his late sixties, having outlived many of his elder brothers who had once been heirs to the crown.
Despite his advanced age at accession, Merenptah ruled for approximately a decade. His reign is chiefly remembered for military campaigns in Libya and Canaan, commemorated on the famous “Israel Stele”, which contains the earliest known reference to a people called Israel in the historical record.
His tomb (KV8) lies in the Valley of the Kings. Like many royal burials, it was plundered in antiquity. Damage to the mummy suggests that robbers cut through the wrappings and body in their search for gold amulets and jewellery, breaking the right clavicle and injuring the left shoulder.
Modern examination has provided further insight into the ageing king. In 1980 the Egyptologists James E. Harris and Edward F. Wente conducted X-ray studies of New Kingdom royal mummies, including Merenptah. Their analysis indicated that the king suffered from severe dental disease and degenerative bone conditions, including damage to the thigh bones consistent with arthritis or age-related frailty.
Merenptah became king when he was approximately 70 years of age, outliving his older brothers. He reigned for 10 years and died in 1203 B.C.
