During the Second Dynasty of ancient Egyptian history, about five pharaohs ruled over the land. Each ruler that was recognized during this time period enjoyed lengthy stretches on the throne. In this article, you learn about the accomplishments and background on Second Dynasty pharaohs, such as Djoser, who is still one of the most well known of Old Kingdom rulers.
The Second Dynasty (2890 to 2686 BC)
The end of the First Dynasty saw many different claims for the throne. However, it was Hotepsekhemwy who was successful in taking rule of Egypt to become the first pharaoh of the Second Dynasty. During his reign, the political rivalry never fully resolved and over time – the conflict worsened.
Usually, rulers of Egypt took the title of Horus, but when it came time for the fourth pharaoh of the Second Dynasty, Peribsen, to rule – he chose the title of Seth instead. However, the last the last ruler of the dynasty (Khasekhemwy) accepted both titles. The end of the Second Dynasty also saw increasing disorder. Records also suggest that civil war may have erupted amongst the people. Kings that ruled during the Second Dynasty include:
Hotepsekhemwy
Although Hotepsekhemwy ruled for about 38 years (according to historian and Egyptian priest Manetho), not much is known about the first ruler of the Second Dynasty. It was not a direct bloodline that brought the pharaoh into power. He had gained claim to the throne by marrying a princess. Evidence suggests that he may have been related to the old Thinite line of rulers, but it is not known so he is mostly regarded as the Qa'a's son-in-law.
Hotepsekhemwy was highly respectful of his father-in-law and made offerings in his memory. Historians also suggest that he may have been responsible for arranging his funeral. This is why sealings found outside of Qa'a's tomb at Abydos bore the name of "Hotepsekhemwy".
Although Hotepsekhemwy had a son named Perneb, he did not become the pharaoh's successor and Rabeb took claim of the throne after his death.
Raneb
Raneb (sometimes referred to as Kakau or Nebre)was either the brother or son of Hotepsekhemwy. According to Manetho, he ruled Egypt for 39 years, but some debate whether this is true since not many contemporary objects have come from his reign. The importance and longevity of a ruler is often marked by the number of artifacts left behind after a rule. If he were a high figure, archeologists would have found more object that commemorated the pharaoh. During his rule, Manetho believes that he introduced the worship of the sacred goat Mendes to the ancient Egyptians.
To learn more about pharaohs that ruled ancient Egypt during the Second Dynasty, read the article titled "Ancient Egypt: The Old Kingdom – Second Dynasty II", which mentions rulers Nynetjer, Peribsen, and Khasekhem (who may have been two separate rulers or called something different during the later part of his rule).
