Herihor

20th Dynasty

Herihor was an official during the 20th Dynasty and usurped the throne of Egypt. He served as high priest of Amon during the reign of Ramesses XI. He came to Egypt as part of a group sent to stop a rebellion that had been started by a former high priest of Amon. Panhesy, who was in charge of the group to stop the rebellion, put Herihor in charge of the city. He quickly had himself named high priest and became the vizier of both Upper and Lower Egypt. The king was easily manipulated and did nothing to stop Herihor. Ramesses XI died and ended the 20th Dynasty and the New Kingdom. Herihor and a confederate, Smendes, divided up Egypt between them.

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Last Updated: June 21st, 2011