Ancient Egyptians - Intef I
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Profile of Pharaoh Intef I
The following profile provides a fast overview of Intef I who ruled during the 11th Dynasty during which the country was divided by two powerful factions. These were based in Thebes and Hierakonpolis and these warring factions led to a period of economic and political instability, defined as part of the First Intermediate Period. It was also a time of famine, floods and disease. The first kings of the 11th dynasty were from Thebes, such as Intef I, focussed on taking power from the Herakleopolitan rulers. The 2nd half of the 11th dynasty saw increased stability and a unified Egypt as part of the Middle Kingdom.

Profile of Intef I

History Time Period: First Intermediate Period

Predecessor: Mentuhotep I

Dates of his Reign: 2134 - 2118 BC

Successor: His brother, Intef II

King Intef I
Interesting facts, biography & information about the life of Pharaoh Intef I, the ancient Egyptian King. The Pharaoh Intef I fact sheet provides details of the major events and accomplishments in his life, his consort and his family. Information about the dynasty and period in ancient Egyptian history in which King Intef I lived. Refer to Pharaohs for additional interesting facts and information.

Ancient Egyptian King - Intef I Fact Sheet

Fact 1 on Intef I: Name: This pharaoh of ancient Egypt was also known as Inyotef I (Sehertawy). His Horus Name translates as "Horus, the one who makes the two lands satisfied". He is also referred to as the 'Elder'.

Fact 2 on Intef I: Family: His father was Mentuhotep I, "The Elder" and his mother was Queen Neferu.

Fact 3 on Intef I: His original title was "The Heriditary Noble, The Lord And Great Chieftain Of The South, Intef". He then became the first of his dynasty to proclaim himself as king of Egypt and to write his name within a cartouche.

Fact 4 on Intef I: History: He succeeded his father Pharaoh Mentuhotep to the throne of Egypt during an extremely volatile period. The country was divided by two powerful forces based in the southern cities of Herakleopolis and Thebes. Mentuhotep, the Theban ruler, had fought against the Herakleopolitan kings and their allies to become the founder of the 11th dynasty.

Fact 5 on Intef I: Intef became the ruler after the early death of his father. His aim was to continue the fight against the Herakleopolitan kings and their allies. There was also a terrible famine in the country resulting in starving people which added to the chaos in ancient Egypt following the collapse of the Old Kingdom.

Fact 6 on Intef I: The severity of the drought resulted in the massive Lake Faiyum drying up during this period. The drought and subsequent famine also created the fear of an economic crisis in the country.

Fact 7 on Intef I: To add to these enormous problems, the legitimacy of Intef's claim to the throne of Egypt was strongly contested by the rulers of Herakleopolis and the neighboring nomes including the cities of Dendera and Koptos (see map below).

Fact 8 on Intef I: The fight of the Herakleopolitan kings was led by Ankhtifi, the nomarch of Hierakonpolis, described as the "first of all as the chief of his province" and the three surrounding nomes.

Fact 9 on Intef I: Intef succeeded in winning victory over Ankhtifi's Herakleopolitan forces.

Fact 10 on Intef I: Although his victory extended his power over Upper Egypt he failed to achieve his goal of reunification of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Fact 11 on Intef I: He was buried in a Saff tomb burial complex at of El-Tarif in the Theban Necropolis. Saff Tombs were built into a rock face and had a pillar facade and courtyard. The grave chambers and shrines serving as offering chambers were built behind the pillar facade. The rows of pillars in Saff tombs had up to 24 columns and at their sides were chamber tombs of the royal court. All three rulers with the name of Intef were buried in Saff tombs

Fact 12 on Intef I: There are no records providing information about his wife and no mention of his children. He was succeeded by his brother Intef II.

Ancient Egyptian King - Intef I Fact Sheet

Saff Tomb

Pharaoh Intef I
Discover fast, interesting fun facts about Pharaoh Intef I for kids with some amazing, cool and quick information about ancient Egypt and Egyptians. Ideal for children, homework, schools, teachers and kids of all ages! Find fascinating fun facts about Intef I for kids and the history, culture and civilisation of the ancient Egyptians and ancient Egypt. Interesting, fun facts about this king of Egypt for research, schools, students and kids of all ages.

11th Dynasty

Name - Dates of Reign

King Mentuhotep I - 2134 - 1 year only

King Intef II - 2118–2069 BC

King Mentuhotep II - 2061–2010 BC

King Mentuhotep IV - 1998–1991 BC

Intef I
Learning about the ancient Egyptians and King Intef I inspires everyone to visit historical sites and undertake Egypt Travel and Tours to experience the wonders of this magical land at first hand. Many people choose to experience a tour of Egypt on a Nile Cruise stopping at the famous destinations and sites of Egypt such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. The information and facts about Pharaoh Intef I will provide you with a great insight into Egypt and the legacy of the ancient Egyptians.

Intef I