Nimlot I, also known as Nemareth, is a prominent historical figure of the early XXII Dynasty of Egypt. Born into the royal line, he was the third son of Pharaoh Shoshenq I, after Osorkon I and Iuput A. His mother was Queen Patareshnes, one of Shoshenq I's primary wives.
II. Taking on Strategic Functions
Following his father's decision, Nimlot I was made Commander of all infantry and was stationed in Heracleopolis Magna around 940 BCE. This city was at the time a strategic place for the control of Middle Egypt, making him not only a military officer but also a governor.
III. A Marking Religious Dedication
Besides his military and administrative duties, Nimlot I was distinguished by his devotion to the local deity Heryshaf. He thus issued a decree ordering the restoration of the ancient and extinct practice of the daily sacrifice of a bull for this god. This gesture illustrates his concern to preserve religious traditions and maintain the spiritual fervor of the population.
IV. Evidence of His Influence
The importance of Nimlot I is attested by several historical artifacts. A statue of unknown provenance, now kept at the Museum of Art History in Vienna, bears his effigy. In addition, two gold bracelets discovered at Sais, now in the British Museum, testify to his status. A kneeling statue of Nimlot I, discovered in 1905 by Ahmed Kamal in Leontopolis, is also kept in the Cairo Museum.
V. Uncertain Successions
Despite the importance of his position, little is known about those who preceded or succeeded him in the governance of Heracleopolis. The next known governor of the city is Nimlot C, who took office almost a century later.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his life and reign, it is undeniable that Nimlot I played a key role during this crucial period in Egyptian history.
📋 LIST OF EGYPTIAN SOVEREIGNS 📋
Hotepsekhemwey / Sneferka / Nebra / ninetjer / Senedj / Noubnefer / Horus Ba / Peribsen / Sekhemib / Khasekhemwy / Neferkasokar / | |||
Djoser / Sanakht / Sekhemkhet / Spoon / Huni | |||
Sekhemre-Khutaouy Amenemhat-/Sobekhotep I/Sekhemkare Amenemhat-Senbef/Sekhemkare Amenemhat V/Ameny-Qemaou/Hotepibre Qémaou-Sa-Hornejhéritef/Ioufeni/Séânkhibrê Amény-Antef-Amenemhat (or Amenemhat VI)/Semenkarê Nebnoun/Sehotepibrê Sousekhtaouy | |||
Sekhaenre Yakbim/Nebuuserre Yaammou/Khauserre Qareh | |||
Semqen/Aper-Anat/Sakir-Har/Khyan/Apophis I/Apophis II?/Khamoudy | |||
/Sekhemre-Sementaouy Djehouty/Sekhemre-Sousertaouy Sobekhotep VIII | |||
Twenty-first dynasty | |||
Twenty-second dynasty | |||
Twenty-third dynasty | |||
Twenty-fourth dynasty | |||
1st Persian Dynasty | |||
Thirty-first dynasty (Achaemenid) | 2nd Persian Dynasty | ||