Ramses VII, of the XXe dynasty, is a pharaoh whose reign is relatively obscure, due to the lack of information and available sources. He reigned in a period of decline for Egypt, where the country faced economic, political and military challenges.
Ascension to the throne
Ramesses VII, also known as Usermaâtrê Setepenrê Meryamun, was probably the son of Ramses VI and the grandson of Ramesses III. He succeeded to Ramses VI on the throne, although the details of this succession are unclear.
The reign
The reign of Ramses VII lasted about 8 years. Despite the lack of sources, a few artifacts and inscriptions bear witness to his reign, including seals and inscriptions in tombs. It seems that Ramses VII tried to maintain order and stability in a country plagued by growing difficulties.
Economic and political challenges
Egypt in the time of Ramses VII was facing economic and political problems. Harvests failed, leading to famines and social unrest. The power of the priests of Thebes and other local factions had also diminished the authority of the pharaoh. This complex situation made it difficult for Ramses VII to govern the country effectively.
External threats
In addition to internal challenges, Egypt faced external threats, including Sea People invasions and Libyan incursions. Although Ramesses VII was able to repel some of these attacks, the country was clearly in decline and losing influence in the region.
The Royal family
Little information is available on the family of Ramses VII. We do not know his wife or any children. Relations within the royal family may have been complicated due to the difficult political and economic situation.
End of reign and legacy
Ramses VII died after a reign of 8 years, probably due to natural causes. He was buried in the Valley of the Kings, in tomb KV1. He was probably succeeded by Ramesses VIII, although the details of this succession are also uncertain.
In conclusion, Ramses VII was an unsung pharaoh who reigned in a difficult time for Egypt. Her story illustrates the challenges scholars face when trying to piece together the history of ancient Egypt, especially during times of decline and instability.
📋 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 | ||