Second Dynasty of Egypt

The Dynasty II or Second Dynasty of Egyptian pharaohs runs from c. 2890 to 2700 BC. C., and is part, along with Dynasty I, of the Archaic Period.

There is no clear break between the first and second dynasties. Some indications suggest the pacification achieved between the Two Lands, Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt, as reflected in the name of the first of their kings, Hetepsejemuy "the two powers are at peace".

The second dynasty closes the Archaic period or Tinita (name given to the place where the first pharaohs of the first two dynasties came from, Tinis, This in Egyptian, near Abydos).

History

This dynasty marks a reinforcement of absolute power based on a centralized organization and the more intensive use of writing (increase in bureaucracy). Memphis becomes the capital of the northern kingdom with Uneg and Sened.

There are indications of a crisis of rivalry between Tinis and Memphis, reflected in the Peribsen stele, where the "Name of Seth" replaces the "Name of Horus". The kings of the second dynasty must fight against the Nubians and achieve the pacification of the north of the country, which would only be achieved by Jasejemuy, at the end of the dynasty.

At the beginning of this dynasty, the political and cultural accent was placed more on Lower Egypt. The pharaohs were buried in Saqqara. It was a time of political instability, with some pharaohs only recognized in Lower Egypt. The rulers at the beginning of this period were Hetepsejemuy, Nebra, Ninecher, Uneg and Sejemib. After them came several "rebels" of Lower Egypt, whose names only became known much later, and perhaps incorrectly: Neferkara, Neferkaseker and a king who may have been called Hudyefa. The Upper Egyptian counterpart of these pharaohs was Peribsen, who considered himself the Set representative of Naqada, and therefore also bore a Set name. He was succeeded by Jasejemuy. This king united the two gods in his name of Horus-Set (replaced by a name of Horus in Hierakonpolis, where he worshiped Horus) and was also able to reunite the Two Lands. From now on, Horus was considered the protector of Lower Egypt and Set that of Upper Egypt. Given the emphasis on Horus's rule, it is clear that Lower Egypt played the most important role from now on.

Pharaohs of the Second Dynasty

Only the names and order of the first four sovereigns and the last are known with certainty, but almost no royal tomb has been identified.

References in Royal Lists and archaeological data

• Most Egyptians associate Sejemib with Peribsen (*) and Jasejem with Jasejemuy (**).

Rulers of uncertain location

Chronology of the Second Dynasty

Chronology estimated by the following Egyptologists:

Schedule

• Approximate data.