Ancient Egypt / Old Kingdom / 6th Dynasty /
Other spelling: Piopi, Neferkare
Pepi 2 is noted for his long reign, he is credited in Ancient Egyptian sources with 94 years on the throne. The same sources indicate that he became king at the age of 6, although this fits bad with the 9-year reign of Merenre 1 in between, which would mean that his father died 3 years before his birth!
Moderns scholars have set the span of his reign to between 50 and 70 years. Yet, it was no more impossible to live up to 100 years then than now.
He was the son of King Pepi 1. While still a child, his mother Ankhnesmerire 1 and her brother Daju were acting regents.
Pepi's reign was one of disintegration for Egypt as there were many internal conflicts. Under Pepi, central administration was weakened and nomarchs, local officials often acted fully independently from the king. Also, it was a problem for Egypt that vast resources were spent on the construction of tombs for officials at several levels. This was also in correspondence with Pepi's own interests.
Egypt had much trouble also with its neighbours. In Nubia, many local rulers drove the Egyptians out
Pepi had his funerary complex built at South Saqqara, with a pyramid and a rock-cut burial chamber. Pepi also built pyramids for 3 of his wives.
He was preceded by his brother, Merenre 1, and suceeded by Merenre 2, possibly his son. Merenre 2's reign was short and succeeded by Queen Nitiqrit.
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