Merneptah

Merneptah or Merenptah (reigned July or August 1213 BC – 2 May 1203 BC) was the fourth pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. He ruled Egypt for almost ten years, from late July or early August 1213 BC until his death on 2 May 1203 BC, according to contemporary historical records. He was the first royal-born pharaoh since Tutankhamun of the Eighteenth Dynasty. Merneptah was the thirteenth son of Ramesses II, only coming to power because all of his older brothers had died, including his full brother Khaemwaset or Khaemwase. By the time he ascended to the throne, he was around seventy years old. He is arguably best known for his victory stele, featuring the first known mention of the name Israel. His throne name was Ba-en-re Mery-netjeru, which means "The Soul of Ra, Beloved of the Gods". Family Merneptah was likely the fourth child born to Isetnofret I and Ramesses II, and his thirteenth son in total. He married Isetnofret II, who was likely his full sister or niece, and she would be his Great Royal Wife when he became pharaoh Merneptah. They had at least two sons, Merenptah, named after his father, and Seti II, and a daughter, Twosret. When Seti II became pharaoh, his sister Twosret became his Great Royal Wife. She became pharaoh in her own right after the death of pharaoh Siptah.