Amen-em-hat I., Se-helep-ab-Ra

First king and founder of Dynasty XII., cir. 2778-2748 B.C., probably of Theban origin, and most likely a descendant of the Amen-em-hat (q.v.) who was a prince under Mentu-hetep, of Dynasty XI. His wars of aggre ion in all quarters have been recorded in rock inscriptions and papyri. He and his succe ors are known as much for their wise home government as for the glory of their victories abroad. Something of the internal conditions of the country may be learnt from the "Story of Se-Nehat." The temple to Amen at Thebes was founded by Amen-em-hat I., and there he set up a red granite portrait of himself. During the last ten years of his reign he a ociated with him on the throne his young son, Usertsen. It was for this son that he wrote the "Precepts" contained in the Sallier Papyrus II. From a papyrus of Berlin ("Les Papyrus de Berlin," par M. Chabas) it would seem that there was some mystery about his death.