First Intermediate Period (c.2160-c.2055 BC)
After the obscure reign of the seventh and eighth dynastic kings the ruler of Heracleopolis, Khety-I, seized control of Middle Egypt and founded the ninth dynasty (c.2160-c.2130 BC). The tenth dynasty (c.2130-c.2055 BC), also Heracleopolitan, was founded by Khety II. His successor, Khety III, began a feud with his southern neighbours, the Thebans. Ankhtifi, governor of Hierakonpolis in Upper Egypt, led an expedition against Thebes where he was confronted by a coalition of Thebans and Koptites.
Intef-I (r.c.2125-c.2112 BC), is usually recognized as the founder of the Theban or eleventh dynasty; his predecessor Mentuhotep (I), being designated a king in a later tradition. Intef, after apparently achieving a victory over Ankhtifi, pushed northwards and gained control of several nomes. Intef II (r.c.2112-c.2063 BC) renewed the conflict with Heracleopolis by capturing Abydos. At the succession of Intef III (r.c.2063-c.2055 BC) the Theban northern border lay just south of Asyut. It was here that the battles were fought that led to the reunion of the country by a pharaoh of the eleventh dynasty, Mentuhotep II (r.c.2055-c.2004 BC).
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