Hotepsekhemwy is the Horus name of an early Egyptian king who was the founder of the Second Dynasty of Egypt. The exact length of his reign is not known; the Turin canon suggests an improbable 95 years while the ancient Egyptian historian Manetho reports that the reign of "Boëthôs" lasted for 38 years. Egyptologists consider both statements to be misinterpretations or exaggerations. They credit Hotepsekhemwy with either a 25- or a 29-year rule.
Stone vase bearing Hotepsekhemwy's serekh, National Archaeological Museum (France).
Cartouche name of Hotepsekhemwy in the Abydos King List (cartouche no. 9).
Bone cylinder inscribed with the serekh of Hotepsekhemwy.
Entrance to the gallery tomb beneath the Unas passway.
The Second Dynasty of ancient Egypt is the latter of the two dynasties of the Egyptian Archaic Period, when the seat of government was centred at Thinis. It is most known for its last ruler, Khasekhemwy, but is otherwise one of the most obscure periods in Egyptian history.
Statue of Khasekhemwy, Ashmolean Museum
Image: Cylinder Inscribed with a King's Name Egypt, Dynasty 2, reign of Hetepsekhemwy, c. 2800 2780 BC, bone Egypt Brooklyn Museum Brooklyn, NY DSC08700
Image: Statue nynetjer RMO
Image: Abydos KL 02 04 n 12
