RAMSES VI

flourished 12th century BC king of Egypt (reigned 114537 BC), who may have seized power after deposing his predecessor during a dynastic struggle. Evidence indicates that Ramses VI was probably a grandson of Ramses III, the last outstanding ruler of the 20th dynasty. After taking the throne, perhaps in a coup motivated by dynastic rivalry, Ramses VI displayed hostility to his two immediate predecessors, who were of a different branch of the royal family, by usurping their monuments and even annexing the tomb of his predecessor, Ramses V. Despite the dynastic struggle, however, most important officials and the powerful high priest of Amon and his associates remained in power. Reigning at least seven years, the king did very little building, and after he annexed his predecessor's tomb the size of the workmen's gang on the royal tomb was reduced. He was also the last Egyptian king to work the copper mines at Sinai; Nubia, Egypt's territory to the south, however, remained loyal. Ramses was followed by his son Ramses VII, formerly identified as Ramses VIII.