Ankhmakis

Quick Facts: Who was Ankhmakis?

Subject:

Ankhmakis

Known for:

Rebel Pharaoh of Egypt who challenged the Ptolemies during a period of intense instability.

Born:

300 BC

Died:

200 BC

Century / Era:

-300s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Ankhwennefer (Ancient Egyptian: ꜥnḫ-wnn-nfr "May Onnophris live"; Ancient Greek: Χαόννωφρις Khaónnōphris), also known as Ankhmakis/Ankhmakhis, Ankhonnophris, or Harmakhis, was the successor of Horwennefer, a rebel ruler who controlled much of Upper Egypt during the reigns of Ptolemies IV and V. His rule lasted from approximately 201/200 to 187/186 BC. Ankhwennefer's name alludes to Wn–nfr, the second name of the divine king Osiris on earth. Ankhwennefer succeeded Horwennefer as pharaoh in Upper Egypt between 201 and 199; the exact date remains unclear. His background is also unknown, but he might have been a relative of Horwennefer, and an inscription at Philae hints at Ankhwennefer being Horwennefer's son. Historian Joseph Mélèze-Modrzejewski argued that both Ankwennefer and Horwennefer were probably Nubian.

Career & Major Achievements

In contrast, Egyptologist Günther Hölbl argued that demotic sources emphasized that the two rebel leaders were native Egyptians, "reveal[ing] how nationally minded the movement was". Either way, both rebel pharaohs stressed their strong connections to Thebes. In any case, Ankhwennefer encountered a difficult situation at the start of his reign. Horwennefer had died and the rebels lost their capital of Thebes either shortly before or after Ankhwennefer's accession. The Ptolemaic army garrisoned not just Thebes, but even the town of Syene further to the south.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

According to Egyptologist Toby Wilkinson, Ankhwennefer "daringly" marched his remaining forces into the north, where he plundered and devastated as much as possible to disrupt the Ptolemaic supply lines. The rebel pharaoh was probably aided by the outbreak of new anti-Ptolemaic rebellions in the Nile Delta and the Fifth Syrian War between the Ptolemaic Kingdom and the Seleucid Empire. In 200 BC, much of the Ptolemaic army was destroyed by the Seleucids in the Battle of Panium; this allowed Ankhwennefer to re-strengthen his regime. The rebels' northward offensive succeeded in forcing the Ptolemaic garrison to retreat from Thebes to its southernmost strongholds. Despite having regained the Thebaid, Ankhwennefer remained beset not just by Ptolemaic loyalists, but also by an invasion by the Kingdom of Kush from the south.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 300 BC: Birth of Ankhmakis — Rebel Pharaoh of Egypt who challenged the Ptolemies during a period of intense instability.
2. 200 BC: Passing & Historical Legacy — Ankhmakis passed away on -200, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Ankhmakis

True or False: “Did Ankhwennefer's primary challenge come solely from internal Egyptian dissent?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): His reign was complicated by external threats, notably the expansionist Kingdom of Kush from the south and the military actions of the Seleucid Empire.

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• -300 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from -300
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ankhmakis