KHAEMWESE

(fl. c. 1285–1230 BC)

Fourth son of Ramesses II by Isitnofret. He was appointed to the priesthood of Ptah and eventually reached the position of high priest of Ptah at Memphis and briefly served as crown prince before predeceasing his father. He may have been buried in the Serapeum. Khaemwese undertook restoration works of older monuments, including the pyramids at Abusir and Saqqara. In later literature, he is portrayed as a learned but not necessarily wise magician. A like-named son of Ramesses III, who died young, is known from his tomb (QV44) in the Valley of the Queens.

See also Amenherkhepeshef; Merenptah; Meryatum; Preherwenemef; Sety.