Harem Conspiracy Papyrus: The Murder of Ramesses III

Introduction

The Harem conspiracy was a plot to assassinate the Pharaoh Ramesses III in 1155 BC
The plot was led by one of Ramesses III’s secondary wives, Tiye, who hoped to place her son Pentawer on the throne instead of Ramesses IV
The plotters were successful in killing the Pharaoh, but failed to establish Pentawer as the new Pharaoh
The leading conspirators were convicted and punished for their role in the plot

Ramesses III was the Pharaoh of Egypt during the Twentieth Dynasty
He was the son of Pharaoh Setnakhte and Queen Tiy-merenese
Ramesses III ruled Egypt for 32 years
He was in Thebes to celebrate the Heb-Sed festival when the plot against him was carried out

The attempt on Ramesses III’s life took place on the 15th day of the second month of the Shemu season (Season of the Harvest) in 1155 BC
The date was chosen as it coincided with the Beautiful Feast of the Valley, which allowed the conspirators to use the commotion to their advantage
Tiye, a minor wife of Ramesses III, enlisted officials and servants to help her place her son Pentawer on the throne instead of Ramesses IV
One of the pantry chiefs, Pebekkamen, was responsible for distributing information and recruiting others to join the plot
Other conspirators included Mastesuria, the overseer of the cattle Panhayboni, the overseer of the harem Panouk, and the clerk of the harem Pendua
The plot involved obtaining a pass from the overseer of the King’s treasury, Pairy, to gain access to the Pharaoh in the harem

Despite the successful assassination of Ramesses III, the plot failed to place Pentawer on the throne
Ramesses IV, the chosen successor, appointed twelve magistrates to investigate and judge the case across five trials
In addition to the main conspirators, those who had knowledge of the plot but did not report it were also arrested, tried, and punished
28 people were executed, including Pebekkamen, Mastesuria, Panhayboni, Panouk, Pentua, and Pairy
Some, like Pentawer, were allowed to take their own lives
Four others, including two judges and the captain of the police, had their ears and noses cut off for their involvement with the accused women
The punishment of Queen Tiye is not recorded
The mummy known as “Unknown Man E” is believed to be a son of Ramesses III and was likely involved in the conspiracy
The body shows signs of a violent death, potentially as a result of the plot against the Pharaoh