Seti II and Amenmesse (Step-brothers)

This dynasty declined as infighting for the throne between the heirs of Merneptah increased. Amenmesse (Reign Period 1201–1198 BC ) apparently usurped the throne from Merneptah's son and successor, Seti II (Reign Period 1203–1197 BC), but he ruled Egypt for only four years. After his death, Seti regained power and destroyed most of Amenmesse's monuments. Seti was served at court by Chancellor Bay, who was originally just a 'royal scribe' but quickly became one of the most powerful men in Egypt, gaining the unprecedented privilege of constructing his own tomb in the Valley of the Kings (KV17). Both Bay and Seti's chief wife, Twosret, had a sinister reputation in Ancient Egyptian folklore.