Pharoah Userkare

Userkare (also known as Woserkare) was the second pharaoh of the Sixth Dynasty of Egypt, reigning briefly, from 1 to 5 years, in the late 24th to early 23rd century BC. His name means "Powerful is the soul of Ra." Very little is known about Userkare's reign. He is not mentioned in any contemporary sources, and his name only appears on two later king lists: the Abydos King List and the Turin Canon. These lists indicate that he was the second pharaoh of the Sixth Dynasty, succeeding Teti and preceding Pepi I. The lack of contemporary sources for Userkare's reign has led to some speculation about his identity and relationship to Teti. Some scholars have suggested that he may have been Teti's son, while others have argued that he was a usurper who seized the throne after Teti's death. The only physical evidence that survives for Userkare's reign is a few cylinder seals and a copper ax head. These artifacts are inscribed with his name and title, but they provide no further information about his reign. Userkare's reign remains enigmatic, but he is an important figure in Egyptian history. He was the second pharaoh of the Sixth Dynasty, a period of great prosperity and stability in Egypt. His reign may have been brief, but it helped to lay the foundation for the later greatness of the Sixth Dynasty. His tomb has not been found. He is sometimes referred to as Userkare I to distinguish him from another pharaoh with the same name who ruled during the Middle Kingdom. His wife's name is unknown. He may have been the father of Pepi II.