dynasty, has been solved by Barucchi, _Discord critici
sojpra la Cronologia Egizia_, pp. 131-134. These forty-three
years represent the length of time that the Theban dynasty
reigned alone, and which are ascribed to it in the Royal
Canon; but the number of its kings includes, besides the
recognized Pharaohs of the line, those princes who were
contemporary with the Heracleopolitan rulers and are
officially reckoned as forming the Xth dynasty.

The family which held the fief of Siut when the war broke out, had
ruled there for three generations. Its first appearance on the scene of
history coincided with the accession of Akhthoes, and its elevation was
probably the reward of services rendered by its chief to the head of the
Heracleopolitan family.*

* By ascribing to the princes of Siut an average reign equal
to that of the Pharaohs, and admitting with Lepsius that the
IXth dynasty consisted of four or five kings, the accession
of the first of these princes would practically coincide
with the reign of Akhthoes. The name of Khiti, borne by two
members of this little local dynasty, may have been given in
memory of the Pharaoh Khiti Miribri; there was also a second
Khiti among the Heracleopolitan sovereigns, and one of the
Khitis of Siut may have been his contemporary. The family
claimed a long descent, and said of itself that it was "an
ancient litter"; but the higher rank and power of "prince"
--hiqu--it owed to Khiti I. [Miribri?--Ed.] or some other
king of the Heracleo-politian line.

[Illustration: 309.jpg MAP, PLAIN OF THEBES]

From this time downwards, the title of "ruler"--_hiqu_--which the
Pharaohs themselves sometimes condescended to take, was hereditary in
the family, who grew in favour from year to year. Khiti I., the fourth
of this line of princes, was brought up in the palace of Heracleopolis,
and had learned to swim with the royal children. On his return home
he remained the personal friend of the king, and governed his domains
wisely, clearing the canals, fostering agriculture, and lightening the
taxes without neglecting the army. His heavy infantry, recruited from
among the flower of the people of the north, and his light infantry,
drawn from the pick of the people of the south, were counted by
thousands. He resisted the Theban pretensions with all his might, and
his son Tefabi followed in his footsteps.