Pepi II is often called the longest-reigning monarch ever: 94 years, from the age of six. But the figure comes from Manetho, writing some 2,000 years later, and firm records reach only about his 62nd year.

2250 BC

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The event

• The boy pharaoh's letter to Harkhufc. 2250 BC · Aswan, Egypt. Harkhuf of Elephantine led caravans deep into Nubia and brought back a pygmy from his last trip. The young Pepi II, king since age six, wrote that he would reward him richly if the pygmy arrived alive, and Harkhuf proudly carved the letter on his tomb.

23rd century BC

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