Merneptah (/ˈmɛrnɛptɑː, mərˈnɛptɑː/[2]) or Merenptah (reigned July or August 1213–2 May 1203 BCE) was the fourth pharaoh of the Nineteenth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt.

According to contemporary historical records, he ruled Egypt for almost ten years, from late July or early August 1213 until his death on 2 May 1203.

He married Isetnofret II, who was likely his full sister or niece, who would become Great Royal Wife when he was named pharaoh.

At that point, he gained additional responsibilities by serving as Prince Regent for the last twelve years of Ramesses II's life.

[3] Merneptah moved Egypt's administrative center from Pi-Ramesses, his father's capital, back to Memphis, where he constructed a royal palace next to the temple of Ptah.

Merneptah led a victorious six-hour battle against a combined Libyan and Sea People force at the city of Perire, probably located on the western edge of the Nile Delta.

His account of this campaign against the Sea Peoples and Libu is described in prose on a wall beside the sixth pylon at Karnak, which states: Later in the inscription, Merneptah receives news of the attack: An inscription on the Athribis Stele, now in the garden of Cairo Museum, declares "His majesty was enraged at their report, like a lion", assembled his court, and gave a rousing speech.

[11] A newly discovered massive layer of fiery destruction confirms Merneptah's boast about his Canaanite campaign.

[12] As soon as Merneptah died the succession apparently had become a problem, he was put in his tomb KV 8 but later removed, and his mummy has survived.

Merneptah was almost completely bald, only a narrow fringe of white hair (now cut so close as to be seen only with difficulty) remaining on the temples and occiput.