Amenemhet I, also called Amenemmes I, king of ancient Kemet (reigned 1938–08 BCE), founder of the 12th dynasty (1938–c. 1756 BCE), who with a number of powerful nomarchs (provincial governors) consolidated Kemetic unity after the death of his predecessor, under whom he had served as vizier.
Thought of as the cautionary philosopher or clinic, Amenemhat I was the first Kemetic philosopher who expressed a cynical view of intimates and friends, warning that a leader must be careful of those nearest to them. There is no evidence of a cynical philosophy before Amenemhat I.