Merikare was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the First Intermediate Period, around the 21st century BCE. He is often associated with the 9th Dynasty and is known primarily from a series of inscriptions and a famous wisdom text attributed to him, which reflects his thoughts on governance and morality. His reign is marked by a time of political fragmentation and social upheaval in Egypt. Despite these challenges, Merikare is remembered for his efforts to restore order and stability, emphasizing the importance of justice and the welfare of his people in his writings.