Mentemhe was first mentioned in the Rassam cylinder of Ashurbanipal, where he figures as 'king of Thebes'. He was, in fact, only the fourth prophet of Amun, though he was descended from a distinguished priestly family. It is certain that he overshadowed the first prophet. His grandfather was a Vizier, and his father was mayor of Ne. He has numerous monuments, and are confined, for the most part to Thebes, but it is likely that his influence and authority may have extended as far north as Abydos. However powerful, Mentemhe regarded himself as nothing more than a faithful subject of the Ethiopian King he served.