Introduction
Amenhotep IV – better known as Akhenaten was Egypt’s
most profound pharaoh to rule Egypt. He led Egypt in a direction that
would tag him “The Heretic Pharaoh.” He brought forth new ideas
mainly in religion and art that would leave a lasting impression on the
world. Unlike most pharaohs, Akhenaten presented himself in a way
that would lead to controversy and would shock the world and his
culture. We invite you to take an in-depth look at Akhenaten and discover for yourself the man
that would lead Ancient Egypt with much mayhem during his reign and thereafter.
To really understand Akhenaten, you must go back to Tuthmosis IV when the city
of Thebes became the main habitat for Egypt. Its foremost god was Aten and was created during
this time. Aten was the solitary god set up by Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten) to be the main deity.
Amenhotep IV eventually changed his name to Akhenaten. The new name took on the meaning
“He who is of service to Aten.”
Family
Akhenaten’s parents were Amenhotep III and Queen Tiy. His wife was Nefertiti who was
probably a distant relative. The Couple had six daughters named Ankhesenpaaten,
Neferneferuaten-tasharit, Neferneferure, Meketaten, Merytaten, and Sotepenre. Also present in
the family are two unknown members in Akhenaten’s family. They are Smenkhkare (successor of
Akhenaten) and Tutankhaten who was later renamed Tutankhamen.
Akhenaten
As a young child Akhenaten was raised in a traditional Ancient Egyptian manner and
observed religious rituals to the god Amon. In Thebes, Amon was the god that was elevated to
the highest position. In time, Akhenaten turned his focus and beliefs to another deity called Aten.
(Aten is the sun god and was taken into battle with Tuthmosis IV and later taken by Akhenaten).
Soon after becoming pharaoh of Egypt, Akhenaten discarded his royal name and loyalty
to Amon. He turned away from old priests and began the cult of the sun disk -- the Aten.
Akhenaten acknowledged that Aten was the single god except Re, the sun god. He claimed he
was the only person able to converse with his god. This only caused an absence of priests and
he soon came to ban those that remained. He banned the worship of Amon and closed down
sacred temples.
Akhenaten’s wife’s name Nefertiti was also changed to “Nefer Nefru Aten” meaning
“Beautiful is the Beauty of Aten.” The couple then moved out of Thebes to a new capitol called
Akhetaton. Everyone from the old capitol moved to the new constructed capitol including the
court and artisans.
The New Capitol
Amarna was erected in 1353-1335 B.C. in honor of the god Aten. (Amarna is the modern
name for the city called Akhetaton) It had more naturalistic styles and the art portrayed natural
scenes and life-like figures. The couple raised many extraordinary buildings and conducted
sophisticated ceremonies in the temples and palaces. His new capitol attacked the cults of other
deities in Egypt, especially Amon. Sites of Amon were desecrated and any evidence of worship
to this god destroyed. Akhenaten even had his father's cartouches destroyed because it had
Amon’s name encrypted upon it. This continued to outrage the people of Egypt and left the
population uneasy and angry. Most of the cities in Egypt were deprived of their estates and
plantations. Corruption fell upon the temples and soon they were dependant on the city of
Akhetaton.
Art
The art during the Amarna period had made a colossal change. People were portrayed
as they were. Unlike most pharaohs, Akhenaten portrayed himself less god like and more
human. This new style of art was portraying people in everyday lifestyles and sometimes with
minute details. Bek was Akhenaten’s main artist during this period. The disfigured pharaoh
showed an almost strange elongation of the head, large breasts, swollen stomach, and the
diminutive splayed legs. He looked more feminine then masculine.
Not only did Akhenaten show his naturalness but also the surroundings around him. His
paintings were detailed and unique in that they showed naturalism along the Nile River. The
scenes of the time period showed the river engulfed with vegetation and wild animals.
Pharaohs in earlier periods showed themselves as being well proportioned and taller then
their subjects. Akhenaten, on the other hand, was depicted as being at equal level with his
surroundings that showed him in inappropriate scenes. Such scenes included him kissing his
daughters and sitting with his wife in a family oriented manner.
The End of Akhenaten’s Reign
During the 12th year of his reign, Queen Tiy joined Akhenaten in his city. She brought with
her a princess named Baketaten (Later Baketamon). Akhenaten soon provided her with housing
and constructed a temple in honor of her. Nefertiti was no longer a favorite to Akhenaten and she
soon disappears from the time period. Historians are puzzled as to why and where she left. Her
daughter soon took her place and held the duties her mother once did. His daughter was then
replaced with Ankhesenpaaten. He soon found anther queen who was named Kiya and might
have been from the Mitanni heritage. At around the eighteenth year of his ruling Akhenaten died.
Everything was destroyed and demolished soon after his death. His mummy has never been
found. Everything was ravished and destroyed upon his death.
Introduction
Coming from the 18th dynasty and being the
ninth Pharaoh to rule during this period,
Amenhotep III uplifted Egypt. In addition, he
would father a son who would shake Egypt’s
foundation and that son would later be referred to
as Akhenaten. During Amenhotep III’s reign,
which would come to be known as a period of
peace and abundance, many structures were
constructed that still stand today. Read further for
an in-depth look into the Pharaoh that beautified
Egypt.
Family
Being born to Queen Mutemwiya and the Pharaoh Thutmose IV, Amenhotep
III was given the throne at the age of twelve and remained Pharaoh until the
rightful age of 50. Like most Pharaohs he also had many wives. It was believed
that he had 317 wives -- all which were well taken care of and were acquired
through dowries. His favorite wife, Queen Tiy, was married to Amenhotep III at
around the age of 11 or 12. Being his favorite queen, a pleasure temple was
constructed in her honor. She was the first women to be given official acts and
was believed to be very intelligent. Together they had a son named Amenhotep
IV, who later changed his name to Akhenaten.
Amenhotep III
Amenhotep III ruled at a time when Egypt was in no great danger. Times
were prosperous due to trading and when production and life along the Nile River
had flourished. Unlike other Pharaohs conquering other kingdoms was not an
issue. Construction was the main focus since times were abundant and no real
great danger was evident. He enlarged many cities and constructed many
temples. He built the temple Malkata located on the western shores of Thebes
and the southern part of Medinet Habu. This site was dedicated to housing and
also official chambers. His greatest and most famous structure was the Temple
of Amun (modern day Luxor), which is known by its ruins and remains a popular
tourist attraction today.
Managing to keep the throne for a long 39 years, Amenhotep III died of
an unknown disease. He died at the age of 50. He left behind his favorite wife
who would later move with her son Akhenaten as well as many other wives.
Although not known for war or conquering, he left behind great monuments and
temples and grand statues that would begin to tell of an upcoming change -- the
Amarna Period.
Tomb
Jollis and Devilliers (French Engineers from Napoleon Bonaparte's expedition)
discovered Amenhotep III’s tomb in August 1799. They charted and logged their
findings. Today the tomb is known as KV22 and is located in the Valley of the
Kings. The tomb was found empty and the walls badly destroyed due to salt and
exposure to the elements. Restoration is underway in the hopes that the tomb
can be returned to a suitable condition. It’s believed the mummy of Amenhotep
III was found in the royal cache. The royal cache was located in a cut tomb near
Deir El Bahri, Hatshepsut’s temple, and was hidden by priests. That tomb was
discovered in 1881 by the Abd-er-Rassul brothers.
Hatshepsut was born in the 18th Dynasty. This Dynasty is also
referred too as the New Kingdom. Hatshepsut entered this world as
the daughter of royal parents. Her father was Tuthmosis I and ruled
Egypt for approximately 12 to 14 years. Her mother was Ahmes.
Ahmes was the sister of Amenophris I (Pharaoh who ruled Egypt for 21
years). In addition to Hatshepsut, Tuthmosis I and Ahmes had a son.
They named him Anenemes. By birthright, Anenemes should have
inherited the throne as the son of Tuthmosis I and Ahmes; however, he
never became king. Hatshepsut, on the other hand, went on to rule
Egypt in later years for approximately 21 years. Hatshepsut ruled
Egypt between 1479-1458/57. She ruled in a time when women were
allowed to own property and to hold official positions. They were given rights to inherit from
deceased family members and were allowed to present their cases in court. Women of Ancient
Egypt had more freedom then other ancient cultures such as Greece where women were
expected to stay home.
After the death of Hatshepsut’s father (Tuthmose I), her half brother (Tuthmose II)
succeeded the throne. As it was customary in royal families, the oldest daughter of the pharaoh
would marry a brother to keep the royal blood lines intact. Therefore, Hatshepsut married her half
brother. Tuthmose II was the son of one of her father’s lesser wives (Mutnofret); however, his
reign would be short and his life short-lived. It may have been that Tuthmose II died of an illness
and thus held the throne only for 14 years.
During their marriage, Hatshepsut and Tuthmose II were not able to produce a male heir
but rather had a daughter whom they named Neferure. In later years, it appears that Neferure
may have been married to her half brother (Tuthmose III); much like her mother had married a
half brother in previous years. Tuthmose III was the son of Tuthmose II (Hatshepsut’s husband)
and one of his royal concubines named Isis. This blood line made Tuthmose III a stepson to
Hatshepsut. Because Tuthmose III was very young when his father died, Hatshepsut became a
co-regent and ruled right along side the young stepson. It appears that within the second or third
year of this co-regency reign, Hatshepsut proclaimed herself king with complete titles. She would
be known as Maatkare (Matt is the ka of Ra) and also Khnemet-Amun-Hatshepsut (She who
embraces Amun, the foremost of women). After this proclamation, Tuthmosis III would no longer
reign as co-regent with Hatshepsut. In order to make Hatshepsut’s proclamation to king more
official and more accepting to the Egyptian citizens, she invented a co-regency with her father
Tuthmosis I. She even went as far as incorporating this fabricated co-regency into texts and
representations. These were found decorating her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri. In addition,
and also to make things still more official, Hatshepsut dedicated a chapel to her father in her
mortuary temple. She hoped to acquire more acceptance as the new ruler of Egypt by changing
the beliefs of her people.
Hatshepsut was a very unique and intelligent individual. She used various strategies to
legitimize her position as pharaoh. Not only did she proclaim herself as pharaoh and fabricate a
co-regency with her father (Tuthmose I), but she also tried to make herself more god-like by the
invention of stories with the attachment to gods. She did this by making it appear as if the gods
had spoken to her and her mother while in she was still in her mother’s womb. Hatshepsut
misled her subjects and the uneducated public by indicating that Amon-Ra had visited her
pregnant mother at the temple in Deir el-Bahri in the Valley of the Kings.
Hatshepsut was unique because she took on several male adornments while she ruled
Egypt. Unlike most women of that time, she attached a false beard, wore male clothing, and was
depicted in statutes as a pharaoh. She might have done this to make her transition to kingship
and the acceptance of the priesthood more convincing. It may be that if she had ruled strictly with
a more feminine-looking disposition she may not have been so readily accepted by the masses.
Her strategy seemed to work and the priests supported her reign as pharaoh.
There were many prominent figures during her reign but there appears to be one person
in particular who was probably foremost in her circle. This prominent person was Senenmut who
was born of a humble family in Armant. He came to be known as Hatshepsut’s spokesman and
steward of the royal family. In addition, he was known as superintendent of the buildings of the
God Amun. During the later years, Hatshepsut had obelisks installed in the Temple of Amon-Re
at Karnak. Senenmut supervised the transport and erection of these obelisks as well as the
mortuary temple that was built for Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri.
It appears that he must have been very well favored by the Queen as he had a separate
tomb constructed close to Hatshepsut’s tomb for himself. He had this second tomb dug out in
front of Queen Hatshepsut’s tomb in spite of owning another tomb at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna.
During Hatshepsut’s reign, gossip followed the pair as it was suggested that his good fortune was
due as a result of his intimate relations with the Queen. To add to this deduction, it was further
fueled by the fact that he played a heavy role in the education of Hatshepsut’s only daughter
Neferure. His brother, Senimen, also acted as nurse and steward to Neferure and this caused
more gossip to run rampant. Several statues were found associating Senenmut with the Princess
Neferure. History shows that Senenmut was a prominent figure during three-fourths of
Hatshepsut’s reign and possibly after the death of Neferure (it appears that she died around the
11th year of Hatshepsut’s reign), that he fell out of graces with the queen for unknown reasons.
Speculation has it that he may have had some kind of alliance with Tuthmosis III (Hatshepsut’s
stepson) and this could have led to the demise of their relationship.
History also shows that the construction of the famous temple of Deir el-Bahri was most
probably started by Tuthmose II and later finished by Queen Hatshepsut. The walls of the temple
depict major achievements such as the expedition to Punt near the Red Sea. This trading
expedition brought back many riches for the country.
To this day, the death of Hatshepsut remains a mystery. It appears that she reigned for
fifteen years and her stepson took the
throne after her disappearance. It’s
also believed that the hatred for his
stepmother pushed him to erase the
memory, existence, and any
depictions of Queen Hatshepsut by
destroying any monuments erected
during her reign. Although her temple
still stands, neither her tomb nor her
mummy has ever been found. She
has now come to be known as having
been the only female pharaoh to erect
the most monuments during her reign.
Tutankhamun, or better known as King Tut, was a
pharaoh who accomplished little in his life. He did not
expand Egypt’s borders nor enjoy triumphant victories like
the many pharaohs before him; however, he is the most
recognized and probably the most famous pharaoh today.
But why is he so famous? This answer can be attributed to
the discovery of his tomb and his elaborate treasure.
King Tut’s tomb was a major discovery of the 19th
century. It was discovered November 4, 1922 in the Valley of
the Kings by Howard Carter. It was a phenomenal discovery
that made headlines across the world. Up until the discovery of King Tut’s tomb,
it was believed that all royal tombs had been robbed and drained of their
treasure.
For the first time, a tomb, which was almost intact, had been discovered
and remained hidden from robbers for thousands of years. The tomb revealed an
elaborate lifestyle that many people could only dream about as well as providing
clues and insight into King Tut’s life and how he lived.
Even though little is known about Tutankhamen’s life, we do know that he
was given the throne at a young age. It has been estimated that he was about
eight or nine years old when this throne exchange took place. During the time
that this occurred, Egypt was in turmoil due to his father’s religious movement.
His father, which is believed to be Akhenaten, had changed the religious system
and the old beliefs that had been practiced for hundreds of years before him.
This religious change angered many angry citizens and priests. Tutankamen was
left with an angry and chaotic Egypt to rule.
The birth name of Tutankhamen was Tutankhaton, which meant “Living
Image of the Aten.” His father, which remains a mystery, is believed to be
Akhenaten, although some evidence points to Amenhotp III. His mother remains
a mystery as well but she is believed to be Kiya.
It is thought that Tutankhaton must have had a good childhood. He
probably spent his younger years hunting, swimming, and studying. His tomb
revealed he enjoyed board games. Like most children, he probably found politics
unexciting and went about his environment enjoying leisurely activities. Because
he was a child, he probably had an ignorant view about his father’s teachings
and politics. He was also believed to be an ill child due to the many walking
canes that were found inside his tomb.
After his father’s death, Tutankaton was given the throne. He was wed to
his half-sister Ankhensenpaaton, the daughter of Nefertiti and Akhenaten. After
acquiring the throne he began to uphold his father’s beliefs, which was the
worship of one god -- the Aton. A few years later Tutankaton started to bring
back gods that were forbidden by Akhenaten. He soon changed his name to
Tutankhamen along with changing his wife’s name to Ankhesenamun. Their
names were changed to reflect their beliefs towards Amun (eighth Heh god of the
Ogdoad) and probably to ease the angry priests who missed their old Egypt.
They soon decided to leave their father’s capital Amarna and relocated to a new
capital in Memphis and Thebes. This movement was probably suggested by Ay
(a high ranking official and advisor) to show the Egyptians and priests that things
were slowly returning to the original ways.
With the ancient beliefs restored and the movement of the new capital,
King Tutankhamen threw lavish parties to show his support for Amun.
Tuankhamen was only a child while the old gods were being reinstated, but could
a child make decisions of this magnitude at such a young age?
It doesn’t appear so, and it appears that his adviser Ay most likely made
major decisions for him. Ay and Hermhab were probably the sole drive behind
the throne. Could this be why old gods were reinstated and King Tut changed his
name? It could have been a great possibility due to the records left behind, which
showed Egypt was in a poor state after Akhenaten.
Sometime during his tenth year of reigning, Egypt was at war with the
Hittites. During this confrontation Tutankhamen suddenly died. How he died
remains a mystery; however, it’s believed he was murdered. King Tut had not left
a male heir to the throne and the children that he had were stillborn. King Tut
died at around eighteen or nineteen years old. Ay, who was a high official in
Akhenaten’s court, staked his claim as pharaoh. Ay went on to rule for only 4
years and died shortly after acquiring the throne
Introduction
Ramses II ruled during the 19th
Dynasty (1279-1212 BC). He was the
third ruler during this time period.
Being powerful and ambitious, he
would expand Egypt’s empire a vast
deal and would construct many
temples all of which overshadow many
of the others before him. Although
known for expansion and building
structures, he also remains an important Pharaoh to the story of Exodus.
Family
Ramses II was born to Queen Tuy and his father Sety I. He was given the
throne at the age of about 20 and ruled for 67 years. This allowed him to be the
second longest-ruling Pharaoh. Although Ramses II had a harem of wives, his
special wife was Nefertari and it was presumed that he had over one hundred
children with all his wives.
Ramses II
Ramses II was a prolific ruler that fought to reclaim territory in Africa and
Western Asia. The Hittites and Asia Minor were his main opponents or his main
enemies. During his fifth year as Pharaoh, he led a campaign known as the
Battle of Kadesh. Ramses II tried to keep the newly acquired territory (today it is
known as Syria) but lost the battle to one of his opponents - the Hittites. Seen as
a standstill, Ramses II pulled back and Kadesh remained with the Hittites once
more. Later, a treaty was signed, the territory was divided, and Ramses II agreed
to marry the daughter of the Hittite King. During his duration as Pharaoh, he
attacked many of his enemies such as the Libyans and the Nubians and also
attacked Syria about half a dozen times. Although known for his military might,
Ramses II also lived a life of extreme wealth and in addition he showed his need
for divine architecture.
His love of architecture and power allowed him to erect more monuments
and temples than any other Pharaoh. Abu Simbel, probably Ramses II’s most
impressive structure was carved from a sandstone cliff that faced to the east.
This was located in ancient Nubia. Although Abu Simbel remains his most
famous structure, he had many more architectural projects. Among them is
included the expansion of Luxor and Karnak. There he finished older projects set
forth by his father and erected many more monuments. It was evident Ramses II
wanted to leave a mark as a reminder of his great strength and wealth.
Tomb/Mummy
The tomb of Ramses II is located in the Valley of the Kings and remains
empty. After years or being looted and weathered, it remains destroyed. Great
amounts of effort are in progress with the hope of returning the tomb to a
somewhat presentable stage. Although the tomb remains empty, the mummy of
the Pharaoh has been found. Ramses II’s mummy is thought to be one of the
best-preserved mummies ever found.
Introduction
Snefru was the first king of the 4th dynasty (2613 - 2589
BC). He ruled for an estimated 24 years. Unlike most
kings, he was not declared kingship though birthright but
through marriage. He was a superior military manager and advanced Egypt’s
economy. Establishing trading routes along the Mediterranean, Snefru planned
in moving ahead his empire to great lengths. His most famous contribution was
the Bent Pyramid of Dahshur.
Family
Hetepheres I was the wife of Snefru, and probably was his half sister. It’s
believed he was born from one of the wives in his father’s harem which made
him lack royal blood. Marrying his half sister might have been the key to
legitimizing his rule as Pharaoh. Together, both Snefru and Hetepheres gave
birth to Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid. Snefru’s parents were
Meresankh and Huni was his stepfather.
Snefru
Like most Pharaohs, Snefru was active in foreign affairs with countries from
the Mediterranean and received materials such as cedar for construction of many
ships. This most probably came from Lebanon. Although trading and exporting
was very important to his success, so were his military skills. Campaigning
against the Libyans and Nubians, Snefru found himself leading massive
campaigns that often lead to victory. Campaigning against Nubia offered great
rewards such as raw materials for construction and the safety of Egypt’s
southern borders.
Snefru was intelligent and very logical. In order to accomplish his tasks as
Pharaoh he needed no barriers. To complete many of his wishes, Snefru kept the
power of the royal family fixed. Most of his appointed officials were members of
his ruling family and as a result the administrative powers remained within that
structure. This logical and brilliant strategy might be why he was able to construct
his three pyramids. Although this logic may have helped build the three pyramids,
his brilliant strategy might not have been so helpful in holding firm the “Old
Kingdom” as this appeared to fall after his death.
Pyramids
Like most Pharaohs, death was a very important aspect of Snefru’s life. He
constructed the pyramid at Maidum, which was originally a seven-stepped
pyramid. Once erected, the steps of the pyramid were filled in. This formed a true
pyramid; however, eventually the pyramid failed and the outer casing soon
collapsed. Although this pyramid failed, Snefru still did not give up. His next
major plan was the construction of the Bent Pyramid located in Dahshur. Unlike
his last project, the bent pyramid was planned as a pyramid. The sides soon
became too steep and a quick fix was needed. They changed the degree of the
pyramid which made the structure more stable.
Snefru will most likely always be known as being one of Egypt’s most
prominent pyramid builders of his time. In addition, he will also be known as
contributing to the continuous evolution of religious beliefs during his reign.
After the removal of foreign rule in 332 B.C., a new dynasty would
begin its rule in Egypt which would last over 300 years, ending with
the death of Cleopatra VII in 30 B.C.. At one time Egypt was one of
the great powers of the world and expanded its rule without
difficulties, but the inclusion of the Roman Empire into Egypt’s affairs
led to a decline in territories held, yet it was able to preserve the
wealth and status of Egypt. By the time of Cleopatra’s rise to power,
the state of Egypt was crumbling around her due to outside
pressures from Rome, loss of lands, and famine at home. This last
Pharaoh of Egypt used her beauty, cunning, sexuality and powers of
persuasion to entice two of the world’s most powerful men to keep
her once powerful empire free of complete Roman control. Besides
dealing with problems abroad, Cleopatra VII had to overcome an
Egyptian society that did not accept females as sole rulers without male guidance.
Although the name Cleopatra has been used by many Egyptian Queens, Cleopatra VII, by far is
the most remembered overshadowing her predecessors with her political savvy, beauty and
romantic life. Cleopatra VII was born in 69 B.C. in Alexandria, Egypt to King Ptolemy XII Auletes.
The identity of her mother is a mystery, but some have speculated that it may have been one of
the King’s concubines or possibly his sister, Cleopatra V Tryphaena.
In 51 B.C., Cleopatra’s father Ptolemy XII died and in his will he left the kingdom to Cleopatra VII
and her younger brother Ptolemy XIII. Cleopatra, only eighteen at the age of her ascension had to
wed her brother and co-ruler due to Egyptian law, which called for any female ruler to have a
consort who was either a brother or son. Ptolemy XII was only twelve at the time and Cleopatra
took full advantage of the age difference
and situation she had been thrust into.
Cleopatra dropped Ptolemy XIII name
from all administrative documents and she
had her own portrait and name placed on
legal tender, ignoring her brother’s claim
of co-regent. For three years, Cleopatra
ruled alone until her brother’s advisors led
by Pothinus began conspiring against her.
In 48 B.C. they removed Cleopatra from
power and she was forced into exile in
Syria along with her younger sister
Arsinone IV. Cleopatra would not give up
her throne easily and she began
amassing an army on Egypt’s border.
Cleopatra devised a plan to meet Julius
Caesar on her own terms seeking a
political alliance and a return to the
throne. She had herself wrapped inside a
rolled rug which was smuggled into
Alexandria and delivered to Caesar. When
the rug was opened, Cleopatra rolled out
and immediately charmed Caesar. Within
that same evening, Cleopatra seduced
Caesar, who was married, and became
his lover, but more importantly linked herself with the Roman Empire. Caesar returned Cleopatra
to her throne, and she then married her youngest brother Ptolemy XIV who was only eleven years
of age. Around this time Cleopatra became pregnant by Caesar and she gave birth to a son,
Ptolemy XV also called Caesarion or Little Caesar. In 44 B.C., Caesar was stabbed to death at a
Senate gathering, and Cleopatra fled back to Egypt.
In 42 B.C., Cleopatra would meet Mark Antony, part of a group now in control of the Roman
Empire. Once again Cleopatra would use her charm and cunning to integrate herself with a
powerful man who was part of a powerful empire. Their relationship quickly turned romantic and
Antony would spend the winter in Alexandria at Cleopatra’s side. Outraged by Antony’s extramarital affairs, the Roman Senate declared war on Egypt. Antony and Cleopatra’s forces were no
match against the Romans and they were soundly defeated. Antony would commit suicide by
stabbing himself and soon after Cleopatra committed suicide by being bitten by an asp, an
Egyptian cobra. She was thirty nine years old at the time of her death and was buried beside
Antony.
Cleopatra was the last Pharaoh of Egypt and there have been some controversies in regards to
her life. Although most evidence points to her ethnicity as being Greek, there are those who
believe she was from black African descent, even though there is little proof of that. Questions
have also risen about her beauty, which has been possibly exaggerated by Hollywood motion
pictures. Debate has also arisen over her decisions to have relationships with Caesar and
Antony, which have provoked a question over whether she was an immoral seductress who used
love and sex as a political tool or was she truly a heroine who found happiness with two men that
happened to be powerful and linked to Egypt’s survival and independence. Historically, Cleopatra
will be remembered as a woman who seized any opportunity that was placed in front of her. She
was an aggressive woman who ignored her brother’s claim to power and the submissive role
women were supposed to play in politics. Cleopatra used any means necessary to accomplish
her goals and to protect her beloved state of Egypt. Although her use of seduction in regards to
her relationships with Cesar and Antony have become legendary to mainstream society, one
must not forget the social and political limitations she hurdled to maintain her position as Pharaoh
of Egypt.
It is likely that Tuthmosis III, stepson of Hatshepsut, was lucky to
have survived her rule, though there is some debate on this issue.
He obviously stayed well in the background, and perhaps even
demonstrated some amount of cunning in order to simply keep his
life. Because of the prowess he would later demonstrate on the
battlefield, we assume he probably spent much of Hatshepsut's
rule in a military position. To an extent, they did rule together, he in
a foreign military position, and her taking care of the homeland.
When Hatshepsut finally died, outliving her powerful ministers,
Tuthmosis III was at last able to truly inherit the thrown of Egypt,
and in doing so, proved to be a very able ruler.
Interestingly, it was not until the last years of his reign that he
demonstrated what must have been some anger with his
stepmother by destroying as much of her memory as possible.
Her images were expunged from monuments throughout Egypt.
This is obvious to most visitors of Egypt because one of the most
effected monuments was her temple at Deir el-Bahari, today a
primary tourist site. There, Tuthmosis III destroyed her reliefs and
smashed numerous statues into a quarry just in front of the temple. He even went so far as to
attack the tombs of her courtiers. Yet if this was over the frustration of his youth when she ruled,
why did he wait until such a late date to begin the destruction?
Military Exploits
In any event, Tuthmosis III became a great pharaoh in his own right. Perhaps this reputation is
due to the fact that his battles were recorded in great detail by the archivist, royal scribe and army
commander, Thanuny. The battles were recorded on the inside walls surrounding the granite
sanctuary at Karnak, and inscriptions on Thanuny's tomb on the west bank state that, "I recorded
the victories he won in every land, putting them into writing according to the facts". Referred to as
the Annals, the inscriptions were done during Tuthmosis' 42nd year as pharaoh, and describe
both the battles and the treasures that were taken. These events were recorded at Karnak
because Tuthmosis's army marched under the banner of the god, Amun, and Amun's temples
and estates would largely be the beneficiary of the spoils of Tuthmosis' wars.
Tuthmosis III fought with considerable nerve and cunning. On one campaign, he marched to
Gaza in ten days and from Yehem, planned the battle to take take Megiddo which was held by a
rebellious prince named Kadesh. There were three possible approaches to Megiddo, two of
which were fairly open, straightforward routes while the third was through a narrow pass that
soldiers would only be able to march through in single file.
Though he was advised against this dangerous pass by his commanders, Tuthmosis not only
took this dangerous route, but actually led the troops through. Whether by luck, or gifted intuition
this gamble paid off, for when he emerged from the tight canyon, he saw that his enemies had
arranged their armies to defend the easier routes. In fact, he emerged between the north and
south wings of the enemy's armies, and the next day decisively beat them in battle. It apparently
took a long siege (seven months) to take the city of Megiddo, but the rewards were great. The
spoils were considerable, and included 894 chariots, including two covered with gold, 200 suites
of armor including two of bronze, as well as over 2,000 horses and 25,000 other animals.
Tuthmosis III had marched from Thebes up the Syrian coast fighting decisive battles, capturing
three cities, and then returned back to Thebes. Over the next 18 years, his armies would march
against Syria every summer and by the end of that period, he established Egyptian dominance
over Palestine. At Karnak he records the capture of 350 cities, and in the 42nd year of his rule,
Kadesh itself was finally taken.
He also made campaigns into Nubia where he built temples at Amada and Semna and restored
Senusret III's old canal in his 50th year of rule so that his armies could easily pass on their return
to Egypt.
Building Projects
Tuthmosis III built his own temple near Hatshepsut's on a ledge between her temple and that of
Mentuhotep. His small temple was excavated recently by a Polish mission. The excavation
revealed stunningly fresh reliefs, perhaps because of a rock fall from the cliffs above covered the
temple shortly after its completion. Close by, Tuthmosis built a rock cut sanctuary to the goddess
Hathor. This monument was accidentally discovered by a Swiss team when a rock fall exposed
its opening. Apparently, the shrine was in use up to the Ramesside period, when it was
destroyed by an earthquake.
Tuthmosis III's Temple of Hathor
But of the many monuments associated with Tuthmosis III, none faired better then the temple of
Karnak. Wall reliefs near the sanctuary record the many gifts of gold jewelry, furniture, rich oils
and other gifts offered to the temple,. mostly from the spoils of war, by Tuthmosis III. He also built
a new and very unique temple at Karnak that is today referred to as his Festival Hall. The
columns are believed to represent the poles of the king's campaign tent. In the rear is a small
room with representations of animals and plants bought back from Syria during the 25th year of
his reign. For obvious reasons, this room is referred to as the Botanical Garden.