Amenhotep III | Biography, 18th Dynasty Pharaoh, Builder of Luxor

Highlights of Amenhotep III:

Occupation	Pharaoh of Egypt
Born	1388 BC
Died	1353 BC
Reign	1391 BC to 1353 BC
Known for	Ruling Egypt during the peak of the Ancient Egyptian civilization

Biography:

The Egyptian Empire was at its height of power and prosperity under Amenhotep III’s tenure. Egypt’s art and culture were at their height during this peaceful period.

Growing Up

Amenhotep III was the great-grandson of the fabled Pharaoh Thutmose III and the son of Pharaoh Thutmose IV. As Egypt’s crown prince, he was raised at the palace. He would have received education in both the pharaoh’s religious duties and the operations of the Egyptian government.

Becoming Pharaoh

Amenhotep became king after the death of his father when he was about twelve years old. For the first few years, as he grew older and gained leadership skills, he probably had an adult regent who served as his representative.

Governing Egypt

Egypt was extremely wealthy and powerful when Amenhotep established his rule. He was an extremely skilled politician. By weakening the influence of Amun’s priests and strengthening the sun god Ra, he was able to keep his control over Egypt. He also formed powerful ties with other nations by wed the daughters of foreign monarchs from Syria and Babylon.

Family

A few years after ascending to the throne, Amenhotep wed his wife Tiye. Tiye succeeded him as his monarch and “Great Royal Wife.” Together, they had multiple children, including two sons. Crown Prince Thutmose, Amenhotep’s first son, passed away at an early age. As a result, Amenhotep IV, his second son, became the heir apparent. When Amenhotep IV became pharaoh, he changed his name to Akhenaten.

Amenhotep wed a number of princesses from neighboring kingdoms to cement his relationships with other countries. Amenhotep appears to have harbored deep affection for his first wife Queen Tiye despite having other wives. In addition to having a mortuary chapel erected for her, he also dedicated a lake to her in her hometown.

Monument Structure

Amenhotop III erected numerous monuments to himself and the gods while he was pharaoh. The Temple of Luxor in Thebes is arguably his most well-known building. This temple rose to prominence as one of Egypt’s largest and most impressive structures. Hundreds of statues of Amenhotep, notably the Colossi of Memnon, were also constructed by him. These two enormous statues, which stand at a combined height of almost 60 feet, depict a huge Amenhotep sitting.

Death

Amenhotep III passed away approximately 1353 BC. Together with his wife Tiye, he was interred in a tomb in the Valley of Kings. Upon his demise, Amenhotep IV, his son, ascended to the throne. His son would adopt the name Akhenaten and fundamentally alter Egyptian religion.

Facts Worth Knowing About Amenhotep III

Amenhotep’s name translates to “Amun is Satisfied.” The primary deity among the Egyptians was Amun.

He constructed a lavish mortuary temple for himself. Later, the Nile River swamped it, leaving much of it in ruins today.

Amenhotep III has more statues that are still standing than any other Pharaoh (around 250).

Even though Amenhotep wed numerous foreign princesses, he turned down the King of Babylon’s request to wed his daughter.

He is occasionally referred to as Amenhotep the Magnificent.

In the Eighteenth Dynasty, he was the ninth pharaoh.