Thutmose III | Biography, Pharaoh, Military Leader & Reformer

Highlights of Thutmose III:

Occupation	Pharaoh of Egypt
Born	1481 BC
Died	1425 BC
Reign	1479 BC to 1425 BC
Known for	Being a great general and known as the “Napoleon” of Egypt

Biography:

One of the most notable pharaohs in the annals of ancient Egypt is Thutmose III. He oversaw Egypt for 54 years during which time he vanquished many of its foes and significantly increased the size of the Egyptian Empire.
being a child

As a prince of the Egyptian Empire, Thutmose III was born. Thutmose II, his father, ruled Egypt as pharaoh. Iset, his mother, was the pharaoh’s second wife. Growing up, Thutmose III was educated on the duties and functions of the pharaoh.

Thutmose III’s father passed away when he was still a little child, presumably between the ages of two and three. Although Queen Hatshepsut, the new pharaoh’s aunt, presided as his regent, Thutmose was formally crowned as the new ruler. Hatshepsut eventually rose to great prominence and assumed the role of pharaoh for herself.

Queen Hatshepsut

Hatshepsut was a capable ruler and a powerful king. Egypt flourished under her leadership. Thutmose III, meanwhile, rose to the position of leadership in the army as he aged. He learnt how to be a good commander and about warfare while serving in the army. Later in life, he would benefit from this experience.

Becoming Pharaoh

Hatshepsut died after 22 years in reign, and Thutmose III assumed the position and authority of pharaoh. He served as the Eighteenth Dynasty’s sixth pharaoh. For many years, Thutmose had been waiting; now it was his turn. Numerous Egypt’s adversaries were prepared to challenge the new pharaoh in combat. Thutmose was equipped.

A Terrific General

Soon after becoming pharaoh, a number of eastern rulers rose up in opposition to Egypt. To confront the insurgents, Thutmose III marched his troops swiftly. At the Battle of Megiddo, he personally led a surprise assault through a constrained mountain pass to overcome the opposition. He decisively crushed the insurgents and returned them to Egypt’s rule.

Throughout his reign, Thutmose III continued to conduct military operations. Thutmose captured hundreds of cities during the course of at least seventeen military wars, extending Egypt’s borders to include southern Syria, Canaan, and Nubia. He was a fearless warrior as well as a military genius. He frequently led his army into battle while fighting on the front lines.

Building

Thutmose III was a skilled builder, like many other notable pharaohs of the New Kingdom era. He ordered the construction of nearly fifty temples across Egypt, according to Egyptian texts. He added numerous features to the Temple of Karnak in Thebes, such as additional pylons and numerous enormous obelisks.

Death

Around the year 1425 BC, Thutmose III passed away. In the Valley of the Kings, he was laid to rest in an ornate tomb.

Facts Worth Knowing About Thutmose III

His name can also be spelled Thutmosis or Tuthmosis. His name translates to “Thoth is born.”

Thutmose was kind to the peoples he subjugated. After joining the Egyptian Empire, they primarily experienced peace and prosperity.

Thutmose is not known to have ever suffered a defeat in battle.

Thutmose built some obelisks, some of which can be found today in various locations all over the world. One is in Central Park in New York City, and the other is in London, England, along the River Thames. They are both known by the odd moniker “Cleopatra’s Needle.”