King Amenhotep III: The Pharaoh of Prosperity and Artistic Splendor

Amenhotep III was one of ancient Egypt’s most celebrated pharaohs. He ruled during the 18th Dynasty, a period of prosperity and artistic flourishing. 

In this comprehensive article, we delve into the life, accomplishments, and enduring legacy of Amenhotep III, shedding light on his reign as one of Egypt’s most influential and powerful pharaohs.

Who was King Amenhotep III?

King Amenhotep III is considered one of the most important Egyptian kings of the new kingdom. He was the ninth pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty. According to different authors, he ruled Egypt at the age of Twelve, from 1386 to 1349 BC. After his father’s death, Thutmose IV remained in power for 38 years.

Intricate Carving of King Amenhotep III

King Amenhotep III’s Family

-His father was Pharaoh Tuthmosis IV, and his mother was Queen Mutemwiya, the daughter of the Mittani king.

-He was married to Queen Tiye and had a son named King Akhenaten.

-He was also the grandfather of Tutankhamun.

King Amenhotep III and His Royal Family

King Amenhotep III’s Marriage with Queen Tye

King Amenhotep III married Queen Tye in the second year of his reign. Queen Tye was not of royal blood, but she belonged to a wealthy family. Her father is Yuya, who was a military leader, and her mother is Tuya, who worked in the royal house. Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye were blessed with six children. Four daughters and two sons. 

His eldest son is called Thutmose, and he worked as a sem-priest, but he died early. The second son, Amenhotep IV, ascended the throne after his father and changed his name to Akhenaten.

King Amenhotep III had many wives; some were foreign princesses, and he married them for political reasons and to keep peace with the other countries. But Tye was the great royal wife who occupied the first position.

Amenhotep III and Queen Tye

Diplomacy of King Amenhotep III

King Amenhotep III was a master of diplomacy during his reign. He solidified alliances through strategic political marriages, taking daughters and sisters from the rulers of Mitanni, Babylon, and the Hittite Empire as his wives. Furthermore, he embarked on diplomatic missions that took him as far as Cyprus and Assyria, fostering strong ties with neighboring nations. His generosity and diplomatic finesse played a pivotal role in nurturing profitable relationships with all his neighboring countries.

King Amenhotep III in Diplomatic Discussions

The Heb-SD Festival Celebration

King Amenhotep III upheld the time-honored tradition of the Heb-Sed festival during the 30th, 34th, and 37th years of his reign. This ceremonial event featured a series of mental and physical challenges designed to demonstrate the king’s capacity to carry on his duties as the ruler of Egypt.

Vibrant Heb-SD Festival Celebration

King Amenhotep III’s Legacy   

King Amenhotep III left behind a remarkable legacy in the form of an awe-inspiring array of constructions in ancient Egypt. His reign witnessed the creation of around 250 temples, structures, statues, and stelae, all designed to commemorate his era.

• Temple of Luxor: Amenhotep III expanded and embellished the Luxor Temple in Thebes, adding a grand colonnade and colossal statues at the entrance. The temple showcases intricate reliefs and carvings depicting the pharaoh’s reign and religious scenes.

• Temple of Karnak: Amenhotep III made significant contributions to the Karnak Temple Complex, particularly the Fourth Pylon and the Colonnade of Amenhotep III. The complex boasts impressive obelisks, sanctuaries, and intricate decorations.

• Colossi of Memnon: These colossal statues, originally part of Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple, depict the pharaoh seated on his throne. Each figure stands approximately 18 meters tall and is carved from a single piece of stone.

• Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III: Also known as the Temple of Millions of Years, this grand funerary complex was dedicated to the worship of the pharaoh. Although largely ruined, its original magnificence is evident in the remnants of colossal statues, colonnades, and decorative reliefs.

• Kom el-Hettan Palace Complex: Located near Luxor City, this vast palace complex served as the residence of Amenhotep III. It featured extensive gardens, artificial lakes, and various buildings that showcased the pharaoh’s opulence and architectural vision.

• Art and Sculpture: Amenhotep III patronized and encouraged artistic expression during his reign. His era witnessed the creation of numerous exquisite statues, reliefs, and other art forms that showcased a refined style and attention to detail.

Enduring Legacy of Amenhotep III

The Legend of the Colossi of Memnon

Impressive Colossi of Memnon

These magnificent statues were crafted around 1350 BC, and astonishingly, even over a millennium later, during the Greco-Roman Era, they remained a sought-after tourist destination. An intriguing legend surrounds these colossal figures, claiming that the northern statue would emit a haunting whistle at the break of dawn. 

This eerie phenomenon was likely the outcome of a fissure in the statue’s structure, stemming from the earthquake of 27 BC. Remarkably, ancient Greek and Roman travelers believed that hearing this enigmatic “song” brought good fortune, adding an air of enchantment to the site.

The Colossal Statues of King Amenhotep III and Queen Tye These colossi are considered the biggest statues which are exhibited in the Egyptian museum. They were made to express the greatness of the king.

King Amenhotep III and his wife are sitting beside each other on a high back seat. Near their legs are three standing daughters.

King Amenhotep III is wearing the Nemes headdress with a cobra on the forehead. He has the royal false beard and is wearing the royal kilt Shendyt.

The king is resting his two hands on his legs. The artist succeeded in showing the facial features of the king in a good way, represented by a calm face, remarkable eyebrows, wide eyes, a delicate nose, high cheekbones, and a fine mouth. The details of the body are made perfectly.

Queen Tye is shown extending her right arm behind the back of King Amenhotep III as a sort of love, care, and tenderness. She can also be considered as the hidden power behind the throne. She is resting her left hand over her leg.

The facial features of the queen are shown beautifully. She is wearing a heavy tripartite hair wig. The wig has the decoration of the body of the vulture goddess “Nekhbet” of Upper Egypt. 

Upon the wig is a cylindrical base, which was supposed to be surmounted by two feathers. On the forehead, there are two cobra goddesses representing “Wadjet” of Lower Egypt and one vulture for the goddess “Nekhbet” of Upper Egypt. The queen is wearing a long dress.

Amenhotep III Religious Beliefs and Devotion: 

Amenhotep III upheld traditional Egyptian religious beliefs and worshipped the pantheon of gods. He declared himself the son of the god Amun-Ra, emphasizing his divine lineage and deepening his connection to the religious practices of his people. The pharaoh commissioned the construction and expansion of temples dedicated to various deities, fostering religious devotion and reinforcing his status as a representative of the gods on Earth.

Religious Artifacts of Amenhotep III

Amenhotep’s Death & the Reign of Akhenaten

Amenhotep III Death

Amenhotep III suffered from severe dental problems, arthritis, and possibly obesity in his final years. He died in 1349 BC.

The foreign rulers, such as Tushratta, sent letters to Queen Tiye to express their grief on his passing and their condolences. 

These letters make clear that these monarchs hoped to continue the same good relations with Egypt under the new king as they had with Amenhotep III. 

Upon the death of Amenhotep III, his son Amenhotep IV ascended to the throne and commenced his rule.

in conclusion

Amenhotep III, a prominent pharaoh of ancient Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, left an enduring legacy of prosperity, diplomacy, and artistic achievement. His reign, marked by numerous temples and the iconic Colossi of Memnon, showcased his greatness. His devotion to traditional Egyptian religion and his diplomatic skills solidified Egypt’s standing on the world stage. Amenhotep III’s reign paved the way for his son, Akhenaten, to bring about significant changes in Egypt’s history.