Amenemhat III

Amenemhat III was a powerful pharaoh of ancient Egypt. He was the sixth king of the Twelfth Dynasty. This period is known as the Middle Kingdom. His reign is considered the cultural and economic zenith of this era. This means Egypt reached its highest point of wealth and art under his rule.

He inherited a stable nation from his father, Senusret III. His father had used military force to control Nubia. Senusret III also took power away from local governors called nomarchs. These actions created a peaceful environment for Amenemhat III to lead.

Amenemhat III began his rule through a system called a co-regency. In his 19th year of his father's reign, he became a co-regent. He was the junior ruler, while Senusret III was the senior ruler. They shared the throne for twenty years. During this time, Amenemhat III took the active role as king. He reigned for at least 45 years in total. Toward the end of his life, he set up another co-regency. He shared power with his son, Amenemhat IV.

To fund his massive building projects, the king managed many resource expeditions. He exploited various quarries across Egypt and the Sinai peninsula. These missions were highly organized and sometimes led to permanent settlements. He sought turquoise and copper in the Sinai. He also looked for amethyst in Wadi el-Hudi. Other expeditions collected schist at Wadi Hammamat and limestone at Tura. He obtained alabaster from Hatnub and red granite from Aswan. From Nubia, his workers brought back diorite.

His building program was extensive and focused on specific regions. He spent a great deal of effort in the Faiyum area. There, he worked on the excavation of Lake Moeris. He dedicated a temple to the god Sobek in this region. He also built a chapel for the goddess Renenutet. In Biahmu, he erected two colossal statues of himself. He also built a large mortuary complex at Hawara. This complex included a famous Labyrinth.

Amenemhat III is unique because of his funerary architecture. He built two separate pyramids for himself. One was located at Dahshur and the other at Hawara. He was the first pharaoh since Sneferu of the Fourth Dynasty to build more than one pyramid.

The pyramid at Dahshur is sometimes called the Black Pyramid.

Near his Hawara pyramid, his daughter Neferuptah had her own pyramid. Some scholars believe she was groomed to be his successor. Her name was even written in a cartouche, which is a royal symbol.

Trade and military activity remained limited during his long reign. There is very little evidence of war. One small military mission occurred in his ninth regnal year near Kumma in Nubia. This mission reported that no deaths occurred during the return trip. He also organized several trade expeditions to the Land of Punt. These trips were led by officials like the chief steward Senbef. Some missions sought incense, while others looked for exotic metals.

His family played a central role in the Twelfth Dynasty. His wives included Aat and Khenemetneferhedjet III. Both women were buried in his pyramid at Dahshur. He had several potential sisters or half-sisters, such as Sithathor. His children also became important leaders. His son, Amenemhat IV, succeeded him. His daughter, Sobekneferu, also reigned as king. She was the last ruler of the Twelfth Dynasty. This lineage shows how closely the royal family was tied to the stability of Egypt.