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Thutmose III

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Thutmose III was a prominent pharaoh of Egypt's 18th Dynasty. He lived during the New Kingdom period. Many historians call him Thutmose the Great. He is remembered as a brilliant military strategist and a powerful conqueror.

Thutmose III Head
Thutmose III Head

His leadership helped transform Egypt into a massive international superpower. His empire reached from Syria in the north to Nubia in the south. He is often compared to Napoleon because of his many military successes.

Thutmose III's path to power involved a long period of shared rule. He was the son of Thutmose II and a woman named Iset. When his father died, Thutmose was likely a very young child. Because of this, his stepmother Hatshepsut became his regent.

Thutmose III and Hatshepsut
Thutmose III and Hatshepsut

Eventually, Hatshepsut declared herself pharaoh. For 22 years, they ruled as co-regents. Hatshepsut was the senior ruler, while Thutmose III was the junior ruler. He became the sole ruler of Egypt in 1458 BC after her death.

His military career was defined by constant movement and victory. Thutmose III conducted between 17 and 20 military campaigns during his reign. Every single one of these campaigns was a victory.

ThutmosesIII-AnnalsOfThutmosesIII-Karnak
ThutmosesIII-AnnalsOfThutmosesIII-Karnak

He is credited with capturing 350 cities. To manage his growing empire, he created the first navy in the ancient world. This allowed Egypt to control both land and sea routes. His military successes are recorded in the Annals of Thutmose III. These detailed inscriptions were carved into the walls of the Temple of Amun at Karnak.

One of his most famous victories was the Battle of Megiddo. This battle took place around May 9, 1457 BC.

Thutmose III at Karnak
Thutmose III at Karnak

Before the battle, Thutmose had to choose a path through a mountain ridge. His generals suggested two safe routes around the mountains. Thutmose rejected these and chose a dangerous mountain pass instead. He claimed the path was only wide enough for single-file movement. This bold choice allowed his army to surprise the Canaanite forces.

The Battle of Megiddo changed the political landscape of the Near East. After the battle, Thutmose had to besiege the city of Megiddo for several months.

Once he won, he gained control over northern Canaan. This forced many Syrian princes to send tribute to Egypt. This tribute included precious gifts and noble hostages. Even distant kings from the Assyrian and Babylonian regions sent gifts to honor him. This influx of wealth helped strengthen the Egyptian economy.

Thutmose III's personal life was also quite complex. He had several wives, including three from foreign lands named Menhet, Menwi, and Merti.

Diadem with two gazelle heads MET 26.8.99 EGDP013732
Diadem with two gazelle heads MET 26.8.99 EGDP013732

He also had a Great Royal Wife named Merytre-Hatshepsut. She was the mother of his successor, Amenhotep II. Thutmose III's reign lasted for many years. According to some calculations, he ruled from April 28, 1479 BC, until his death on March 11, 1425 BC. This was a total of 54 regnal years.

We know much about this era through many different types of artifacts. Archaeologists have found advanced items like glass cups from his time.

They have also found jewelry and decorated beads. Large monuments, like the Lateran obelisk, also come from this period.

Lateran obelisk 2013-2
Lateran obelisk 2013-2

These objects help us understand the technology and art of the New Kingdom. Thutmose III's ability to use new military tools, like horse-drawn chariots, helped him expand his borders. His reign left a lasting mark on the history of the ancient world.

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🖼️ Images & Media (16)
File:A fragment of a wall block. The hieroglyphs Son of Ra were inscribed over the cartouche of the birth-name of Thutmos III. 18th Dynasty. From Egypt. The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology, London.jpg
A fragment of a wall block. The...
File:Thutmose III and Hatshepsut.jpg
Thutmose III and Hatshepsut.jpg
File:ThutmosesIII-AnnalsOfThutmosesIII-Karnak.png
ThutmosesIII-AnnalsOfThutmosesIII-Karnak.png
File:Thutmose III at Karnak.jpg
Thutmose III at Karnak.jpg
File:Lateran obelisk 2013-2.jpg
Lateran obelisk 2013-2.jpg
File:Thutmose III holding the statue of Min-MBA Lyon E501-IMG 0196.jpg
Thutmose III holding the statue of...
File:Diadem with two gazelle heads MET 26.8.99 EGDP013732.jpg
Diadem with two gazelle heads MET 26.8.99...
File:Wide-necked jar and lid naming Thutmose III MET 21K CAT30 32R2.jpg
Wide-necked jar and lid naming Thutmose...
File:Glaskelch Thutmosis III.jpg
Glaskelch Thutmosis III.jpg
File:ThutmosesIII-RaisingObelisks-Karnak.png
ThutmosesIII-RaisingObelisks-Karnak.png
File:Hatshepsut temple38c.jpg
Hatshepsut temple38c.jpg
File:Egypt.KV34.04.jpg
Egypt.KV34.04.jpg

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