Amenhotep iii

Amenhotep III

Amenhotep III.General conditions summary:- A-III’s reign represents an overall peak in New Kingdom prosperity:

- Wealth entering Egypt from throughout its empire and adjacent regions:

a.International trade

b. Official gifts & tributefrom other kingdoms

c.Annual dues from vassal city-states

d. Gold from Wadi Hammamatand the land of Kush.

DYNASTY 18:Ca. 1550 – 1295 BC

10. Amenhotep III (Greek: Amenophis III)

Ca. 1390 – 1352 BC

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III’s parents:• Amenhotep III was born to T-IV via a secondary queen, Mutemwia (i.e., she was not the chief queen).

• However, after the birth of A-III& upon his accession to the throne,she is titled both “king’s mother” and “god’s mother.”

• Amenhotep III provides his mother the title “great royal wife,” elevating her status in relation to his deceased father (Thutmose IV).

• Mutemwia appears to have lived several decades into Amehotep III’s reign, possibly as late as his last decade (she is cited on the Colossi of Memnon [his mortuary statues]).

MutemwiaT.IV

Amenhotep III:

A-III’s early years as a prince:• Thutmose IV had several/many sons,

but, in a uncommon move in Dyn.18, he elevated one prince early to the position of crown prince, namely Amenhotep (III).

• On public monuments A-III is shown clearly as the favoured son,at a larger scale than 6 other princes.

• He is designated “king’s son of his body” in the tomb of his tutor Heqarneheh (TT64).

• Amenhotep III reached about 10+? when Thutmose IV died somewhere in his 20s or 30s (i.e., 25-40 yrs old), having reigned only 10-12 years.

• A-III, who ruled 38 years, apparently died somewhere between 40 to 50 (i.e., Smith’s assessment of his body).

TT.64 of Heqarneheh: Amenhotep III as crown prince

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III ascends the throne:• Hence, around the age of 10+ years, Amenhotep III inherited the throne from his father, Thutmose IV:(and mother Queen Mutemwia).

•He reigned 38 years & adopted the traditional 5 titles, but designed their particulars (as did other kings):

Horus-name:i.e., earthy representative of Horus “Strong bull, appearing in truth.”

Two ladies name:i.e., protected by goddesses of UE-LE “Who establishes laws,who pacifies the Two Lands.”

Golden Horus-name: “Great of strength, smiter of the Asiatics.”

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III ascends the throne: King of Upper and Lower Egypt:introducing the prenomen cartouchealso called the “throne-name”:Neb-maat-Ra (“Ra is the lord of truth”)

Son of Ra:introducing the nomen cartouche also called the “birth-name”: Amen-hetep heqa-Waset (“Amenhotep, ruler of Thebes”).

Cartouches of Amenhotep III on left side Cartouche of Queen Tiye on right side

Amenhotep III:

Public statement via titulary:• The selection of the royal titulary made a statement regarding each ruler’s initial perspective:

• Amenhotep III promoted himself as being an excellent pharaoh,a promoter of “maat” (law, order, justice) in both Egypt & abroad.

Amenhotep III offering maat (on faience vessel)

Amenhotep III:

Adapting his titulary over time:• Like other rulers, Amenhotep III modified his titulary to suit new or specific circumstances:

E.g., A-III’s colossal statues inW. Thebes:(Memnon) Horus-name:“Ruler of rulers, king great of glory in Thebes.”

(Memnon) Two Ladies-name: “Great of monuments matching his strength, which were brought from Lower Egyptian Heliopolis to Upper Egyptian Heliopolis.”(i.e., statues quarried near Heliopolis)

(Memnon) Golden Horus-name: “Who magnifies his mansion of eternity.” (i.e., mortuary temple)

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III uses var. epithets:- Like other rulers, Amenhotep III places various epithets throughout his regular titles and cartouches, especially solar epithets:

E.g., “the good god.”

E.g., “lord of the Two Lands.”

E.g., “heir of Ra.”

E.g., “chosen one of Ra.”

E.g., “image of Ra before the Two Lands.”

Amenhotep III:

A-III promotes his divine birth:• Queen Mutemwia plays a major rolein Amenhotep III’s reign:

• Like Hatshepsut, he promoted his divine birth via his mother and the god Amun-Re.

Text in Luxor Temple: “birth room”:“[Words spoken by Amon-Ra,lord of the Thrones of the Two Lands, foremost in his harem:]When he had transformed himself into the Majesty of this husband, the king of Upper and Lower Egypt, Menkheprura (Thutmose IV), given life, he found her (Mutemwia) as she was resting in the beauty of her palace.

Luxor Temple “Birth Room” Mutemwia impregnated by god Amun

Amenhotep III:

A-III promotes his divine birth:Text in Luxor Temple: “birth room”:“She awoke on account of the aroma of the god and cried out in front of His Majesty. He went to her straightaway… and he caused her to see him in his form of a god …She rejoiced at the sight of his beauty, and love of him coursed throughher limbs. The palace was flooded with the god’s aroma; all his fragrances were (of) Punt.”

“Words spoken by Mutemwia before the Majesty of this august god, Amon-Ra, lord of the thrones of the Two Lands:‘How great is your power! …Your dew permeates all my limbs.’ And then the Majesty of this god did all that he desired with her.”

Amenhotep III:

A-III promotes his divine birth:Text in Luxor Temple: “birth room”:“Words spoken by Amon-Ra,lord of the thrones of the Two Lands, before her:‘Amenhotep, ruler of Thebes, is the name of this child I have placed in your body.… He shall exercise the beneficent kingship in this whole land. …He shall rule the Two Lands like Ra forever.’” (Berman 1998: 4)

i.e., In such a fashion the Egyptian rulers try to promote their divine heritage, explaining both their seemingly mortal parents, and their apparent claims on being semi-divine figures ruling on earth at the behest of the gods!

godAmun

Amenhotep III

Amenhotep III:

A-III promotes the sun-disk (Aten):• Amenhotep III especially promotes what becomes a personal royal cult, namely the Aten, in his epithets:

E.g., “(Nebmaatra is) the Dazzling Sun Disk.”

E.g., “(Nebmaatra is) the DazzlingSun Disk of all lands.”

• The “Sun Disk (Aten)” also appears commonly as the designation fora palace, royal ship, army company,etc.

Elevation of the Aten (“sun-disk”) eventually supreme deity under A-IV

Amenhotep III:Summary of domestic affairs in years 1-11:-Most intense activity in years 1-12-Commemorative scarabs dispersed throughout Egypt, empire & neighbours:Yr-2: A-III’s marriage to Queen Tiye.

Yr-2: A-III sportsman capturing 56 of 170 wild cattle in a hunt.

Yrs-1-10: A-III personally killing 102 lionsuntil year 10 (Levantine issue).

Yr-10: Arrival of Princess Gilukhepa & 317 attendants from Mitanni; sent by

her father (Shuttarna II) to marry A-III

Yr-11: A-III digs massive artificial basin/lake (1/4 x 1 mile) for Queen Tiye.

Boating party in ship “Aten-Gleams”Malkata: T-shaped basin (Birket Habu)

Amenhotep III:Amenhotep III’s marriage to Tiye:• Amenhotep III married Tiye,who became his “great royal wife”by his first-second years of rule.

• One of a series of 5 commemorative scarabs celebrates Amenhotep III’s marriage to Tiye, which took place near the advent of his reign:

• Such commemorative scarabs were issued & sent to selected high officials, vassal rulers, and other dignitaries.

• However, a closer study of the year-2 scarabs & their texts suggests that all of the scarab sets were produced and issued in year-10, commemorating diff. achievements in the kings first 10 yrs.

• The scarabs range 5-11 cm in length & have lengthy texts boasting about var. achievements or noteworthy events during Amenhotep III’s reign.

Tiye

Amenhotep III:A-III scarab noting Tiye’s parentage:• So-called “marriage scarab,” probably issued in year 10, reflecting his past 10 years of reign. Year-2 marriage?

“May Horus live, Strong Bull,who rises in Truth;Of the Two Ladies,the One who establishes laws and who makes the Two Lands peaceful; Golden Horus, Great of strong arm, who smites the Asiatics;King of Upper & Lower Egypt, Nebmare,Son of Re, Amenophis (III), Ruler of Thebes, given life. Great Queen Tiye, may she live. The name of her father is Yuia.The name of her mother is Tjuia. She is the wife of the strong King. His Southern boundary is at Kuroy, the Northern (one) is at Nahrin.” (Davies 1992: 38)

The so-called “marriage” scarab of Amenhotep III and Qn. Tiye

Amenhotep III:

Tiye’s parentage & privileges:• Her parents, Tuya and Yuya, weretwo of the few commoners giventhe privilege of a burial place (KV46) in the Valley of the Kings.

• Her father Yuya is given the honorary title “god’s father,” which is often bestowed on important New Kingdom officials who served in a father-like role regarding the king:

E.g., royal tutors, viziers, generals.

Mother: Tuya Father: Yuya

Tomb of Tuya & Yuya: granted the honour of burial in V. of the KIngs

Amenhotep III:

Tiye’s parents = from common stock:Yuya also held the titles:- “master of the horse;”- “His Majesty’s lieutenant commander of the chariotry;”

- “priest of Min;”- “Overseer of cattle of Min, lord of Akhmin;”

• He likely originated from Akhmim; his name appears foreign(?), and he may be of foreign derivation.• Upon her daughter’s elevation, Tuya assumed the title:

- “king’s mother of the great royal wife”

She also had other titles:- “chief of the entertainers of Min;”- “chief of the entertainers of Amen;”

- “priestess of Amon;”- “singer of Hathor.”

Mummy of Yuya (father of Tiye)

Amenhotep III:

Tiye’s parents = from common stock:Yuya also held the titles:- “master of the horse;”- “His Majesty’s lieutenant commander of the chariotry;”

- “priest of Min;”- “Overseer of cattle of Min, lord of Akhmin;”

• He likely originated from Akhmim; his name appears foreign(?), and he may be of foreign derivation.• Upon her daughter’s elevation, Tuya assumed the title:

- “king’s mother of the great royal wife”

She also had other titles:- “chief of the entertainers of Min;”- “chief of the entertainers of Amen;”- “priestess of Amon;”- “singer of Hathor.” Mummy of Tuya (mother of Tiye)

Amenhotep III:

Egypt lacked the title king’s brother:- The 2nd High Priest of Amun, Anen,never mentions any relationship(via parents: Tuya & Yuya; sister Tiye) with Amenhotep III:

- in our terms, Anen had become A-III’s brother-in-law.

- BUT, we only know this since his mother (Tuya) boasts about her son several times.

- Throughout pharaonic history,it seems the status of king’s brother was deemed taboo(!): = not a title. i.e., it is not recognized officially. (except by Nubians in Dyn.25).

- Perhaps the kingship myth, in which Seth seizes the throne from his brother Osiris, influenced the decision not to acknowledge the “King’s brother”

Amenhotep III:Kings did not recognize a “King’s Brother”: Why? Potential rival for throne? Unlucky?

Brother-in-law

Amenhotep III:

Egypt lacked the title king’s brother:- The 2nd High Priest of Amun, Anen,never mentions any relationship(via parents: Tuya & Yuya; sister Tiye) with Amenhotep III:

- in our terms, Anen had become A-III’s brother-in-law.

- BUT, we only know this since his mother (Tuya) boasts about her son several times.

- Throughout pharaonic history,it seems the status of king’s brother was deemed taboo(!): = not a title. i.e., it is not recognized officially. (except by Nubians in Dyn.25).

- Perhaps the kingship myth, in which Seth seizes the throne from his brother Osiris, influenced the decision not to acknowledge the “King’s brother”

Anen, Second Prophet of Amun

Brother-in-law

Amenhotep III:

Elevation/prominence of Queen Tiye:• It remains unknown how & why A-IIImarried Tiye.

• His mother (Mutemwia) may have guided this decision since A-III was still fairly young when he became king.

• Queen Tiye becomes more prominent than most former queens (excepting Hatshepsut):

• Qn. Tiye often appears with A-III in…a. statuary,b. stelae,c. tomb scenes,d. temple scenes,e. artifacts: e.g., containers, jewellery,

commemorative scarabs, etc.

Amenhotep III:

Elevation/prominence of Queen Tiye:Qn. Tiye is depicted in the role of thegoddess Hathor alongside the king:i.e., Headdress with cow horns

& sun-disk.

Qn. Tiye is portrayed as a sphinx inher role as A-III’s consort:i.e., Formerly reserved for kings only.

Qn. Tiye is provided her own cult temple in her guise as a form of Hathor:i.e., Tiye’s temple at Sedeinga (Nubia),

assoc. with A-III’s temple at Soleb.

Hathor (above)

A-III & Tiye (below)

Queen Tiye in form of goddess Taweret

Generic example

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III and Tiye’s children:- 4 daughters who are portrayed oftenin scenes and statuary:

a. Sitamen “great royal wife” of A-IIIyear 30 (in her 20s)

b. Isis “great royal wife” of A-IIIyear 34+? (in her 20s)

c. Henuttaneb

d. Nebetah- The father-daughter “marriages” maysimply have been ritualistic,with the titles being only honorific, modeled after gods who married women from multiple generations.

- Of note, Akhenaten also “married” a few daughters (it is debated whether any children resulted from these marriages). 3 daughters at parents’

feet

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III and Tiye’s children:- 4 daughters who are portrayed oftenin scenes and statuary:

a. Sitamen “great royal wife” of A-IIIyear 30 (in her 20s)

b. Isis “great royal wife” of A-IIIyear 34+? (in her 20s)

c. Henuttaneb

d. Nebetah

- The father-daughter “marriages” may simply have been ritualistic (?), with the titles being only honorific (?), modeled after gods who married women from multiple generations.

- Of note, Akhenaten also “married” a few daughters (it is debated whether any children resulted from these marriages). Reveals Pharaonic Egypt has minimal

evidence for full brother-sister marriages!

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III and Tiye’s children:- In Dyn.18, royal sons are seldom

depicted alongside the king in scenes and sculpture:

A-III’s eldest son, Thutmose (V):a. Became a sem-priest,

b. Rose to High Priest of Ptah(Memphis),

c. He officiates with his father in burying the first Apis bull at Saqqara (in the serapeum).

d. He made a sarcophagus for his cat, Ta-miu (“She-cat”).

e. He apparently pre-deceased A-III.Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten):- Another son of Amenhotep III,who eventually succeeded his father to the throne.

Apis Bull

Prince Thutmose (V) officiating alongside Amenhotep III in burying Apis Bull

Thutmose (V) Sem-priest

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III and Tiye’s children:-In Dyn.18, royal sons are seldomdepicted alongside the king in scenesand sculpture:


b. Rose to high priest of Ptah(Memphis),



e. He apparently pre-deceased A-III.Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten):- Another son of Amenhotep III,who eventually succeeded his father to the throne. Prince Thutmose V: Body on Osiris-bier

Ba-bird (soul)

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III and Tiye’s children:• In Dyn.18, royal sons are seldomdepicted alongside the king in scenesand sculpture:


b. Rose to high priest of Ptah(Memphis),



e. He apparently pre-deceased A-III.

Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten):- Another son of Amenhotep III,who eventually succeeded his father to the throne.

Amenhotep III:

Early years of Amenhotep III’s reign:• During the first two years of his reign,Amenhotep III commanded that new areas of limestone quarrying begin at …

(a) Tura (near Memphis/Cairo),and

(b) Deir el-Bersha (Middle Egypt).

• The opening of new quarries marks the beginning of prolific building projects throughout Egypt during his reign.

Amenhotep III:

Year 2 wild bull hunt:•Another set of commem. scarabs date specifically to year 2, and celebrate a successful wild bull hunt:

“Regnal year 2 under the Majesty of …… (5 titles follow as before) … Amenhotep (III), ruler of Thebes, given life, and the great royal wife Tiye;may she live like Ra.A wonder befell His Majesty. One came to His Majesty saying,‘There are wild bulls on the desert of the region of Shetep.’ (= W. el-Natrun?)

His Majesty sailed downstream in the royal barge Kha-em-maatat the time of evening,making good time, arriving in peaceat the region of Shetepat the time of morning.”

Amenhotep III:

Year 2 wild bull hunt:“His Majesty appeared in his chariotwith his whole army in back of him.One instructed the officersand the children of the nursery (kap) to keep a watch on these wild bulls.

Then His Majesty commanded to be caused that one surroundthese wild bulls with an enclosure with a ditch, and His Majesty proceeded against all these wild bulls. The number thereof: 170 wild bulls.The number His Majesty tookin hunting on this day: 56 wild bulls.

His Majesty waited four days, to give rest to his horses.His Majesty appeared in the chariot.The number of wild bulls he took in hunting: 40 wild bulls.Total of wild bulls: 96.” (Berman 1998: 12-13)

Generic wild bull hunt (Ramesses III)

Shetep:wild bull hunt

Amenhotep III:

Year 2 wild bull hunt:- This form of hunting is a typicalpastime for New Kingdom rulers,& included wild bulls, lions, elephants, and other animals.

- In addition, in hunting the king also carried out a very clear symbolic role:i.e., reducing the elements of chaosand imposing maat upon the universe.

Tutankhamun hunting ostriches in his chariot

King Tut. harp- ooning

Ramesses III

hunting

wild

bulls

in his chariot

Amenhotep III:

Year 5 campaign against Kushite rebels:• In his 5th year, Amenhotep III leadsa campaign in person against rebels in Nubia, apparently reaching as far south as 5th Cataract & Shendi reach, perhaps even the “Island of Meroe.”

• Three rock-cut texts near Aswan and the Island of Sai (just South of2nd Cataract) date the campaign to “Regnal year 5, third month of Inundation, day 2”:

• The main text provides a few details.

• After listing Amenhotep III’s titles and many epithets praisinghis qualities, the main rock-textproceeds:

Amenhotep III year 5 campaign in Nubia

Amenhotep III:

Year 5 campaign against Kush:“One came to tell His Majesty,‘The fallen one of vile Kush has plottedrebellion in his heart.’His Majesty led on to victory;he completed it in his first campaign of victory.His Majesty reached themlike the wing stroke of a falcon, like Menthu (war god of Thebes) in his transformations …Ikheny, the boasterin the midst of his army, did not know the lion that was before him.Nebmaatra was the fierce-eyed lion whose claws seized vile Kush,who trampled down all its chiefs in their valleys,they being cast down in their blood, one on top of the other …” (Berman 1998: 11)

Amenhotep III.

International Relations:- The Konosso Stela recorded

Nubian rebellions in year 5.

- A few rock texts from Aswan from year 5 augment the Konosso text.

- However, an undated Semnastela may record another battle?

Another? expedition to Nubia:- Viceroy of Kush, Merymose:i. suppressed rebellion at Ibhetii. king “massacres” rebelsa. 312 right hands (kills)b. 740 captives

-250 women-175 children-150 men-110 archers- 55 servants

WAWAT

KUSHREBELLION

Amenhotep III:

The same/another campaign to Kush:• The viceroy of Kush, Merymose,led an undated campaign against Ibhet, which probably lay in the desert to the southeast of the 2nd

Cataract (noted in a fragmentary stela from Fort Semna).

• This place’s location much further north of A-III’s year 5 campaign has led to speculation that it refers to a separate campaign (?).

Dyn.18, temp. Amenhotep III:

Stela of Viceroy Merymose at Tombos (near 3rd Cataract)

Amenhotep III:

Campaign against Ibhet in Kush:• The viceroy of Kush, Merymose,

led troops against a rebellion at Ibhet gathering troops from each village.Semneh Stela (BM 657 [138]).

“… [some lines lost] …Now, after [several days had passed], the time for reaping the harvest of the enemies of Ibhet came. Every man came down to his right place. Then the army of Pharaoh, l.p.h., which was under the authority of the viceroy, was mustered, and companies of troops were formed, commanded by commanders – every man assigned according to his village, beginning from the fortress of Baky (= Quban) down to the fortress of Tery, making 52 iteru [546 km] of sailing.” (340 river miles Quban to Tery[?])

? Fort Tery

Fort Baky

Amenhotep III:Semneh Stela: attack against Ibhet. “The strong arm of Nebmare brought them away in one day, in a single hour, and a great slaughter was made. Their children, their women and their cattle were brought away, not one of them escaped. Not one of them was able to get away (?) …. fear …. The strong arm of Amenophis III brought them away. The desert dwellers amongst them, whether male or female, were not absent from the plans of Horus, Lord of the Two Lands, King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Nebmare, Strong Bull, Powerful of Might.

Ibhet was boastful, for great things were in their hearts. The fierce lion, the Ruler, has killed them under the command of Amun, his noble father.It was he who led him in bravery and strength.”

Amenhotep III:Semneh Stela: attack against Ibhet. “Amount of plunder which His Majesty brought from the country of vile Ibhet:Living Nubians Skirmishers (archers?) Female Nubians Nubian servantsTheir childrenTotal:Hands thereof:

150 heads110 heads250 heads

55 heads175 heads740 heads312

Combined with the living 1052The viceroy was vigilant for his lord, being one who is trusted by the good God, namely the overseer of the entire country of vile Kush, royal scribe, Merymose, he says: ‘Hail to you, O this good God. Great is your power against the one who attacks you. You have caused those who rebel against you to say –’The fire has destroyed us and our name!’ You have killed all your opponents, they being overthrown under your sandals.”

Generic scene: Nubian male & female POWs

Generic scene: Nubian female POWs

Amenhotep III:

Yr-10 lion-hunt tally of Amenhotep III:• Year 10 appears to mark a special point in Amenhotep III’s reign, during which he feels a needto issue a couple of sets of commemorative scarabs:

• In one set, he tallies up all the lions he has killed during the course of his first 10 years of reign, claimingto have killed either 102 lions, or 110 lions, to-date:

Top/back design of scarab-seal the “Lion Hunt” scarab of A-III

Amenhotep III:

Lion-hunt scarab (year 10): “May Horus live, Strong Bull, who rises in Truth;Of the Two Ladies,the One who establishes laws and who makes the Two Lands peaceful; Golden Horus, Great of strong arm, who smites the Asiatics;King of Upper & Lower Egypt, Nebmare,Son of Re, Amenophis (III), Ruler of Thebes, given life. Great Queen Tiye, may she live.The number of lions which His Majesty brought from his own shoot(ing), beginning from year 1 down to year 10-- savage lions, 102.” (Davies 1992: 38).

Text written on base of the “Lion Hunt” scarab of A-III

Amenhotep III:Year 10 diplomatic marriage of A-III:• In another set of year-10 scarabs, A-III celebrates the arrival of princess Gilukhepa (the daughter of Šuttarna, King of Mitanni), along with the 317 women in her entourage.

Mitannian marriage scarab (year 10):“Year 10 under the Majesty of Horus,Strong Bull, who rises in Truth; Of the Two Ladies,the One who establishes laws and who makes the Two Lands peaceful; Golden Horus, Great of strong arm, who smites the Asiatics;King of Upper & Lower Egypt,Lord of Action, chosen one of Re, Amenophis (III), Ruler of Thebes, given life.Great Queen Tiye, may she live. The name of her father is Yuia.The name of her mother is Tjuia.

Amenhotep III

Amenhotep III:

Year 10 diplomatic marriage of A-III:• The text continues …“The wonders which were brought to His Majesty, may he live, prosper and be healthy.The daughter of the Ruler of Nahrin, Sutarna, Kilugepa (Gilukhepa).Chief women of her Harem– 317 women.” (Davies 1992: 37).

• After this foreign marriage, Amenhotep III negotiates & concludes many diplomatic marriages andalliances with neighbouring kingdoms.

Naharin

Amenhotep III:

Year 11 building a pleasure lake for Queen Tiye:• Amenhotep III commissioned the digging of a massive lake/basin for Queen Tiye.

• Many scholars have equated it with the massive harbour basin in West Thebes, fronting his palace complex at Malkata.

• Others, like Yoyotte, locate itnear Akhmim, beside modern Sohag.

Amenhotep III:

Yr-11 building pleasure lake for Tiye:• This operation is described in the

year 11 commemorative scarab:

“Regnal year 11 under the Majesty of …… (5 titles follow as before) … Amenhotep (III), ruler of Thebes,given life, and the great royal wife Tiye;may she live; her father’s name is Yuya, her mother’s name Tuya.

His Majesty commanded the making of A lake for the great royal wife Tiye

–may she live—in her town of Djarukha. Its length is 3,700 (cubits) and its width is 700 (cubits). (His Majesty) celebrated the Festival of Opening the Lake in the third month of Inundation, day sixteen.His Majesty was rowed in the royal barge Aten-tjehen (‘The-Dazzling-Sun- Disk’) in it [the Lake].” (see Berman 1998: 13).

750 x 2,200 m

Amenhotep III:Domestic Affairs: building projects.- Egypt in essence reaches its pinnacle of power under Amenhotep III.

- Although in theory every Egyptian king promoted himself as a deity, being the mediator between humanity & the gods, Amenhotep III pursued an especially strong program of self-glorification:

- He established cults for his deified beingin Egypt-Nubia, even rivalling Amun

cult.

In many temples, he described himself asa. Amun’s “living image upon earth.”b. “An image a million times great.”c. “The dazzling sun disk of all lands.”

- His chief queen, a commoner called Tiye is elevated to “Great Royal Wife” and titled: “the wife of a mighty king.”

- He provided Tiye with her cult temple atSedeinga near A-III’s Soleb temple in Nubia.

Amenhotep III.Domestic Affairs: building projects.

- A-III: prolific builder and embellishes many cultic, state and public monuments and structures throughout Egypt:

Soleb: Sedeinga:

Amun-Re Temple (Nubia) Qn. Tiye Temple

Thebes: Malkata palace complex. Karnak Temple additions Luxor Temple (MK shrine) Massive mortuary temple.Deir el-Ballas: Palace.

Hermopolis: Memphis: Egypt:

Thoth Temple. Embellished temple Many royal statues.

Private official:Amenhotep son of Hapu,(architect of Luxor Temple), built large mortuary temple and made many statues.

SedeingaSoleb

Deir el-Ballas Thebes

Hermopolis

Memphis

Soleb Temple

Amenhotep III.Domestic Affairs:


Soleb: Sedeinga: Thebes:

Amun-Re Temple (Nubia) Qn. Tiye TempleMalkata palace complex. Karnak Temple additions Luxor Temple (MK shrine) Massive mortuary temple.Deir el-Ballas: Palace.

Hermopolis: Thoth Temple.Memphis: Egypt:

Embellished temple Many royal statues.


SedeingaSoleb


Hermopolis

Memphis

Amenhotep III Hermopolis: Temple of Thoth.

Amenhotep III.Domestic Affairs:


Soleb: Sedeinga:

Amun-Re Temple (Nubia) Qn. Tiye Temple

Thebes: Malkata palace complex. Karnak Temple additions Luxor Temple (MK shrine) Massive mortuary temple.Deir el-Ballas: Palace.

Hermopolis: Memphis: Egypt:

Thoth Temple. Embellished temple Many royal statues.


SedeingaSoleb


Hermopolis

Memphis

Amenhotep III:

The middle years of A-III’s reign:• Less dated information is forthcomingfor the middle years of A-III’s reign.

E.g., He issues a royal decree in yr.-20 appointing an official called Nebnefer, and mentions other officials.

• The palace complex at Malkata (in Thebes) has yielded pottery jars bearing hieratic inscriptions dating to regnal years 20, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29.

• Although most Dyn.18 rulers appear to have resided mainly at Memphis, Amenhotep III apparently transferred his main residence to Thebes in years 20+

• He occupied the palace complexat Malkata.

Amenhotep III:

The middle years of A-III’s reign:• In previous reigns, most Dyn.18 pharaohs seem only to have visited Thebes for the annual Opet Festival, or during excursions affiliated with other festivals.

• Amenhotep III’s shift in residence remains unexplained, but he apparently resided at Malkata for the remainder of his reign.

• He celebrated three Sed-festivals in Thebes.

• Could his move to Thebes have been related to health issues?i.e., seeking the warmer climate ofThebes.

Ramesside depiction of Opet festival

Procession from Karnak to Luxor Templecelebrating king’s divine birth in Opet festival

NEW KINGDOM THEBES in reign of Amenhotep III:Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, Malkata palace & Birket Habu (basin) and Mortuary temple

Luxor Temple

KarnakTemple

Malkata

Mortuarytemple

Deir el-Medina

Malkata

Valley of the Kings

Medinet Habu

Deir el-Bahari

THEBES:Temples of Karnak & Luxor

THE RISE OF ANCIENT THEBES (modern-day Luxor)

Amenhotep III at Luxor templeand Karnak Temple:• Amenhotep decided tore-model the early Amun- temple (of Hatshepsut)at the site of what has become Luxor Temple of Amenhotep III (& later).

• His vision linked directlythe new Luxor Temple(of Amun and his royal cult) with the cults of Amun, Mut, & Khonsu at Karnak Temple.

• He elevated the Festival of Opet (begun[?] underQn. Hatshepsut), and the Beautiful Feast of the Valley, to become a major focus of Luxor Temple: rites celebrating king’sdivine birth & deification (ka)

Dyn.18: Amenhotep IIILuxor Temple

Amenhotep III at Luxor templeand Karnak Temple:• His new Luxor Templefocused on Karnak Temple, being aligned northwards and being dependent on Karnak Temple (Ipet Isut).

• A-III increased the duration of Hatshepsut’s 11-dayOpet Festival, which became 27 days under Ramesses III: i.e., Egypt’s most important festival.

• He built a major riverside quay & entryway at Karnak Temple (Pylon III), removing the earlier Thutmoside installations.

Frag. of colossal statue of A-III (beside Pylon X)

Amenhotep III’s Pylon III and riverside quay at Karnak:• Amenhotep III’s revised Opet-festival celebrated the unification of the king’s person and divinity (via Amun) which created a new, altered and divinized ruler: i.e., self-promotion of cult of royal Ka (“spirit”-double).

• Procession of Sacred barque (Userhat) from Karnak to Luxor, and back, done via Nile during A-III’s period, including deities Amun, Mut (consort) & Khonsu (son)

• A-III removed T-IV’s festival court to build Pylon III etc.

TT.49 Neferhotep: illustrating Amenhotep III’s canal & basinPylon

III

Amenhotep III’s building program at Karnak:- Pylon III area (reconstruction to right)

- Harbour front (basin) and quay for Karnak- Etc.

Amenhotep III:Main feast/festival in Thebes“Opet Festival”• Late August (flood)

• 2-4 week festival

• Ritual procession of cult images: Karnak to Luxor

• Ritual re-enactment of the sacred marriage between Amun & the queen mother. divine kingship.

• Kings claimed divine relationship withAmun.

• Kings represented Amun on earth

• During this procession, people couldpetition deities for judgements (yes/no)

Amenhotep III:Egyptian Temples in Thebes:Another major feast and festival,

“Beautiful Feast of the Valley”• Early summer festival involving(1)procession of cult figures of

Amun, Mut and Khonsu

(2) departing Karnak Temple in portable barques

(3) Crossing Nile westwards tovisit shrines & temples of deifiedkings

(4) Festival included remembering the deceased

(5) Festival contained aspects of fertility, rebirth/renewal, and rejuvenation.

Dyn.18: Amenhotep III mortuary temple.



Amenhotep III: massive harbour/basin (the Birket Habu), 750+ m x 2,200 m

West Thebes: The Birket Habu at Malkata.

Amenhotep III Malkata palace complex on west side

Malkata: W. Bank palace complex• Main palace of Amenhotep III• S. Palace; N. Palace; Middle Palace• Courtyards; parade grounds; W.gate• Audience hall• Kitchens• West villas• Temple of Amun• Storerooms• Servant quarters• Palace rubbish heaps• Birket Habu (pleasure lake and palace harbour).

“Palace of the King” (yr.8+)

“Parade” ground

Palace of The King

1.Large hall2.Audience

hall 3.Private hall 4.Columned hall-Harem

quarters 5.Private throne 6.Bathroom 7.Antechamber 8.Bedroom

Kitchens (9):

South Palace (Tiye?)

Store rms

King’s bedroom

Storerms Kitchens (9):

South Palace (Tiy?)

King’s bedroom Palace of The King



quarters 5.Private throne 6.Bathroom 7.Antechamber 8.Bedroom

Main palace, inner hall:• Columned hall with four suites for chief harem ladies on each side• Floor of hall decorated with painted scene of pool in marshes• Ceiling painted with flying vultures

Throne room:• Private hall with king’s throne at end of columned hallway• King’s suite behind throneroom.

Bathroom:• Beside private throneroom

0 0 / 00 0 0",

Q cf ,o

0 0

0 Q 0 0

0

0 0

0

8.Bedroom

Kitchens (9):

h Palace (Tiy?)

Store rms

Sout

King’s bedroom

Harem suite

Palace of The King



quarters 5.Private throne 6.Bathroom 7.Antechamber

Ceiling of robing rmthrone

Palace of The King



quarters 5.Private throne 6.Bathroom 7.Antechamber8.Bedroom

Kitchens (9):

y?)

Storerms

South Palace (Ti

King’s bedroom

Amenhotep III’s bedroom

Ceiling of King’s bedroom

Amenhotep III:Decoration of Malkata palace complex:• Painted plaster floors, walls, & ceilings.

Desert altar: Amenhotep III instalation• Lies 2 km SW of palace at Malkata

0.5 km SW of edge of Birket Habu• Waseda University excavations 1970s• Painted staircase with bound POWs• Similar to Tell el-Amarna “desert altars”• Perhaps for receiving tribute?• Solar cult installation? outside Malkata

Waseda University excavated a “desert altar” at S. Malkata: painted stairs depicting POWs:

Structure = like Amarna desert altar (above)

Kom el- ‘Abd: Amenhotep III outpost.• Lies 3.5 km SW of palace at Malkata

2 km SW of edge of Birket Habu• 75? x 90 m compound with brick wallsbearing stamp impressions of A-III.

• 3.75 m high platform with plastered top 40 x 40 m in area with ramp access.

• Housing & courtyards beside it.

Cleared “roadway”:- 120 m wide- 2 km K el-Abd strip- 4.1 km straight path to

Kom el-Hamra (41 NK potsherds on hill top used as scrapers).

- Function uncertain:a. Incomplete (piles of

cobbles awaiting removal)b. Mond: route to

tombc. Meyers: chariot

racetrack

d. Kemp: chariot track assoc. with royal rest-house of A-III.

A possible southern “rest-place” or retreat for Amenhotep III:

More info., see B. J. Kemp, 1977. Journal of Egyptian Archaeology 63: 71-82.

An adjacent mostly cleared 6+ km long by 120 m wide E-W stretch poss. for chariot-racing

Kemp suggests that tentsmay have been placed onthe platform top. Function = ?

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III’s first Sed festival:•Sed-festivals are attested in Egypt as early as Dyn.1, & formed a major royal ritual celebrated ideally after 30 years of reign, during which the king:

(a) Proved his physical ability to rule,

(b) Revitalized his royal powers,

(c) Reaffirmed his divinity,

(d) Gained renewed support from all the main provincial deities of Egypt

(e) Gained renewed oaths of allegiancefrom key officials & the nobility.

(f) Gave lavish gifts to the deities and various officials, nobles, and others:

E.g., gold necklaces, bracelets,amulets, green linen head fillets.

(g). Celebrations, including feasting, dancing, and singing.

Soleb Temple: Amenhotep III & Queen Tiyecelebrating A-III’s sed-festival

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III’s first Sed festival: Some of the participants included:1. King Amenhotep III2. Queen Tiye,3. The royal daughters,

4. Many officials:

- The two viziers;

- The “scribe of recruits” Amenhotep son of Hapu;

- Viceroy of Kush: Merymose;

- the scribe, Nebmerutef;

- the steward of the palace, Nefersekheru;

- Khaemhat (priest of Anubis);

- Kheruef (controller of the palace);

Tomb of Kheruef: daughters of A-III

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III’s first Sed festival: Some of the participants included:1. King Amenhotep III

2. Queen Tiye,

3. The royal daughters,

4. Many officials:

- The two viziers;

- The “scribe of recruits” Amenhotep son of Hapu;

- Viceroy of Kush: Merymose;

- the scribe, Nebmerutef;

- the steward of the palace, Nefersekheru;



Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III’s first Sed festival: Some of the participants included:1. King Amenhotep III

2. Queen Tiye,

3. The royal daughters,

4. Many officials:- The two viziers;- The “scribe of recruits” Amenhotep son of Hapu;

- Viceroy of Kush: Merymose;- the scribe, Nebmerutef;- the steward of the palace, Nefersekheru;



The Vizier Ramose

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III’s first Sed festival:• A-III’s sed-festivals took place within the grounds of his sprawling W. Bank palace complex at Malkata(Per-Hay: “House of Rejoicing”).

• The palace complex contains a temple to Amun, which included a nearby festival hall built for Amenhotep III’s sed-festival.

• Numerous potsherds from 100s ofinscribed storage jars reveal their delivery for these sed-festivals.

• The jars had contained diverse provisions, including wine, ale, animal fat, and meat.

Amun temple at Malkata: including sed-festival hall

West Bank of Thebes: palace complex of Amenhotep III.Partial exposure of several key areas: palaces, temples, housing, courtyards

Festival hall (for Sed-festival)

Amun Temple

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III’s first Sed festival:• A-III’s sed-festivals took place within the grounds of his sprawling W. Bank palace complex at Malkata

(Per-Hay: “House of Rejoicing”).

• The palace complex contains a temple to Amun, which included a nearby festival hall built for Amenhotep III’s sed-festival.• Numerous potsherds from 100s ofinscribed storage jars reveal their delivery for these sed-festivals.


Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III’s first Sed festival:• A-III’s sed-festivals took place within the grounds of his sprawling W. Bank palace complex at Malkata

(Per-Hay: “House of Rejoicing”).

• The palace complex contains a temple to Amun, which included a nearby festival hall built for Amenhotep III’s sed-festival.• Numerous potsherds from 100s of inscribed storage jars reveal their delivery for these sed-festivals.


Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III’s first Sed festival:•The tomb of Kheruef records that Amenhotep III put much greater effort into researching & resurrectinga magnificent sed-festival following records of ancient traditions:

“It was His Majesty who did thisin accordance with the ancient writings; generations of men since the timeof the ancestors had never celebrated Sed Festival rites, but it was commanded for [Kha]emmaat,the son of Amon …”

Dyn.1

Dyn.3

Amenhotep III:

Amenhotep III’s first Sed festival:• The widespread publicity and magnificence of this first Sed festival even reaches the king of Babylonia, Kadashman-Enlil I.

• The Babylonian king complainedthat he had not received eitheran invitation, or a suitable lavish gift:

“When you celebrated a great festival, you did not send your messenger to me, saying, ‘Come, t[o eat an]d drink.’No[r you did not send me] my

greeting gift in connection with the festival.It was just 30 minas of

gold [that you sent me].My [gi]ft [does not amoun]t to

what [I have given you] every yea[r].”

Amenhotep III:

A-III’s subsequent Sed festivals:• After celebrating the first mainSed-festival, subsequent sed-festivalstook place more frequently:

• Amenhotep III celebrated his first sed-festival in year 30/31,and two more in years 33/34 & 36/37.By-products of A-III’s Sed-Festivals:

• The Sed-festivals initiated the production of numerous life-size statues of the king & deities, which were placed in every prime cult centre throughout Egypt and Nubia.

• Amenhotep III also commissioned additional statuettes displaying him as a deity.

A.III & Queen Tiye celebrate sed-festival

Amenhotep III:

A-III’s subsequent Sed festivals:• After celebrating the first main

Sed-festival, subsequent sed-festivalstook place more frequently:

• Amenhotep III celebrated his first sed-festival in year 30/31,

and two more in years 33/34 & 36/37.By-products of A-III’s Sed-Festivals:



Small statue of Amenhotep III

in “rejuvenated” form after his first Sed-festival

Amenhotep III:

A-III’s subsequent Sed festivals:• After celebrating the first main

Sed-festival, subsequent sed-festivalstook place more frequently:

• Amenhotep III celebrated his first sed-festival in year 30/31,

and two more in years 33/34 & 36/37.By-products of A-III’s Sed-Festivals:



Amenhotep III:Art during his reign:• Dating sculpture by changes in details over the course of his reign:

• The cosmetic eye-line changes distinctly over his reign (aging? other?)

Amenhotep III.Other aspects: Syria-Palestine.- Virtually no military activity needed in A-III's 38/39 year reign.

Amurru:- ‘Apiru nomadic warriors infiltrate W. Syria.

?)

- ‘Apiru create militaristic kingdom of Amurru (earlier indigenous name “West Syria”).

- Amurru acknowledged as Egyptian vassal.

- Amurru begins expanding its territory, threatening adjacent vassals (e.g., Byblos).

- It is implicated in the seizure of Sumur (Egypt's northernmost headquarter-city).

- Year 5? campaign against Amurru by A-III( and/or Mitanni (acting on Egypt's behalf?).

- Amurru continues expanding (temp. A.III-IV), capturing Sumur, Tunip, & Byblos, threatening Amki & Ugarit.

Byblos

Sumur

Ugarit

Tunip

AMURRUAmki

HATTI

MITANNI

EGYPT

Amenhotep III.Symbolic domination of SW Asia:- A-III adopts epithets in titulary,reflecting purely symbolic traits

Horus-name:(1) “Great of strength,

who smites the Asiatics”

little evidence for a campaign(except perhaps in year 5)

(2) “Plunderer of Shinar”

(3) “Crusher of Naharin” = Mitanni

s.

Definitely a traditional epithet maintained from former reigna.Egypt & Mitanni at peace.

b.A-III married a Mitannian princess in yr-10 (Gilukhepa).

i.e., be cautious with epithets!

MITANNI

HATTI

EGYPT

Amenhotep III:

Egypt’s exaggerations regarding domination:• Amenhotep III, like other NK rulers, portrays Egypt as dominating ALL neighbouring lands, both vassal states & known independent states!

• Palace and temple wall texts, imagery, and monuments display this fiction of Egyptian supremacy over all lands and peoples.

• Even private texts, images, and monuments adopt this propagandistic & symbolic formula, making it often quite difficult to discern allusionsto real campaigns from pure fiction.

TT.120 Tomb of Anen: A-III & Tiye on throne

Amenhotep III:Egypt’s exaggerations regardingdomination:- One even sees Egypt’s supremacy over foreign lands expressed atmore mundane levels in elite artifactsand components.

- For example: the reinforcement of Egypt dominating foreigners occurs via contexts that subject images of foreigners to daily suppression & destruction:

E.g., Bound POWs carved on stair treaders and walkways …

E.g., Bound POWs carved on footstoolsE.g., Bound POWs painted on sandalsE.g., Bound POWs carved on

cane handlesE.g., Carved heads throttled by

bow- string loopsE.g., Carved heads portrayed in lions’mouths

Tell el-Amarna: Great Palace at Akhetaten flooring with a walkway decorated with bound prisonerssymbolic & ritual treading on foes

E.g., Bound POWs carved on stair treaders

E.g., Bound POWs painted on sandalsE.g., Bound POWs carved on cane

handlesE.g., Carved heads throttled by


Amenhotep III:

Egypt’s exaggerations regardingdomination:- One even sees Egypt’s supremacy over foreign lands expressed atmore mundane levels in elite artifactsand components.


E.g., Bound POWs carved on footstools

Foot- stool from Tut’s tomb

Amenhotep III:

Egypt’s exaggerations regardingdomination:- One even sees Egypt’s supremacyover foreign lands expressed atmore mundane levels in elite artifactsand components.



E.g., Bound POWs carved on footstoolsE.g., Bound POWs painted on sandalsE.g., Bound POWs carved on cane



Amenhotep III:Egypt’s exaggerations regardingdomination:- One even sees Egypt’s supremacyover foreign lands expressed atmore mundane levels in elite artifactsand components.



E.g., Bound POWs carved on footstoolsE.g., Bound POWs painted on sandalsE.g., Bound POWs carved on cane



Bound foreigners carved on

cane handles (i.e., symbolic & ‘magical’ crushing by cane-user)




E.g., Bound POWs carved on footstools E.g., Bound POWs painted on sandals E.g., Bound POWs carved on canehandles

E.g., Carved heads portrayed in lions’mouths

Bows from Tutankhamun’s tomb

Heads of POWs on Tutankhamun’s bow nocks

E.g., Carved heads throttled by bow- string loops




E.g., Bound POWs carved on footstools E.g., Bound POWs painted on sandals E.g., Bound POWs carved on canehandlesE.g., Carved heads throttled by

bow- string loopsE.g., Carved heads portrayed in lions’

mouths

Ramesses III naval ship with Asiatic head in a lion’s mouth at the prow: symbolic subjugation

Amenhotep III:

Sifting fact from fiction (foreign relations):• In essence, it is only when one seesa year-dated campaign with more info. and some corroboratory details in private/other texts, that one becomes more certain that an actual campaign occurred.

• In addition, the appearance of year- dated texts in the zone of purported activity also aid in enhancing the case for an actual campaign.

• Such documentation as the Amarna Letters, which include the last 8 yearsof A-III, provide further evidence for Egypt’s actual relations with neighboring independent states.

See past lecture on diplomacy & trade.

Upper Nubia: Tombos text of Thutmose I

Amenhotep III:

Reality of Egyptian foreign relations:• The reality of equality between Egypt and such states as Arzawa, Hatti, Mitanni, Alashiya, Assyria & Babylonia, is revealed in the greeting used between these rulers:

• They call each other “my brother,” or use the pharaoh’s prenomen only: E.g., Amenhotep III = addressed as

Nibmuareya = cuneiform for Nebmaatre Nimmureya = cuneiform for Nebmaatre Mimmareya = cuneiform for Nebmaatre Immureya = cuneiform for Nebmaatre

International state correspondence,• The name Amenhotep only appears toaddress an Egy. official of this name:Amanhatpe =cuneiform for Amenhotep

(non-royal usage only)

Vassal rulers never address pharaoh by name; use “my sun, my lord,” etc.

Amenhotep III:

Underlying aims of both parties:• Egypt appears to have desired foreign princesses as a means of cementing relations between Egypt & its neighbours.

• Foreign states seem to have desired as much gold as possible from Egypt, which aided in maintaining friendship, and thereby peace (the status quo).

• All parties = concerned with their status in relation to one another, and in relation to past rulers.

• Their status would be expressed (or reflected) by such things as the value of greeting gifts and other expressions of value sent between states.

Amenhotep III:

Periodic diplomatic upsets:• Some rulers send letters complaining that their emissaries are either not provided access to, or did not observe their sisters and daughters,who had been sent to the Egyptian court in the past:

• King Kadashman-Enlil I of Babylon complains to Amenhotep III:

“Here you are asking for my daughter in marriage, but my sisterwhom my father gave you was (already) there with you, and nobody has seen her(so as to know) if now she is alive or if she is dead.”

Amenhotep III:

Periodic diplomatic upsets:• Amenhotep III’s response to this

concern has been found:“Did you, however, ever send here a dignitary of yourswho knows your sister, who could speak with her and identify her?Suppose he spoke with her. The men whom you sent here are nobodies.One was the […] of Zaqara,the other, an assherder … from … There has been no one among them who knows her,who was an intimate of your father,and who could identify her.”

- He also adds that the sister is fine and in good health.

Amenhotep III:

A-III at peace with SW Asia:• Aside from minor internal troubles with his vassal states, A-III seems to have managed his empire well, without the need for any major campaigns into Syria-Palestine.

• The stability in the northern empire is probably directly related to A-III securing firm friendships, alliances,and diplomatic relations with all of the neighbouring kingdoms and empires along the northern border of his empire.

Amenhotep III:

A-III at peace with SW Asia:•Both the apparent political isolationof Egypt’s northern vassals,& the lack of political/financial backing from any major northern kingdomor empire, would have minimized the scope of any rebellious activity being considered by one or more of Egypt’s northern vassals.

• This situation changes under Akhenaten.

Amenhotep III:

Other relations between Amenhotep III & SW Asia:•There is evidence for the dispatch of

cult images between Egypt andits neighbours, especially ones known for healing properties.

•In yr-36 of A-III, the king of Mitanni, Tushratta, writes that he is sending the cult image of the goddess Ishtar (Šauška) of Nineveh, which has expressed a wish to visit Egypt:

“Thus Šauška of Nineveh, mistress of all lands:‘I wish to go to Egypt, a country that I love, and then return.”

Astarte

figurine from

LB AgeCanaa

n

Amenhotep III:

Other relations between Amenhotep III & SW Asia:• Berman suggests that this cult statue was being sent to bless the wedding between A-III & the Mitannian princess, Tadukhepa.

• This would parallel the occasion ofits earlier visit around the time of the the wedding of the Mitannian princess Gilukhepa to A-III.

•Other scholars have suggested that the cult statue was being sent to heal Amenhotep III, who was apparently ailing at the end of his reign:i.e., his mummy reveals abscessed teeth.

• Perhaps a dual purpose was being met by dispatching the statue?

Amenhotep III:

The death of Amenhotep III:• The last known year date for A-III occurs in year 38, suggesting that he died during this year, or perhaps in year 39.

• He likely reached his late 40s,or possibly 50 years of age, which is confirmed by the mummy currently identified as that of A-III.

Purported remains of Amenhotep III

Foundation deposit found at theentryway of A-III’s tomb in V. of Kings

Head of a calcite shabti

from the tomb of Amenhotep III

),

Amenhotep III.Royal Burial:- A-III’s tomb has minor modifications,

but basically retains main features of preceding tombs.

- Decorated with portions of Amduat(“That which is in the Underworld”).

- A-III shown with royal Ka (spirit-double before goddesses Hathor & Nut.

- Well-shaft scenes: goddesses leading groups of deities and King A-III into underworld (Hathor) & heavens (Nut).

- Ka (spirit-double) of A-III's deified fath (T-IV) also depicted in well-shaft.

- 2 side-chambers originally intended for Queens Tiye & Sitamun, but remained unused since A-III predeceased them.

er

b.- Some artifacts have surfaced that pro originated from Amenhotep III’s tomb.

Amenhotep III.Royal Burial:

),

- A-III’s tomb has minor modifications,but basically retains main features of preceding tombs.

- Decorated with portions of Amduat (“That which is in the Underworld”).

- A-III shown with royal Ka (spirit-double before goddesses Hathor & Nut.

- Well-shaft scenes: goddesses leading groups of deities and King A-III into underworld (Hathor) & heavens (Nut).

- Ka (spirit-double) of A-III's deified father (T-IV) also depicted in well-shaft.

- 2 side-chambers originally intended for Queens Tiye & Sitamun, but remained unused since A-III predeceased them.

Bow wrist- guard of A-III from his

tomb in V. of Kings

Faience bracelet prob. fromA-III’stomb

- Some artifacts have surfaced that prob. originated from Amenhotep III’s tomb.

Amenhotep III:

Debated co-regency between A-III & A-IV:• Earlier Egyptologists had argued fora two- or 12-year co-regency between Amenhotep III and his successor Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten).

• More recently, many Egyptologists concluded that there is no firm evidence whatsoever for anyco-regency between A-III and A-IV.

• However, currently, there has been a more recent revisiting of the notion of a co-regency between Amenhotep III and Amenhotep IV.

• Scholars are beginning to reconsider that at least a year or two co-regency may have occurred between A-3 & A-4

• Hence, the debate continues …

Later Amarna-style slab-stela portraying Amenhotep III & Queen Tiye

during the reign of Akhenaten(note the sun-disk and rays)

Is this evidence for a co-regency?What about other commemorative art?

2014: recent discovery claiming proof ofa co-regency between A.III & A.IV:“The Minister of Antiquities, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim declared the discovery of architectural remains (of walls and columns) in the tomb of the Vizier Amen-Hotep Huy N° 28 in Asasif Area –Luxor.Some of these remains carry scenes showing both Amenhotep III and Amenhotep IV (father and son) in the same space, and one following the other. The remains also show hieroglyphic inscriptions of the names of both kings beside each other.The importance of this discovery, Dr. Ibrahim says, is that it presents the definitive evidence of the co regency between Amenhotep III and Amenhotep IV because it dates exactly at the beginning of the first Heb-Sed of Amenhotep II<I>, in the 30th year of his reign.”http://www.egyptologyforum.org/bbs/MSA_Asasif_Feb2014.pdfSee also: Dr. Francisco J. Martin, the Field and Scientific Director of the Spanish Mission working in the Asasif Project.

https://mail.ad.uab.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=gMCT7b5C706FF6nH9PjO0AuAY122BdEI44jQPmYx5TmzWmMBs3BJn5mpkqc2Hke9W1mo3VAsOb4.&URL=http://www.egyptologyforum.org/bbs/MSA_Asasif_Feb2014.pdf

EXTRA:EXTRACTED ITEMS

FROM REIGN OF AMENHOTEP III

(Covered in diplomacy & trade lecture)

Amenhotep III.Egyptian items in LH II+ Greece: Mycenae & Argive Heraion:a. Egyptian stone & faience

vesselsb. 6 fragmentary plaques of A-IIIc. Dyn. 18 scarabs (seals)d. Dagger with Egy. “flying gallop”

motifMycenae,Ayios Elias,Ialysos (Rhodes):a. Monkey figurine

(A-III +Tiy cartouches)b. Faience vasec. Scarab seals

““

““

“Flying gallop” motif (legs splayed unnaturally)

Amenhotep III.Relations with Greece:(1) Hittite texts note:

Kingdom of Ahhiyawa (Homer’s Achaeans?

= West Anatolia= Mycenaeans)

Coast: Millawanda/Milawata = Miletus?

Treaty with “Tarwisa” = Troy?

(2) A-III statue lists Mycenaean toponyms:

(described as obscure northern lands)

Tj-n3-jj = Tanaja/Tinay = Danaoim-w-k-i-n-w = Mycenaed-y-q-e-i-s m-d3-n-i3nw-p-r-y k3-ti-r

= Beotian Thebes/Kato Zakro= Methana/Messenia (Argolid)= Nauplion= Kythera (island near Mycenae).

- A few Late Helladic IIB vessels occur in Egypt

Amenhotep III.Crete (Minoans - Mycenaeans):- A-III statue lists place-names (toponyms):a. Keftiu

b. ry-k3-tic. i-'m-n-y-š3d. k3-in-yw-š

= Crete= Lyktos (E. Crete)= Amnisos (N. Crete)= Knossos (central Crete)

e. k3-t-w-n3-y = Kydonia (W. Crete)f. b3-y-š3-?-y = Phaistos (S. Crete)

- No contemporary (LM II) pottery in Egypt.

- Egypt has other Minoan influence & products:a. ostracon noting “the Keftiuan”

b. Medical papyrus: remedy for recital in Keftiu-language to cure “Asiatic disease”

c. Scenes depict Keftiu-ships in royal port.

d. Theban tombs: Keftiu bringing ornate metal vessels, ingots, leather, cloth.

Amenhotep III.Cretans/Minoans in Egyptian art:a. long, multiple locks of black hair,b. kilts (multicoloured; tassels; belt),c. boots/sandals with leg bindings.

Rekhmire's tomb:-Painter replaces keftiu-kilt with plainer kilt. (May reflect Mycenaean seizure of Crete)

Minoan exports?- Minoan patterned textiles (in Aegean frescoes), probably inspired patterns on Egyptian tomb ceilings.

,

Amenhotep III.

CRETE:Egyptian items in LM I-IIIA:1 Crete:

a. 30 Egyptian vesselsb. 12 vessels (Knossos)c. Scarab of A-III & Qn.Tiyed. A-III-Qn. Tiye scarabs & seale. Egyptian-style lapis lazuli

amulets and beads.

Distribution in Crete:f. Isopata,g. Sellopoulo (near Knossos)h. Knossos,i. Archanes,j. Katsamba,k.Kommos.l. Khaniam.Aya Triadha

Amenhotep III. Anatolia:A-III maintained contact with Anatolia:a. Letters

(Akkadian: EA41,44; Hittite EA31)

b. A-III statue lists places & peoples.

-Arzawa-Khatte-Kaška-Arusna-W3-iw-r-y

= S. Anatolia= central Anatolia= NE Anatolia= NW Anatolia= Ilios/Troy(?)Tarkhundaradu of Arzawa promises

daughter in marriage to A-III; A-III sends:a. Greeting gift of goldb. 317 linen pieces (garments; mantles)c. 10 containers of sweet oild. 13 ebony chairs (ivory & gold overlay)e. 100 ebony pieces.

LH IIIA burials at Panaztepe near Troy:a. Egyptian gold,b. Alabaster vesselc. Dyn.18 scarabd. Scarab of A-III.

Troy

ARZAWA

KHATTE

KASKA

Amenhotep III.International relations: Cypriot items in Egypt:- Cypriot pottery in Egypt E.g., Base Ring juglet form:a. opium poppyb. pomegranate- Analysis of BR-juglets revealsa. oily substance (scents/ointments)b. possibly opium (contested)

- Muhly suggests other Cypriot exports may include wine & salt.

Egyptian items in Cyprus:a. Vessels of alabaster, glass,

faience vessels

b. Jewellery (bronze, gold, silver)

c. Scarab seals

CYPRUS(Alashiya)

Education

Amenhotep iii