Introduction

     Coming from the 18th dynasty and being the ninth Pharaoh to rule during this period, Amenhotep III uplifted Egypt.  In addition, he would father a son who would shake Egypt’s foundation and that son would later be referred to as Akhenaten. During Amenhotep III’s reign, which would come to be known as a period of peace and abundance, many structures were constructed that still stand today. Read further for an in-depth look into the Pharaoh that beautified Egypt.

Family

     Being born to Queen Mutemwiya and the Pharaoh Thutmose IV, Amenhotep III was given the throne at the age of twelve and remained Pharaoh until the rightful age of 50.  Like most Pharaohs he also had many wives.  It was believed that he had 317 wives -- all which were well taken care of and were acquired through dowries.  His favorite wife, Queen Tiy, was married to Amenhotep III at around the age of 11 or 12.  Being his favorite queen, a pleasure temple was constructed in her honor.  She was the first women to be given official acts and was believed to be very intelligent. Together they had a son named Amenhotep IV, who later changed his name to Akhenaten.

Amenhotep III

     Amenhotep III ruled at a time when Egypt was in no great danger.  Times were prosperous due to trading and when production and life along the Nile River had flourished.  Unlike other Pharaohs conquering other kingdoms was not an issue.  Construction was the main focus since times were abundant and no real great danger was evident.  He enlarged many cities and constructed many temples.  He built the temple Malkata located on the western shores of Thebes and the southern part of Medinet Habu.  This site was dedicated to housing and also official chambers. His greatest and most famous structure was the Temple of Amun (modern day Luxor), which is known by its ruins and remains a popular tourist attraction today. 

            Managing to keep the throne for a long 39 years, Amenhotep III died of an unknown disease.  He died at the age of 50.  He left behind his favorite wife who would later move with her son Akhenaten as well as many other wives.  Although not known for war or conquering, he left behind great monuments and temples and grand statues that would begin to tell of an upcoming change -- the Amarna Period.

Tomb

     Jollis and Devilliers (French Engineers from Napoleon Bonaparte's expedition) discovered Amenhotep III’s tomb in August 1799.  They charted and logged their findings. Today the tomb is known as KV22 and is located in the Valley of the Kings. The tomb was found empty and the walls badly destroyed due to salt and exposure to the elements. Restoration is underway in the hopes that the tomb can be returned to a suitable condition.  It’s believed the mummy of Amenhotep III was found in the royal cache.  The royal cache was located in a cut tomb near Deir El Bahri, Hatshepsut’s temple, and was hidden by priests. That tomb was discovered in 1881 by the Abd-er-Rassul brothers.