When did Amenhotep III become pharaoh of Egypt?
Amenhotep III became pharaoh around 1401 BC as the ninth ruler of the Eighteenth dynasty. He was the son of Thutmose IV and a minor wife named Mutemwiya.
Questions about Amenhotep III
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who were the wives of Amenhotep III during his reign?
Amenhotep III married Tiye, daughter of Yuya and Thuya, who served as Great Royal Wife throughout his reign. Later in life he wed Gilukhepa and Tadukhepa from Mitanni and elevated daughters Sitamun and Iset to Great Royal Wife status.
What happened to the mortuary temple built by Amenhotep III on the west bank Nile?
The enormous mortuary temple reduced to ruins within less than two hundred years because it was built too close to the floodplain. Much masonry was purloined by Merneptah and later pharaohs for their own construction leaving only the Colossi of Memnon standing.
How old was Amenhotep III when he died according to forensic analysis?
Australian anatomist Grafton Elliot Smith concluded the pharaoh died between age 40 and 50 based on examination of his mummy. Scientists believe final years included arthritis obesity and worn cavity-pitted teeth inflicting constant pain.
Did Amenhotep III father Akhenaten and Tutankhamun's parents?
Modern genetic analysis confirmed Amenhotep III fathered both KV55 mummy identified as Akhenaten and The Younger Lady sibling parents of grandson Tutankhamun. A 2020 study traced family lineage via Y-chromosomes and mtDNA showing shared haplogroup R1b with son and grandson.