Thutmose III…the most militaristic Pharaoh of New Kingdom Egypt?
A Cheat Guide to Thutmose III
Thutmose was the sixth Pharaoh in Egypt’s Eighteenth Dynasty and one of its most influential rulers.He reigned between 1479 and 1425 BCE during a period of great expansion and prosperity for the Egyptian Empire.
Early life and rise to power
Thutmose was born in Thebes to Thutmose and Iset. His father named him as his successor. However, because he was a young child when his father died, Hatshepsut was appointed as his regent. Thutmose, III was able to quickly establish himself as an effective ruler and military leader despite this.
Military Campaigns
Thutmose is best known for his campaigns that expanded and strengthened the Egyptian Empire in the Middle East. He led many campaigns into Syria, Palestine and conquered and annexed many cities and territories, including Megiddo and Kadesh. The conquests of Egypt not only brought new resources and lands to the country, but they also made it a major power in ancient times. Thutmose’s campaigns were among the most successful of ancient Egyptian history. They played a crucial role in establishing Egypt as a regional power. Thutmose inherited from his father a well-trained, well-equipped army. He continued to expand and improve it during his reign.
His campaigns focused primarily on the Levant, which includes modern-day Israel and Palestine. Thutmose led many expeditions to the Levant region. He conquered and annexed many cities and territories, including Megiddo and Kadesh. His victories are recorded in detail on the walls at the temple of Amun, Karnak. This provides valuable insight into the military tactics and strategies he used.
The Battle of Megiddo was one of Thutmose’s most important military campaigns, fought 1457 BCE. Megiddo, a heavily-fortified city located in northern Israel on the main trading route between Egypt and Levant, was strategically situated. Thutmose led a large force to besiege Megiddo, and finally, after a long siege, was able to breach its walls. Thutmose claimed that the battle was one of his greatest victories.
Thutmose II also led several campaigns in Nubia (modern-day Sudan), where he extended Egyptian control over this region and secured valuables such as gold and ivory. He also enslaved slaves. He constructed several forts, garrisons, and a wall along the Nile in order to protect the southern border. He also established diplomatic relations with the neighboring tribes so that they would remain loyal.
Thutmose’s campaigns were successful not only in terms conquest, but also as far as cultural exchange and diplomacy. He built relationships with the conquered lands, allowing them their own traditions and customs as long as they pledged loyalty to Egypt. This policy of tolerance and integration helped maintain stability and unity in the empire.
Thutmose’s campaigns played a major role in consolidating Egypt’s position in the region. In ancient Egyptian history, his legacy as a military conqueror and strategist is still remembered.
Construction Projects
Thutmose was a prolific builder who built many temples, palaces and other structures in Egypt. He finished and expanded many building projects started by his grandfather and father, such as the temple of Amun in Karnak and Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahri. He built many new monuments and temples including the temple of Amun in Nubia, the rock-cut Temple of Hathor in Sarabit el-Khadim and the temple of Amun in Soleb.
Death and Legacy
Thutmose III reigned in Egypt for more than 50 years. He was one of the longest reigning pharaohs ever. Amenhotep II succeeded him when he died in 1425 BCE. Thutmose’s reign in ancient Egypt is considered to be a golden era, characterized by prosperity, cultural achievements, and expansion. He is remembered for being one of the most famous pharaohs in history, as a brilliant military commander and builder.
SOURCES:
- Grimal, Nicolas. A History of Ancient Egypt. Blackwell Publishing, 1994.
- Redford, Donald B. Egypt, Canaan, and Israel in Ancient Times. Princeton University Press, 1992.
- Wilkinson, Toby A. H. The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt. Random House, 2010.
