Amenhotep III Facts & Worksheets

Amenhotep III was a powerful pharaoh of ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom who brought peace, prosperity, and magnificent architecture. Egypt flourished under his rule, becoming a cultural and artistic hub.

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Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE

• Amenhotep III, or Amenhotep the Magnificent, born around 1401 BCE, was the son of Thutmose IV and Mutemwiya. 
• Thutmose IV became Pharaoh unexpectedly after his older brother’s early death. 
• Amenhotep III became Pharaoh at a young age after his father passed away.
• Like many Egyptian princes, Amenhotep III’s childhood was a period of intense education and preparation for his future role as Pharaoh. 
• He grew up during the prosperous New Kingdom era, known for its advancements in art and architecture.
• As the son of Thutmose IV and Mutemwiya, Amenhotep III was groomed for kingship from an early age. 
• His father was not the original heir to the throne but assumed power following the premature death of his elder brother. 
• Their family history may have deeply affected the young prince, making him well aware of life’s fragility and the unpredictability of power.
• Amenhotep III was trained in traditional pharaonic skills like riding, archery, and military tactics. 
• He learned from the kingdom’s best scribes, priests, and military officers. 
• His education also focused on administrative tasks, such as managing agricultural resources and delegating state responsibilities. 
• He learned the art of diplomacy from a young age to maintain peace and prosperity within his kingdom.
• The unexpected death of his elder brother, Crown Prince Thutmose, who was initially the heir to the throne, helped Amenhotep III understand his future role. 
• He also witnessed the influential roles of his mother, Mutemwiya, and his wife, Queen Tiye, which gave him ideas and knowledge of the power women could have in the royal family and Egyptian politics.
• Amenhotep III’s life was defined by strategic marriages that strengthened his position and formed alliances. 
• Queen Tiye, the Great Royal Wife to Amenhotep III, was the daughter of Yuya, a high-ranking military officer, and Thuya, an Egyptian noblewoman. 
• She played an important role as an advisor to the Pharaoh.
• Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye had two sons, Crown Prince Thutmose and Amenhotep IV, also known as Akhenaten. 
• They also had daughters, Sitamun, Iset, Hennuttaneb, Nebetah, and Beketaten. 
• When Crown Prince Thutmose, the elder brother of Amenhotep IV, died early, it also led to Akhenaten’s unexpected rise to power. 
• Aside from Queen Tiye, Amenhotep III had several other wives, most foreign princesses.
• This was a common practice among Egypt’s pharaohs as it helped forge political alliances with other countries. 
• Gilukhepa was one of these wives, a princess from the kingdom of Mitanni in modern-day Syria. 
• Tadukhepa, another Mitanni princess, became Amenhotep III’s wife late in his reign. 
• Amenhotep III’s other wives included a daughter of the king of Babylon, a sister of the king of Hatti, and a daughter of the king of Arzawa. 
• These marriages further demonstrated the broad extent of Egypt’s diplomatic relations under Amenhotep III’s rule. 
• Amenhotep III also married his daughters, Sitamun and Iset. 
• This practice aimed to strengthen the royal bloodline and showcased the intricate familial and political ties within the royal family.

REIGN

• Amenhotep III ascended to the throne around 1388 BCE following his father’s death. 
• Although there was some debate among historians, they believed he was only around 12 years old when he assumed power.
• One of Amenhotep III’s significant accomplishments was constructing an artificial lake in his wife’s hometown.
• The creation of this artificial lake in Djakaru highlighted Amenhotep III’s commitment to showcasing Egypt’s prosperity and cultural elegance and his affection for Queen Tiye. 
• It also provided a water source for irrigation and fishing, thus contributing to the region’s prosperity.
• Amenhotep III’s rule was marked by a shift towards a more peaceful and diplomatic approach than his predecessors.
• His leadership prioritized peace, diplomacy, and cultural growth rather than military conquest.
• This shift was reflected in his extensive diplomatic correspondence with rulers of other great nations of the time, which were preserved in the Amarna Letters.
• The Amarna Letters, a collection of diplomatic correspondence found at el-Amarna, provide a glimpse into Amenhotep III’s diplomatic prowess.
• The letters reveal extensive communications with rulers of other great nations of the time, including those of Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Syria, Canaan, and Cyprus. 
• They showed Egypt’s engagement in international diplomacy, diplomatic marriages, and gift-giving, which were the cornerstones of Amenhotep III’s international relations policy.
• These alliances brought peace and economic prosperity, with wealth flowing into Egypt through trade and diplomatic gifts. 
• Through gift-giving, Amenhotep III received exotic gifts from foreign leaders, such as ebony, ivory, gold, lapis lazuli, horses, and chariots from Mitanni, an ally of Egypt. 
• In return, Amenhotep III sent gold obtained from Egypt’s mines in Nubia, demonstrating Egypt’s wealth.
• Under Amenhotep III’s leadership, Egypt experienced a cultural renaissance. 
• Art, architecture, and literature flourished under his patronage. 
• He commissioned many grand construction projects.
• This period of peace and prosperity allowed Amenhotep III to focus on domestic matters. 
• He initiated administrative reforms that improved the efficiency of the government and oversaw the development of the nation’s infrastructure.
• He also promoted religious harmony within the kingdom, balancing the influence of the priests of Amun with the worship of other gods.
• The peaceful relations became strained during the reign of his son, Akhenaten, as he neglected foreign policy, leading to a loss of Egypt’s influence and the decline of its international power. 
• Nevertheless, Amenhotep III’s diplomatic legacy echoes in Egypt’s history, making his reign the pinnacle of diplomacy in the country.

SED FESTIVALS

• Amenhotep III held one of the grandest Sed Festivals in Ancient Egyptian history. 
• The Sed Festival, also known as Heb Sed or the Feast of the Tail, was a royal jubilee to renew the Pharaoh’s strength and vigor. 
• The festivals included building festival halls and temples and creating intricate art and sculpture, like the statues at Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple in Thebes. 
• Amenhotep III’s Sed Festivals were religious and political ceremonies and massive public works projects. 
• These festivals allowed Amenhotep III to publicly display Egypt’s wealth and power. 
• Traditionally, the festival was celebrated after 30 years on the throne and then every three or four years. 
• Amenhotep, son of Hapu, a trusted advisor to the Pharaoh, also planned and organized the grand festivals. 
• His architectural skills and governance proficiency ensured successful execution. 
• Amenhotep was involved in designing and constructing festival venues, including a vast open-air temple at Malkata. 
• He also had a spiritual and ritual role in Sed Festivals.
• The festival was a spectacular occasion that involved elaborate rituals, feasting, and a procession of the Pharaoh around the temple grounds.  
• It showcased the Pharaoh’s vitality and divine nature, reinforcing his right to rule. 
• In Amenhotep III’s case, evidence suggests that he held not one but three Sed Festivals in Regnal Years 30,34 and 37, more than any other pharaoh. 
• This is shown by the numerous commemorative scarabs, statues, and reliefs that depict the king participating in the Sed Festival rites.
• The artworks show the festival’s rituals, including Amenhotep III participating in a ceremonial race, making offerings to the gods, and wearing the unique Sed Festival robe.

STRUCTURES AND MONUMENTS

• Amenhotep III’s reign was marked by a surge in architectural activity and artistic innovation, leaving a lasting legacy of monuments and artifacts.

The Colossi of Memnon

• These are two massive stone statues of Amenhotep III, originally positioned to guard the entrance to his mortuary temple in Thebes, serving as a sacred space for his spirit in the afterlife. 
• These statues represent the Pharaoh and embody divine symbolism, immortalizing Amenhotep III and his god-king ideology.

Malkata Palace

• The Malkata Palace was the royal residence of Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye, situated near Thebes. 
• It consisted of temples, gardens, and administrative buildings. 
• As the primary dwelling place for the Pharaoh and his queen, it served various functions and showcased Amenhotep III’s wealth and power. 

Soleb Temple

• The Soleb Temple, located in present-day Sudan, was built by Amenhotep III as a symbol of his divine authority and religious devotion. 
• The temple’s design reflected the ruler’s divine status and the god-king ideology of Ancient Egypt. 

Temple of Amun in Karnak

• Amenhotep III added structures to the Temple of Amun in Karnak, including a colonnade with large pillars and massive statues. 
• Dedicated to the deity Amun, the temple demonstrated Amenhotep III’s devotion and reinforced his divine status. 

Luxor Temple

• Amenhotep III initiated the construction of this significant temple, which was later completed by Tutankhamun and Horemheb. 
• The Luxor Temple, one of Amenhotep III’s most notable architectural feats, was primarily dedicated to the Theban triad of gods: Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. 
• The temple was not only a place of worship but also the setting for key events like the annual Opet Festival, where the statues of the Theban triad were paraded from the Karnak Temple to the Luxor Temple to reenact the Pharaoh’s divine birth.

Kom el-Hettan Temple

• The Kom el-Hettan Temple, also known as the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III, was a remarkable architectural masterpiece commissioned by Amenhotep III. 
• It served as a place of worship and a dwelling for the Pharaoh’s spirit after his death. 

Memphis Serapeum

• Amenhotep III built a temple dedicated to the Apis Bull in Memphis. 
• This temple showcased Amenhotep III’s reverence for the Apis Bull, an important deity in ancient Egyptian religion. 
• The temple served as a sacred space for rituals and reinforced cultural and religious practices. 
• Though it is mostly destroyed now, it symbolizes Amenhotep III’s commitment to Egypt’s religious traditions.

Open-air Temple at Malkata

• The open-air temple at Malkata was specifically built for the Sed Festivals. 
• The temple had religious and political significance, reaffirming the Pharaoh’s divine power and rule. 
• It also symbolized stability, continuity, and the strength of Ancient Egypt.

Kawa Temple

• The Kawa Temple, built by Amenhotep III in Nubia, was dedicated to the god Amun. 
• The temple represented Amenhotep III’s divine kingship beyond Egypt’s borders, his protection of religious traditions, and strengthened the ties between Egypt and Nubia. 

Maru-Aten Sun Temple

• The Maru-Aten Sun Temple, located in Amarna, was an important structure dedicated to the sun god Aten.
• Built by Amenhotep III, it served as a place of worship and symbolized his religious beliefs. 
• However, it was later dismantled by his son and successor, Akhenaten, marking a significant change in ancient Egypt’s religious landscape.
• Amenhotep III’s legacy also includes several commemorative scarabs, large inscribed beetles made of glazed steatite, which were circulated to announce significant events of his reign. 
• These scarabs provide valuable insights into his life, documenting everything from his marriages and building projects to lion hunts and cattle counts.

DEATH

• Amenhotep III’s death marked the end of a prosperous era in Egypt. 
• The cause of his death remains a mystery, but it is believed that he had health problems in his later years. 
• He was buried in the Valley of the Kings in a magnificent tomb (KV22), reflecting his status and achievements. 
• The tomb is quite significant as it’s one of the most extensive royal tombs in the valley. 
• It stretches over 120 meters into the limestone bedrock, with a complex series of corridors and chambers reflecting his reign’s grandeur. 
• His death and burial followed traditional Egyptian customs despite religious changes, showcasing the enduring respect for ancient rituals. 
• The discovery of Amenhotep III’s mummy has added a significant chapter to our understanding of this notable Pharaoh. 
• The mummy was found in the Valley of the Kings by Victor Loret in 1898, inside KV35, a tomb built initially for Amenhotep II. 
• This relocation from his original tomb (KV22) is thought to have been done by priests, possibly to prevent tomb robbery. 
• The mummy, identified by a clay seal with Amenhotep III’s throne name, was found in a side chamber alongside other royal mummies. 
• Amenhotep III’s mummy is well-preserved, providing important physical insights into his life. 

SUCCESSION

• Amenhotep III’s succession was a significant event that marked the continuation of the 18th Dynasty rule over Egypt. 
• His son, Amenhotep IV, succeeded him, who is better known by his later taken name, Akhenaten.
• Amenhotep III’s health began to deteriorate in the latter years of his reign, evidenced by the numerous statues and sculptures depicting him as an aging man. 
• Despite his declining health, his power was not immediately succeeded by his son, Amenhotep IV. 
• Instead, a co-regency was established, allowing the young prince to share the responsibilities of governance with his ailing father.
• The period of co-regency, a rarity in ancient Egyptian history, is seen by historians as a preparation phase for Amenhotep IV. 
• Although the precise length of the co-regency is a matter of debate, it is believed that it lasted for several years, providing a smooth transition of power.
• Upon Amenhotep III’s death, Amenhotep IV ascended to the throne and initially continued his father’s reign’s religious and artistic traditions. 
• However, a few years into his rule, he introduced revolutionary changes that profoundly affected Egyptian society. 

Amenhotep III Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Amenhotep III across 31 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Amenhotep III. Amenhotep III was a powerful pharaoh of ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom who brought peace, prosperity, and magnificent architecture. Egypt flourished under his rule, becoming a cultural and artistic hub.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Amenhotep III Facts
2. True or False
3. How Are We Related?
4. The Structures
5. The Influences
6. Cross Paths
7. Search and Identify
8. Building Structures
9. Pharaoh
10. Connect
11. Mummified

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Amenhotep III, and when did he reign?

Amenhotep III was an Egyptian pharaoh who reigned from approximately 1386 to 1349 BCE during the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt.

What were some of Amenhotep III’s major accomplishments during his reign?

Amenhotep III is known for his impressive building projects, including the construction of many temples and monuments, such as the Luxor Temple and the Colossi of Memnon. He also maintained peaceful relations with foreign nations, leading to a period of prosperity known as the “Egyptian Empire.”

Did Amenhotep III have any notable queens or wives?

Yes, Amenhotep III had several wives and queens, the most famous of whom was Tiye. Tiye played a significant role in her husband’s reign and was known for her intelligence and influence.

What is the significance of the Colossi of Memnon associated with Amenhotep III?

The Colossi of Memnon are two massive stone statues of Amenhotep III seated on thrones. They are some of the most iconic and well-preserved monuments from his reign. These statues are located in the Theban necropolis and were part of a larger temple complex that has since been mostly destroyed.

What is the historical legacy of Amenhotep III?

Amenhotep III is often considered one of Egypt’s most successful and prosperous pharaohs. His reign is known for its artistic and architectural achievements, as well as its international diplomacy. His era is sometimes referred to as the “Golden Age” of Egypt due to its wealth and cultural flourishing.

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