Quick Facts
The last pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty who rose from military commander to king. He dismantled the Atenist legacy and restored traditional Egyptian religion.
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Life Journey
Born into a non-royal family. His name meant 'Horus is in Festival'.
Joined the Egyptian army as a young officer during Akhenaten's reign.
Promoted to general during the post-Amarna period.
Served as supreme commander of the army under Tutankhamun.
Led successful campaigns in Nubia to reassert Egyptian control.
Conducted military operations against Hittite expansion.
Became 'Deputy of the King in the Entire Land'.
Began construction of an elaborate tomb as a high official.
Tutankhamun died without an heir. Horemheb was passed over for Ay.
Continued as military commander under Pharaoh Ay.
Became pharaoh upon Ay's death, legitimized through marriage to Mutnedjmet.
Issued sweeping legal reforms to combat corruption.
Began systematic erasure of Akhenaten, Tutankhamun, and Ay from records.
Expanded Karnak temple and restored traditional priesthoods.
Reorganized the army into northern and southern divisions.
Selected vizier Paramesse as heir, establishing the 19th Dynasty.
Buried in KV57. His reign marked Egypt's recovery from the Amarna period.
