Thutmose III

Thutmose III was born to Pharaoh Thutmose II and a secondary wife named Iset. Despite his non-royal mother, he was recognized as heir to the throne and groomed for future kingship.

Upon his father's death, Thutmose III became pharaoh at approximately two years old. Due to his young age, his stepmother Hatshepsut served as regent, eventually declaring herself pharaoh.

Young Thutmose received religious education in the temple of Amun at Karnak. He was trained as a priest, learning sacred rituals and developing the piety that would mark his reign.

Thutmose began intensive military training, learning chariot warfare, archery, and strategic planning. These skills would later make him Egypt's greatest military commander.

After over two decades of co-regency, Hatshepsut died, finally allowing Thutmose III to rule independently. He immediately began preparations for military campaigns into the Levant.

Thutmose III won his most famous victory at Megiddo, defeating a coalition of Canaanite kings. His bold decision to take a narrow mountain pass surprised the enemy and secured a decisive triumph.

Led his second campaign into Syria, capturing coastal cities and establishing Egyptian dominance. These campaigns would continue annually, systematically expanding the empire.

Thutmose III crossed the Euphrates River to invade Mitanni, Egypt's rival power. He erected a victory stela on the river's banks, marking the greatest extent of Egyptian military reach.

Achieved a major naval victory capturing the island fortress of Arvad. This demonstrated his mastery of combined land and sea operations, securing Phoenician ports for Egypt.

Captured the strategically vital city of Kadesh in his eighth campaign. This victory secured Egyptian control over crucial trade routes and weakened Mitanni influence.

Began major expansion of the Temple of Amun at Karnak, including the Festival Hall. His building program rivaled his military achievements in scope and ambition.

Married Merytre-Hatshepsut, who would become his Great Royal Wife and mother of the future Amenhotep II. She played an important role in palace politics.

Conducted his seventeenth and final military campaign, a punitive expedition into Nubia. By this time, his empire stretched from the Euphrates to the Fourth Cataract of the Nile.

Appointed his son Amenhotep II as co-regent to ensure smooth succession. The prince was trained in military arts and prepared for the responsibilities of kingship.

Created a unique botanical garden at Karnak featuring exotic plants and animals from his campaigns. This 'botanical room' demonstrates his intellectual curiosity beyond warfare.

Thutmose III died after a reign of nearly 54 years, including the co-regency with Hatshepsut. He was buried in the Valley of the Kings, leaving behind Egypt's greatest empire.