NEW KINGDOM EGYPT
Syllabus;
Internal developments * Impact of the Hyksos: Political, Economic, Technological * Establishment of the Eighteenth Dynasty wars against the Hyksos, reunification of upper and lower Egypt * Roles of queens; Tetisheri, Ahhotep II, Ahronose-Nefetari * Development and importance of the cult of Amun * Political and religious significance of Building programs * Role and contribution of Ahmose, Amenhotep I, Thutmose I, Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Amenhotep II, Thutmose IV * Role and contribution of prominent officials within Egypt and the Empire
Expansion of Egypt’s boundaries * Development and role of the army * Relations with Nubia, Syria-Palestine, Mitanni * Establishment of Empire; Military campaigns in Nubia, Syria-Palestine * Nature of Egyptian imperialism * Maintenance of the Empire; Amenhotep II, Thutmose IV
Key themes 1. Development of the army and empire- how it changed overtime 2. Growth of the power of Amun 3. Administration/buildings/officials/roles of Royal Women
Key Terms

* Warrior Pharaoh Image * Smiting the enemy * Wretched Kush * Vile Asiatics * Khepresh-war crown * Tribute * Booty * God’s wife of Amun

Relations between the kingdoms Palestine; the people of this area were referred to as Asiatics. Old kingdom times there were small raids in this area, probably for booty such as Goods, Cattle and slaves. There has been trade between Palestine and Egypt as is shown through artefacts such as Palestinian pottery and other objects found in new kingdom cities. Since the 1st Dynasty it was common for pharaohs to refer to the ‘smiting of the Asiatics’ and to depict them doing just that; thus becoming a strong indicator that there was war between the two lands. Eventually the number of Asiatics living in the Egyptian Delta increased until the Hyksos took over almost all of Egypt. Egypt still commenced campaigns against the Asiatics for tribute and booty but also continued trade for the famous Cedar of Lebanon for its timber. | Nubia;Stretched along the Nile south of Aswan. This land was practically rich in resources and was a crucial link to African trade. During the Times of the New Kingdom revolts were quite frequent. Nubia offered wealth of Trade from Africa, particularly exotic good such as ivory and ebony. It also held highly regarded troops-particularly in the way of archery. For the Early part of the 18th Dynasty, Egyptian kings were active in their domination of Nubia, mainly to exploit the gold mines. | Mitanni;The land of Naharin, located east of the Euphrates River, west of Syria. There’s evidence of Thutmose I leading a campaign against them. At one point was under reign of King Tushratta- famous for strength in Charioty. Eventually allied itself through marriage of Amenhotep III | Syria; situated to the North of Palestine was the land of Syria; their alliances often changed from Egypt and the Mitanni. It was the crossroads for major trade routes so whoever governed Syria gained access to great wealth and thus this town was also always a target. |

The Expulsion of the Hyksos marked the end of the 17th Dynasty, and the beginning of the rise of the New Kingdom. This period saw the development of the New Kingdom from a society recovering from internal revolts to one of international standing and prestige. Through the strength of Foreign policy linked with trade, Egypt thrived in wealth, the rise and dominance of Amun-Re of Thebes lead to wealth and prosperity. It witnessed the rise of the Theban family of Pharaohs and the concept of the warrior pharaoh.

Ahmose I Beginning of his reign | The 18th dynasty begins with the reign of Ahmose I as his reign marks the final explosion of the Hyksos. , “liberator of the Hyksos’ the beginning of Ahmose’s reign Egypt was in unrest, his tomb says that he was “ hailed by posterity of the father (the gods) of the New Kingdom” At the beginning of his reign he was still a young boy and so is mother queen Ahhotep ruled as his Regent during the crush of the Hyksos. Ahmose gave great tribute to his mother and multiple female figures throughout his life through inscriptions and tombs. | Ahmose, son of Ebana | The only surviving account of the final defeat of the Hyksos was inscribed in the walls of Ahmose, Son of Ebana’s cliff tomb at El Kab. Ahmose, son of Ebana was a naval officer and noble who ruled under King Ahmose I and the next two kings- Amenhotep I and Thutmose I. Written evidence mentions of three battles before the eventual “Capture of Avaris”. Ahmose son of Ebana mentions the kings ‘achievements, but also the rewards he received for his good services. | Defeat of the Hyksos | 1st Battle; (The king) besieged the city of Avaris... I was appointed the (ship)2nd battle; “One thought on the water in the canal; Pezedku of Avaris. Thin I fought hand in hand. I brought away a hand—this was a traditional trophy in Egypt—‘the king gave to me the gold of valour”3rd battle; “...fighting again in this place... king gave me the gold of bravery in second place”The actual capture of Avaris was brief and straight forth “The king captured Avaris” He had conquered southerners... Northerners” When relying on this piece of evidence it must be put in mid that although this is a strong piece of primary evidence, it is also bias. Its flaws fall due to the Egyptian tradition of only writing events of praise, the lack of detail such as death counts or details of captures emphasises the bias of the piece, and how the truth may actually be made a white lie due to absence of truth. By expelling the Hyksos Ahmose ended over a century of foreign rule in Egypt and took the first step to restoring unity and peace to the country. | Diplomatic actions | After the Hyksos fled Ahmose had a huge job ahead of himself. A strong centralised government had to be established to deal with things such as tax collection, land distribution, canal clearing and irrigation works. Several campaigns had to be placed forth tho impose his authority of the lands that favoured the Hyksos. – In southern Palestine and as far as sharuhen. Despite the successes in his putting down of the rebellion, he didn’t want political rivals, and this was evidently achieved as no further major rebellions happened to his close successors. | Trade | However the beautiful work and jewellery found along with Ahmose’s stela set up in Karnack mentions trade between the northlands. | Cult of Amun | In return for his military victories he dedicated many splendid gifts to the cult if Amun- A new boat made of Amun Re of new Cedar-From Lebanon. A limestone stela at Karnak notes the many beautiful things donated by the king to Amun. “Seals of gold, jars of pink granite, filled with ointment, a harp of ebony, offering tables of gold and silver…” Ahmose I constructed parts of the temple of Amun-re at Karnak, including columns, roofs and floors from the same cedar from Lebanon further emphasising the strong trade between the lands | Ending of reign | At the passing on over of the reign “Egypt continued to make advances |

Amenhotep 1

Beginning of rule | The 2nd ruler of Egypt, Son of Ahmose was Amenhotep 1. Again Ahmose, son of Ebana’s military records show todays archaeologists of campaigns again against the Kush, where his army was able to further their careers and wealth. “I sailed with king Amenhotep I, triumphant when he ascended the river to Kush in order to extend the borders of Egypt. … The king pursued the enemy’s people and cattle…” The biography of Ahmose-pen-mekhbet mentions the king’s campaign against Nubia; it is the only source for a war in Libya. Perhaps this was due to Amenhotep not needing an extensive military campaign to maintain peace in the land. After decades of aggressive leaders it is possible Egypt may have been able to maintain its borders and concentrated on reconstruction. “Amenhotep’s military successes and consequent financial gains from Nubia began to improve the economy of Egypt- Betsy Bryan. “Amenhotep was now at liberty to turn his arms towards AsiaWe have no records of a Syrian warIn any case accomplished enough to enable his successor to boast of royalty as far as the EuphratesThe triumph of a Theban family had brought within the supremacy of Amun- breastedHardly had Amenhotep won his victory at the 2nd cataract than another danger on the opposite frontier in the North Called him- breastedThe long period of weakness had given the Libyans the opportunity to occupy the lands of the delta-breasted | Military Campaigns | | Building program | There is bountiful evidence to suggest Amenhotep had an extensive building program. Surviving records include Alabaster shrines at KarnakAt Dier-el-bahari, a mud-brick shrine to Hathor (Now demolished)Remnants of his temples found on Elephantine Island and Kom Ombo, suggest work done on Temple at Nekhbet at El Kab.At Abydos he added a chapel to the temple of Osiris in which he honoured Ahmose.Revolutionary by separating his tomb and mortuary temple.“Karnak’s function as a site for venerating kingship was central to Amenhotep’s construction plans”- Betsy Bryan | Cult of Amun | He gained wealth for richly wrought buildings at Thebes | Thutmose 111 | | Foreign policy/military campaigns | Tutmoses III held a strong a sophisticated foreign policy involving both military and diplomatic action. He became o sole ruler in 1458 after the death of his co-ruler Hatshepsut; he focused on policy towards western Asia. As sole ruler we have records of 15 official campaigns. “The capture of Megiddo is the capture if a thousand cities. Many statues show his “warrior pharaoh image” and are used as propaganda. Annals of thut III provide embellished details of his military actions. Stela at Armant and the annals shows he fought at Kadesh in the year 30, but neither offer much detail – “ he arrived at the city of Kadesh, overthrew it, cut down its groves, harvested its grains” – “ he captured the city of Kadesh” – it is not know to what extent was destroyed. In the year33 Thutmose III campaigned in Phoenician coastline to for supply bases. Reasons for taking over the coast were important as, as Tutmoses campaigns took his further and further from Egypt it became increasable important to transport his army by sea and to have previsions available for his troops. Summary; Transport, larger boundaries, new resources (seafood) - this would have also opened up further opportunity to trade to further distances. – “Now every harbour at which his majesty arrived was supplied with assorted loves, with oil, incense, win, honey, and fruit- abundant were they beyond everything, beyond the knowledge of his majesty army...” The annals also record that that year tut “went north capturing the towns and laying waste the settlements of that foe of Najarin” the tomb inscription of Amenenhabes recorded tuts army fought at least three battles at Senza, Aleppo and Carchemish. Using the Cedar boats they ‘crossed the great inverted river’ – Much like his forefather Thutmose I. in the pursuit of the wretched Mitanni. Through the battle of Megiddo tut promoted the warrior pharaoh image. Tour of Canaan and Syria which encouraged the power of kings supportive of Egypt. Expeditions focused on trade and controlling sphere of influence in Egypt. Thomas Hikade 2005. Karnak wall paintings show Thutmose III survey of plants in Canaan. Nubian campaign went further than any other ruler across the 4th cataract In the year 42 Thutmose took on his last recorded campaign, for his final attack on Kadesh. He had a plan to cut Kadesh off from its northern ally. He attacked number towns in this area. According to Amenenhabes inscription “he (tut III) sent forth every valiant man in his army in order to breach the new wall which Kadesh had made.” Suggesting that this campaign was an attack not a small siege. The complete victory of this battle s shown through the lack of any further records from this area for the remainder of tuts reign. As a summary, Tut aimed and achieved his three key aims;
1. Regain Palestine and southern Syria to punish rebellious princes 2. expand Egypt’s boarder 3. emulate the exploits of his famous grandfather, Thutmose I. | Diplomatic action | The cultivation of Fields and wheat is referred to in Annals. Nubian economy integrated into Egypt’s, mines of Wawat very important to this. ... Consolidating his role as SOLE ruler- obliteration of her statues. (Was this a common thing?) Foreign wives indicate his role emphasising diplomatic marriage. | Cult of Amun | Thutmose III’s military successes brought an influx of wealth into the Egyptian economy. Tribute was sent from a wild variety of nations including Assyria, Retenu “ The rulers of Babylon, Khatte, Cyprus began to give tribute” this may have been to create a diplomatic- strong relationship engaged due to fear, this action also started a precedent in a circle of trade. Thutmose’s devotion to the Gods of ancient Egypt especially Amen of Thebes, resulted in the rebuilding the embellishment f many of the Key religious sites in Egypt at the time. | Buildings | This wealth assisted in the “most prolific building programs in Egyptian history” -Breasted... Forts war constructed, cannels reopened and naval ports expanded. As a link to his campaign in Mitanni here tut constructed boats and ports. And annals state “I had many ships of cedar built on the mountains of God’s Land near the city of the Lady of Bayblos. | officials | Key official- Djeuty- Overseer of Northern lands Nehi- his representor (Viceroy of Kush) helped bring tribute to the cult of Amun as he held economic connection Intef “royal herald” – his police man- communicator in foreign countries and Accountant, he was also the messenger of the people. Nebamun- chief of police “ Then my person commanded that he be placed as ‘chief of police’ – nabanmuns tomb in Thebes The chiefs of Kush were selected by the king’s son of Kush, as shown in the Userstate Stele. The use of officials and viziers were to ensure military control | Amenhotep II Beginnings | The Sporting Pharaoh
Horus name- “Mighty Bull appearing in Thebes, Great of Strength” Successor of Thutmose III continued military activity that he had begun and consolidated his gains in the Near East. The economy of Egypt was stimulated by the continued influx of tribute and taxes from conquered territories and extensive building programs. | religion | Amenhotep helped with serious gains for the cult of Amun through action!
He trained as a priest and was the master of propaganda. | Sources | Most sources on this pharaoh is in ‘fragmented condition’ the great sphinx stela from Giza-tells us Amenhotep’s achievements when he was young the amada, elephantine, Karnak, Memphis and Napata stele refer to his military campaigns.Vairiety of scarabs | image | The concept of the pharaoh as an athlete and sports man resinated with tut 3 but become more significant with Amenhotep II which according to Wilson he ‘became a chief exponent’ | | The great sphinx steal shows he excelled in a variety of sports. It tells us the pharaoh was 18 when he came into power, the stela says he excelled in training horses, archery, running and rowing. specifics event/achievements mentioned his ability to shoot an arrow through copper, his ability to row 4 ½ Kilometres without tiering and his shooting being that like Mounto in his armour as he rode Northward. | Propaganda | The stela shows a variety of propaganda quotes such as;
“well developed...”
“Knew all the works of Montu He had no equal in battle”
“ not one among them could draw his bow”
“ could not be beaten in running”
“ the stroke ore of 200 men” –Leader of the rowers
“ Majesty was strong”
“ faces shone s they saw him do this”“Never before heard, reported; Shooting an arrow at a target of copper, so that it came out of it and dropped to the ground” ~ Adapted from translation by M-Lichtheim | Historian Views | Historians Grimal believed he “had a taste for strength” which was a tradition trait when looking at the big picture.
Whereas Wilson thinks as him as a “glorified athletes” a bit of a joke, but amusing | First, Military campaign | In year 3 several Asiatic city-states in the district of Takhsy near Kadesh attempted to free themselves from Egyptian control. Little and unreliable events mean that this event may have just been a punitive raid to teach the people of Takhsy a lesson of Egyptian power. However Amenhotep II captured 7 of the prices and sent them back to Egypt to show his power to the people. The prices were killed and their bodies “ placed head downward at the prow of his majesty’s ship”
“ on the wall od Thebes;”“ and hung on the wall of Napata” This was written to be “according to the command of his father Re, Amen-Re, Lord of Thebes. Thus linking his military campaigns for the good of the cult. | Historians comments | ‘Amenhotep was a ruthless warrior.” Referring to the bashing of the bodies- “ tis contributed to the building up of a legend to encourage his Egyptian followers and discourage any Asiatic rebels” – Wilson“ the reference to the campaign seems to emphasis first and foremost the glorification of the king through examples of excessive cruelty”
“ Amenhotep may have taken royal ruthlessness to new extremes- P. Mauelian | Second military campaign | In year 7 according to the Memphis and Karnak stela, he took his armies to Syria again. “Like a savage lion ranging the desert” According to the Memphis stela apparently Amenhotep whilst crossing the river and won a second engagement “saw some troops from quanta coming to ambush... his majesty killed them by shooting” the Karnak steal adds that as some soldiers “felled” the others ran away. He marches on to the city of Niy which opened its doors to him. According to the Karnak stela “ the Asiatics of this city, men as well as women, were upon their walls praising and welcoming his majesty” Early June he punished the revolting people of Ugarit. |

Thutmose IV