2023

Details about King Thutmose IV

Eighth king of the 18th Dynasty, Thutmose IV had a short reign, about 9 years (around 1419-1410 BC). He inherited a country whose two predecessors, his grandfather Thutmose III and his father Amenhotep II made a vast empire firmly controlled. The king himself will break with this tradition of war by preferring a diplomatic policy of alliance. This is how he will marry a Mitanian princess and establish a period of peace with the Mitanni, this ancient enemy of Egypt.

The king seems to have been more involved than his predecessors in religious matters, and particularly in the relationship between royalty and solar divinity. It is believed that he may have been a forerunner of the revival of solar theology which his successors Amenhotep III and Amenhotep IV-Akhenaten will further develop. This will not prevent him from being a fervent zealot of Amon with, for example, the construction of a courtyard with columns in the temple of Karnak.

The king’s mummy

She was moved from her grave to the 21st Dynasty to be transported, with others, into the tomb of Amenhotep II in order to protect her from looters. Studied by Elliot Smith, it is described as that of a man 1.64m, young, shaven and slightly effeminate. The extreme emaciation of the body, greater than that which would have been produced by embalming alone, suggests the possibility of a cachectising disease. The king died young, between 20 and 30 years old, with no visible wound.

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What are the most important works of King Thutmose?

During his reign, Thutmose III formed one of the oldest empires in history. Egypt's borders stretched to the Euphrates River and Syria in the east, Libya in the west, the coasts of Phoenicia and Cyprus in the north, and to the sources of the Nile in the south, reaching as far as the fourth waterfall, or the fourth Gand

What was the role of King Thutmose IV in ancient Egyptian society?

King Thutmose IV played a significant role in ancient Egyptian society during the New Kingdom period (c. 1400–1300 BCE). Here are some key aspects of his role and contributions:

Pharaoh: Thutmose IV served as the Pharaoh of Egypt, the highest political and religious authority in the kingdom. As Pharaoh, he was responsible for maintaining order, administering justice, and overseeing the administration of the state.

Military Leader: Like many Pharaohs of his time, Thutmose IV was a military leader. He led campaigns to protect Egypt's borders and expand its territory. Notably, he is known for his military successes in Nubia and the Levant.

Building Projects: Thutmose IV initiated several building projects during his reign. One of his most famous accomplishments is the restoration of the Great Sphinx of Giza, which had become buried in sand over the centuries. He erected an inscribed stela (known as the Dream Stele) between the paws of the Sphinx, recounting a dream he had that led to the Sphinx's excavation.

Religious Role: As Pharaoh, Thutmose IV also had important religious duties. He was seen as the intermediary between the gods and the people, responsible for maintaining the cults of various deities and ensuring the well-being of Egypt through religious rituals.

Cultural Contributions: Thutmose IV's reign contributed to the cultural and artistic flourishing of the New Kingdom. He commissioned sculptures, monuments, and temples, reflecting the grandeur of Egyptian art and architecture during this period.

Foreign Relations: Thutmose IV engaged in diplomatic relations with neighboring states, maintaining alliances, and securing favorable trade agreements. This helped ensure Egypt's stability and prosperity.

Legacy: Thutmose IV is remembered for his role in restoring the Great Sphinx, which remains an iconic symbol of ancient Egypt. His reign is also associated with the development of religious and military traditions that persisted in Egypt for centuries.

King Thutmose IV 16 / 5 / 2023