Ahmose,
son of Ebana (18th Dynasty) -
An
Egyptian officer who served under Ahmose I, Amenhotep I and Thutmose
I. He and his family came from Lower Egypt in Nekheb. He is known
because of the biography written on his tomb; according to this text
Ahmose enlisted (as his father Baba had done) and served under Ahmose
I in his campaign to oust the Hyksos and he participated in the siege
of Avaris. Slaying the Hyksos in battle, Ahmose son of Ebana was
awarded the gold of valor on two occasions. The city of Avaris was
sacked and the Hyksos were defeated. Pharaoh Ahmose I continued with
campaigns against the Hyksos and their vassals in Canaan. Ahmose I
besieged Sharuhen for three years. Later Ahmose I campaigned in
Nubia, quelling revolts against Egyptian rule, Ahmose son of Ebana
served in these campaigns as well. Under the next pharaoh, Amenhotep
I, Ahmose son of Ebana again fought against Nubian rebels. Then in
the reign of Thutmose I he was again sent to Nubia where he commanded
a fleet in the Nile and fought against rebellious Nubian tribes. He
then campaigned with Thutmose I in Syria where the Egyptians marched
as far as the Euphrates River. His grandson Paheri was made a scribe
and tutor to Thutmose I's son Prince Wadjmose.
Ahmose
Pen-Nekhbet (18th Dynasty) -
Another
notable from Nekheb. He was a state official and military officer
serving the pharaohs Ahmose I, Amenhotep I, Thutmose I, Thutmose II,
queen Hatshepsut and Thutmose III. In the reign of Ahmose I he took
part in the campaign in Canaan. Under Amenhotep I he fought in Nubia,
probably together with Ahmose son of Ebana. he was involved in the
famous Syrian campaign of Thutmose I. Finally in the reign of
Thutmose II he campaign in Sinai against the Shasu Bedouin raiders.
During the reign of the regent queen Hatshepsut, he was allowed to
hold the royal seal, was made a chief treasurer and a courtly herald.
He was also the tutor of Hatshepsut's daughter Princess Neferure. He
died during the rein of Thutmose III. Both he and his brother
Khaemwaset were given honors at court and allowed to build lavish
tombs.
Hormeni
(18th Dynasty) -
Originally
a scribe in the court of Ahmose I, he was made the "haty-a"
of the city of Nekhen (essentially a magistrate or small governor).
Nekhen was the third district of Upper Egypt, but he was also given
authority over Lower Nubia. He served there for many years and sent
much tribute from Nubia. It is unclear what happened in Nubia at the
time since there was much conflict between the Hyksos in Lower Egypt
and Nubians with the Pharaohs of Middle and Upper Egypt prior to
Ahmose I's reign. Both Ahmose I and his immediate predecessors
campaigned in Syria. Ahmose I's campaigns probably started around the
end of Hormeni's tenure as magistrate, because Ahmose I then
organizes Nubia under a Viceroy ("Sa-nisut-n-Kush"; the
King's Son of Kush).
Ahmose
Si-Tayit (Kush, 18th Dynasty) -
Probably
the first to be appointed to the position of Viceroy of Kush. He was
given the position by Pharaoh Ahmose I as a means to control the
conquered regions of Nubia. Pharaoh Ahmose I reunified Egypt by
expelling the Hyksos from the Delta and began the 18th Dynasty. He
also fought against the Nubians in counter-insurgency campaigns.
During his reign Ahmose I probably expanded his control to the first
or second Cataract of the Nile. Ahmose Si-Tayit was no doubt a part
of these programs. He is the only Viceroy mentioned in the reign of
Ahmose I, prior the administration of the region seems to have been
in the hands of a court official, the magistrate of Nekhen.
Ahmose
Turo (Kush, 18th Dynasty) -
Ahmose
also called Turo, was the son of Ahmose Si-Tayit. Turo served under
his father as the Commander of Buhen, in the reign of Ahmose I. Under
Amenhotep I and Thutmose I he succeeded his father as Viceroy of
Kush. There were insurgencies by the Nubians during his tenure and he
no doubt played a role in suppressing these revolts. There were many
campaigns in Nubia under Amenhotep I and some in the reign of
Thutmose I as well. The Egyptians invaded as far as the Third
Cataract of the Nile and conquered the city of Kerma. Amenhotep I
built settlements, temples and fortresses along the Nile as far as
Kerma. Thutmose I put down a major revolt, attacked the region of
Kerma the next year, executed the rebel chiefs and kings and built a
canal at the First Cataract. Turo was also made an important
courtier, as was his son Ahmose Patjenna.
Prince
Amenmose (18th Dynasty) -
The
eldest son and intended heir of Thutmose I, unfortunately he
predeceased his father. His two brothers were Wadjmose and Thutmose
II. He was given the rank "Great Overseer of Soldiers" by
his father and likely took part in his campaigns in Syria. Appointing
Princes and members of the royal family to these military ranks was a
long tradition ever since the Middle Kingdom.
Seni
(Kush, 18th Dynasty) -
Seni
succeeded Turo as the Viceroy of Kush. He was made Viceroy in the
reign of Thutmose I and continued to be Viceroy into the reign of
Thutmose II. Of course it makes sense to assume that he had a major
role in putting down rebellions during the reigns of those kings. He
must have left office in the 2nd year of Hatshepsut's rule.
Nehsi
(18th Dynasty) -
An
official during the regency of queen Hatshepsut. He was given the
royal seal and made chief treasurer. According to some theories he
may have been of Nubian descent. He was put in charge of Hatshepsut's
expedition to the land of Punt to the south of Nubia. With five large
ships and a few hundred men Nehsi sailed down the Red Sea and then
marched to Punt. Nehsi brought with him soldiers, diplomats and
scholars. Establishing good relations with the King and Queen of
Punt, he brought back emissaries and many goods (such as ebony,
incense, myrrh, ivory, cattle, gold and exotic animals). The
expedition was a success and is one of the few foreign campaigns in
the reign of Hatshepsut.
Penre
(Kush, 18th Dynasty) -
The
Viceroy of Kush during the early regency of queen Hatshepsut. Tasked
with controlling the region of Kush and sending tribute back to the
capital. Hatshepsut's reign was rather peaceful and so Penre's
administration of the south must not have been problematic. He is
recorded with many court titles and his lavish tomb was discovered in
Thebes. He must have been in office between the Queen's 2nd and 18th
years of her reign.
Inebny
(Kush, 18th Dynasty) -
Was
also called Amenemnekhu, he served as Viceroy of Kush from
Hatshepsut's 18th year of her regency until the 22nd year of Thutmose
III's de facto reign (as Thutmose III succeeded his father Thutmose
II as a child). It is unclear what occurred during Inebny's tenure.
He was removed from his position not long after Thutmose III assumed
power. Perhaps this was to purge Hatshepsut's appointees or because
he was incapable. There were campaigns in Nubia during the reign of
Thutmose III, it is possible that Inebny disgraced himself with poor
performance.
Thanuny,
scribe of the King (18th Dynasty) -
Thanuny was the scribe who recorded the events of the Megiddo
campaign. He is recorded as being a military officer and advisor in
the reign of Thutmose III. At the very least he was present during
the Megiddo campaign in 1457 BC.
Djehuty
(18th Dynasty) -
Known
mainly from the Egyptian tale "The Taking of Joppa" and
some contemporary records. Djehuty was an officer of the expansionist
pharaoh Thutmose III. In the inscriptions he is mentioned as "the
king's scribe", "overseer of troops" and "overseer
of the northern foreign countries". In the story the city of
Joppa, in southern Canaan, rebels against Pharaoh. Djehuty, likely as
an official in Asia, goes to besiege Joppa. Djehuty meets the rebel
king in a parlay and captures him and then according to the story he
declares that he can no longer lay siege. To trick the inhabitants of
Joppa he sends them tribute in large baskets, but within the baskets
are hidden 200 men which then infiltrate the city and capture it.
After having taken Joppa he sends a victory proclamation to Thutmose
III. This may be an example of the first recorded historical fiction.
Most likely Djehuty took part in many of Thutmose III's Syrian
campaigns and was in charge of the Asiatic regions.
Nehi
(Kush, 18th Dynasty) -
Is
mentioned as the Viceroy of Kush in Thutmose III's 22nd or 23rd de
facto year of rule. He was chosen to replace the Hatshepsut appointee
in Kush, probably as a safer and more loyal official. As there were
campaigns and upheaval in Nubia during Thutmose III's reign it is
likely that Nehi played some role. He is also recorded as taking part
in Thutmose III's Syria campaigns. Many inscriptions with Nehi's name
were found in Nubia which shows many construction projects. Like many
favored officials Nehy was also buried in Thebes. His lavish
sarcophagus, made of limestone demonstrates his importance and social
status.
Usersatet
(Kush, 18th Dynasty) -
Appointed
Viceroy of Kush by Amenhotep II. This pharaoh ordered that the corpse
of a rebel prince of Syria should be displayed above the gates of
Napata to dissuade the Nubians from rebelling. At some point
Amenhotep II campaigned in Nubia and in a shrine to this viceroy he
is shown receiving tribute. The pharaoh ordered many settlements, to
be built in Nubia as well as temples. Usersatet undoubtedly took part
in these campaigns and carried out the extensive construction
projects (some of his own initiative). His image and inscriptions
appear carved into a cliff on the Nile island of Sehel. Usersatet was
likely an important noble and confidant of the pharaoh and may have
also accompanied Amenhotep II on his campaign in Syria.
Thutmose
IV (18th Dynasty) (1430 BC-1388 BC) -
The
oldest son and heir of the last great warrior pharaoh Amenhotep II.
He benefited from the power and wealth which had been secured by his
predecessors. His father had campaigned in Syria against the Empire
of Mitanni and also secured a peace agreement with them. Thutmose IV
also made agreements with the Mitanni which probably included terms
for a permanent peace and an alliance. During his reign Thutmose IV
undertook a campaign to suppress a minor uprising in Nubia and
supposedly a minor expedition in Canaan or Syria. His actions in
Nubia were likely to defend the important gold mines from Nubian
raids. He reigned for only ten years, short for a pharaoh of that
period, and his reign was fairly peaceful. Egyptian power was firmly
cemented and there were no clear foreign rivals. To increase his
personal control and take power from the clergy, he promoted the Cult
of the Sun, a policy which his father had also done.
Amenhotep,
viceroy (Kush, 18th Dynasty) -
The
Viceroy of Kush during the reign of Thutmose IV and part of the reign
of Amenhotep III. He most likely was involved in the suppression of
insurgencies and raids in the reign of Thutmose IV. Probably
continuing these policing actions and securing tribute from the
Nubians into the reign of Amenhotep III. In his inscription on the
island of Sehel he is mentioned as having many important titles;
"overseer of the cattle of Amun, overseer of works in Upper and
Lower Egypt, chief of the stalls of his majesty, overseer of the
southern foreign lands and king's scribe".
Amenhotep
III (18th Dynasty) (1410 BC-1351 BC) -
The
son and successor of Thutmose IV, his reign was long and peaceful.
Much of his reign is characterized by a high concentration of wealth
acquired from mines in Nubia, foreign tribute and trade (as written
in the foreign correspondence of the Amarna Letters). During this
time Egypt was the supreme power in the Near East and had no rivals
abroad. The New Kingdom benefited from the conquests and treaties of
the many warrior pharaohs of the past; the kings in Syria were firmly
under Egyptian rule. The Mitannian Empire which ruled the Euphrates
and Khabur Rivers were allied to Amenhotep III. The King of Mitanni,
Shuttarna II, sent his daughter Gilukhepa in marriage (10th year of
Amehotep III's rule, around 1378). His successor Tushratta also sent
his daughter Tadukhipa in marriage (over 20 years later, around 1350
BC). Although there were conflicts in Mitanni and Hatti, the Egyptian
state was stable and Amenhotep III secured his borders using solid
diplomacy. Within the country the pharaoh increased his power and
control over the state, a policy of centralization which continued
under his successor. Simultaneously the priesthood, especially the
priests of Amun, had also increased in power and wealth. He therefore
continued the policy of his father and grandfather to promote his
Cult of the Sun. Exploiting the wealth and prosperity of the realm,
the pharaoh also undertook massive construction projects all across
the Nile. His only recorded military campaign was during his 5th
regnal year, putting down an uprising in Nubia (around 1386 or 1384).
While the army was relatively strong he used much of the money for
other projects and also began to hire mercenaries from the Levant and
Anatolia. His son Prince Thutmose was appointed "Overseer of
Priests" and held multiple titles as a priest in his own right,
showing clearly attempts to curtail the power of the clergy. While
Thutmose was the intended heir, he predeceased his father and instead
the pharaoh was succeeded by his other son Akhenaten.
Merymose
(Kush, 18th Dynasty) -
Merymose
became the Viceroy of Kush for the rest of Amenhotep III's reign. His
tenure in Kush must have included securing the gold mines and other
resources as well as sending vast amounts of tribute to the capital.
All of this wealth was used for Amenhotep III's state projects and
centralized administration. He was most likely in charge during the
uprising done by the Nubians in the 5th year of Amenhotep III. He may
have also led an expedition to a region called Ibhet, perhaps a
punitive raid. It was said that 312 Nubians were killed and 740 were
captured in Ibhet. At the start of Amenhotep III's reign, the
Egyptians controlled the Nile as far south as the fifth Cataract and
Merymose was tasked with maintaining this control. He was also
rewarded with many titles and positions: "Overseer of the
Southern Lands, Overseer of the Gold Lands of Amun, King's Scribe,
Overseer of the King's Scribes, Overseer of the Treasury, and Steward
of the Peasantry".
Yuya
(18th Dynasty) -
A
wealthy noble from the town of Akhmim in Upper Egypt. During the time
of Amenhotep III he was appointed "King's Lieutenant" and
"Master of the Horse", therefore Yuya was an important
adviser and official of the pharaoh. Amenhotep III married his
daughter Tiye and so Yuya was further honored as "Father of the
god". In addition to this he was also made a priest of the god
Min and "Superintendent of the cattle of Min". His son Anen
was also an important official of Amenhotep III. He was buried with
his wife Tjuyu in a luxurious tomb in the Valley of the Kings. His
roles as King's Lieutenant and Master of the Horse have a military
connotation as an important administrator and adviser. However he
likely was not a field commander and so his role could be described
as a staff position and an administrative role within the government.
Thus making him one of the foremost administrative and military
authorities of Egypt.
Akhenaten
(18th Dynasty) (1370 BC-1334 BC) -
The
second son and heir (rule started 1353 or 1351 BC) of the powerful
Amenhotep III. He was originally called Amehotep IV but very early in
his reign he changed his name to Akhenaten to signify his new
religious policies of permitting only the worship of, or at least
elevating above other gods, the Sun Cult (the deity Aten). He also
moved the capital to a newly built city called Akhetaten (Amarna),
which he dedicated to the god Aten. Indeed this was only a
continuation of the policies of his father and grandfather to weaken
the priests and a larger trend of centralizing the state. It is said
that he purged many officials and members of the clergy. In the
meantime however, these policies of centralization were becoming
unpopular among the nobility, clergy and peasantry alike.
Incidentally there seems to have also occurred a drought or some kind
of famine. This only increased the level of dissent, plotting against
the king and social polarization which resulted in unspecified
violence and insurrection. Since he inherited a powerful and stable
kingdom Akhenaten did not have to worry about foreign threats in the
early part of his reign. Nubia was firmly under control and a source
of valuable resources, only one revolt is recorded and promptly put
down by his viceroy Thuthmosis. The kings in Syria and Canaan were
vassals of the Egyptian king. In the Euphrates Tushratta of Mitanni
was still allied to the Egyptians and sent Amenhotep III his daughter
Tadukhipa in marriage. He died soon after and Akhenaten took her as
one of his wives; yet Tushratta was not satisfied with the dowry of
gold plates, expecting golden statues instead. The importance of
diplomacy in securing the realm was still present under this pharaoh
as it had been under his father. However starting around 1340 BC the
Hittites under their new ruler Suppiluliuma began an aggressive
policy of conquest. This would have increased tensions in Egypt but
no army was able to threaten Egypt itself. Instead Suppiluliuma
invaded Syria and Mesopatamia on various campaigns. His main obstacle
which was Mitanni lay helpless because after the assassination of
king Artashumara his family members engaged in a long period of civil
wars. As such Tushratta had to simultaneously fight against the
Hittites to the north west and the rival claimant Artatama II, who
was supported by Assyria. To make matters worse Tushratta was
assassinated and Artatama II became incapable, his son and co-ruler
Shuttarna III was able to take hold of all the Mitannian territory
but to no avail. He still faced rival claimants in the form of
rebellious officials and his family member Shattiwaza. At the same
time Suppiluliuma attempted to make off with all of Syria, not even
Egyptian support was enough for the Mittani and Syrian princes to
stop the Hittites. At the same time there were conflicts between the
various kings in Canaan and Syria throughout Akhenaten's reign. The
kings of Shechem and Jerusalem were at odds; the king of Amurru and
his son invaded Byblos; Sidon intervened against Byblos. Akhenaten
refused to intervene in either conflict even after these rulers
requested support. Perhaps exacerbated by instability in Egypt and
thus a difficulty to effectively field a stronger army. Finally
Akhenaten died in the midst of these conflicts and his death caused
further turmoil in Egypt. He was succeeded by his son or brother
Smenkhkare and his daughter Meritaten (maybe also his wife
Nefertiti). Both died soon after under mysterious circumstances.
During which time Suppiluliuma attempted to send one of his sons to
claim the throne of Egypt, he was murdered and the Hittites vented
their anger by invading Syria yet again and conquering Mitanni,
during the reign of Akhenaten's young son Tutankhamun. Akhenaten's
tomb was defaced after his death and subsequent rulers Ay and
Horemheb erased his cultural and material legacy.
Mahu
(18th Dynasty) - The "Chief of the Medjay"
at the capital of Amarna under Akhenaten. The Medjay were originally
a tribe of Nubians which served as mercenary and later an elite unit
from Ahmose I to Thutmose I. Eventually the term Medjay referred to
Nubian troops used as a guard unit. Hence Mahu was more or less in
charge of the police unit within the capital. His time in Amarna
would have coincided with the social conflicts at the time and his
duty was to police the capital, destroy threatening individuals and
suppress dissent. Policing the capital and security as a form of
anti-insurgency more or less. He is buried in the Amarna tombs of the
pharaoh's nobles and courtiers. His tomb depicts the policing units
and watch towers which he used around the pharaoh's new
capital.
Ramose (18th Dynasty) -
Very little is known about Ramose. He is buried in the
great tombs at Amarna. In the tomb inscriptions he is referred to as
"Scribe of Recruits" and "General of the Lord of the
Two Lands". Which means that he held an important military
office over the whole of Egypt but was also responsible for
administrative roles within the army. What role he had in suppressing
the populace and nobility during this tumultuous period or if he led
campaigns against the Nubians or Asiatics can only be inferred.
May
(18th Dynasty) - He
was another of Akhenaten's officers. May was referred to as
"Hereditary Prince, royal chancellor, a sole companion, scribe
of the King, fan-bearer and the Overseer of all the works of the
King, Overseer of the soldiery of the Lord of the Two lands and
scribe of recruits", among other ceremonial and religious roles.
May had many important military roles which included that of a nation
wide army command but was also a confidant of the king. However in
his tomb at Amarna the general declared "I was a poor man on
both my father's and my mother's side; but the ruler built me up, he
developed me, he fed me by means of his spirit; thus says the king's
fan-bearer, May".
Paatenemheb (18th Dynasty) -
One of Akhenaten's main generals. Other than that he was
Commander of the Lord of the Two Lands and Steward of the Lord of the
Two Lands, not much is known about him. Perhaps it can be assumed
that he fought in the insurrection in Nubia or the Hittite invasions
of Syria. Or perhaps in keeping the peace within Egypt during the
chaotic Amarna period. He was buried in Amarna, which indicates that
he was loyal to Akhenaten or that he died before the internal issues
erupted.
Thuthmosis, viceroy (Kush, 18th Dynasty) -
This man was the Viceroy of Kush during the reign of
Akhenaten. In the 12th year of Akhenaten's rule Thuthmosis was sent
to quell a rebellion by the Nubians. After which he probably put up a
stele in Buhen since he is the only Viceroy mentioned in the reign of
Akhenaten. If this is the case then he must have been a close
confidant of Akhenaten as he was not only appointed Viceroy but also
remained in spite of Akhenaten's purges and centralization policies.
His tenure in Kush must have also been quite long if he was in that
position for the entire reign (assuming Akhenaten had a Viceroy the
entire time, almost 20 years). His many titles include: "Overseer
of the Gold Lands of Amun, Overseer of masons, Overseer of the
borderlands of His Majesty, and Fan-bearer on the King's right".
These titles imply responsibilities in sending gold from Nubia to the
court, being in charge of construction projects and the last position
was an important adviser and staff officer of the king.
Amenhotep
Huy (Kush, 18th Dynasty) -
Amenhotep was also called Huy, at one point the scribe of
Merymose and scribe of the pharaoh. The only Viceroy of Kush recorded
during the reign of Tutankhamun, he might have been appointed by the
Grand Vizier Ay during the child king's regency. Not much is recorded
about his tenure or the events in this time in general. Presumably he
held Nubia during the crisis and social upheaval in the aftermath of
Akhenaten and Tutankhamun's reigns. Possibly he put down a revolt
during Tutankhamun's reign. Huy is depicted as Tutankhamun's
fan-bearerm which was a role as an adviser and staff officer. Huy's
wife Taemwadjsy was chief of the harem. Their tomb is in the large
complex near Thebes called the Valley of the Nobles. Their son was
the viceroy Paser I.
Amenemopet, scribe of the letters
(Kush, 18th Dynasty) -
Is recorded on the sarcophagus of Merymose as his scribe
in Kush (in the time of Amenhotep III). He was also the scribe of the
Viceroy of Kush Thuthmosis (in the reign of Akhenaten). Finally in
the reign of Tutankhamun he is mentioned as the adjutant of Viceroy
Amenhotep Huy. Hence Amenemopet was a staff officer in charge of army
administration.
Smenkhkare
(18th Dynasty) (r 1335 BC-1334 BC) -
Almost nothing is known of this pharaoh since much of the
Amarna period was erased by Ay and Horemheb. Some of the reliefs
indicate that he may have been a son or brother of Akhenaten. He is
depicted as a co-ruler alongside Akhenaten and was married to
Akhenaten's elder daughter Meritaten. He is also recorded as having
ruled on his own for a year or two. By the end of the reign of
Akhenaten the New Kingdom experienced social conflict, it is possible
that Smenkhkare was killed or assassinated as a result. What exactly
occurred during this time is largely unknown, however his wife
Meritaten also vanishes from the records around this time. It is also
unclear whether the Hittite ruler Suppiluliuma's campaigns in Syria
coincide with the death of Smenkhkare or the death of Tutankhamun a
decade later. It appears that after his death his wife Meritaten
ruled Egypt for about a year or two before being removed
mysteriously.
Tutankhamun (18th Dynasty) (1341 BC-1323
BC) - He
was the son of Akhenaten and possibly the brother or nephew of
Smenkhkare as well as the brother of queen Meritaten. His accession
to the throne appears to be unexpected and sudden as Akhenaten,
Smenkhkare and Meritaten disappear in short order. Since he became
pharaoh at age 8 or 9 around 1332 BC he did not exercise control.
State affairs were done by his vizier, who were at different times
Pentu and Usermontu. Somehow Ay became Grand Vizier and dominated the
court. Initially the king was known as Tutankhaten, but his name was
changed to Tutankhamun in order to be reconciled with the
polytheistic clergy and populace (for instance Amarna was abandoned
and the capital was moved back to Thebes). He was also married to his
sister Ankhesenamun (originally Ankhesenpa-aten) to strengthen his
claim. Much of his reign was spent satisfying the clergy, attempting
to pacify the populace, dealing with severe economic troubles and
drought and being at the receiving end of an invasion by the Hittite
conqueror Suppiluliuma. From about 1340 BC in his father's time, the
Hittites invaded Syria and the Euphrates regions in multiple
campaigns. By around 1325 the Mitanni, which were Egyptian allies,
were conquered by Suppiluliuma. Tutankhamun was faced with continual
invasions throughout his reign, Suppiluliuma did not die until about
1322 or 1320 BC, he may have outlived Tutankhamun. The Pharaoh
probably began to exercise control around 1325 BC until his sudden
death in 1323 BC (roughly from age 15 to 18). In his tomb are
depicted campaigns against Nubians and Asiatics. The campaign in
Nubia might refer to the action carried out by the viceroy Huy. It is
uncertain whether the campaigns against Asiatics refers to the
Hittite invasions, or rebellions by the kings in Syria and Canaan. It
is also not known whether Tutankhamun led any of these campaigns in
person, but weapons and armor were found in his tomb. He died from an
abrupt illness or injury at the age of 18, though some wonder whether
he was assassinated. While he was buried with many treasures his tomb
was unknown and out of sight and records of his rule were erased,
probably by his successors Ay or Horemheb. Horemheb's inscriptions
imply that the king died shortly after campaigning against the
Asiatics.
Ay
(18th Dynasty) (1380 BC-1319 BC) -
Since it is believed
that Ay was born in Akhmim it is sometimes theorized that his father
was the earlier Yuya. Either way Ay was influential during the reign
of Akhenaten and is first mentioned as a troop captain and then
overseer of horses. At some point during Akhenaten's reign he was
promoted to "Overseer of all the Horses of His Majesty"
which was an administrative role in charge of chariotry just short of
an army commander. Ay is also depicted on a stone block receiving the
gold of honor for his deeds in the army. He was later given the
honors "Fan-bearer on the Right Side of the King", "Acting
Scribe of the King" and "God's Father", the latter
likely indicating that his daughter was Nefertiti, Akhenaten's main
wife. Frustratingly there is a lack of records which cover the social
upheaval of the Amarna period and it is not clear what military
undertakings were done by Ay during those events, if any. At some
point Ay became Grand Vizier, possibly as a result of Akhenaten's
death and the eventual succession of the child king Tutankhamun
around 1332 BC (aged 8 or 9). As Grand Vizier and possibly Regent, it
seems that Ay moved towards a policy of conciliation with the
Egyptian clergy and restored the old polytheist cults. From around
1340 the Hittites under Suppiluliuma invaded Syria and warred against
Mitanni and Egypt. The Mitanni were a crucial ally of the Egyptians
but by about 1325 BC were subjugated by the Hittites. Syria and the
Euphrates had fallen into Hittite hands, Canaan lay vulnerable to
invasion if not sedition, Egypt lacked order and was now threatened
by a foreign invader. Suppiluliumas' rampage continued until about
1322 or 1320 BC, stopped only by his sudden death. Between 1325 to
1323 BC Tutankhamun was reaching his age of majority but died
suddenly. Ay was made Pharaoh using his position as Grand Vizier, his
title "Father of the god" and probably married the king's
widow Ankhesenamun (who was the daughter of Ay's own daughter
Nefertiti). However it appears that Tutankhamun had actually
appointed the general Horemheb as "Deputy of the Two Lands"
and thereby the likely heir. Ay must have outmaneuvered Horemheb
politically and made himself pharaoh. He then made his son or adopted
son, the general Nakhtmin, as his designated heir. Since Ay was
rather old his reign was short, but unexpectedly queen Ankhesenamun
and his son Nakhtmin vanished mysteriously and Horemheb became
Pharaoh.
Nakhtmin, generalissimo (18th Dynasty) -
Nakhtmin was possibly
the son or adopted son of the Grand Vizier Ay. He is mentioned during
the reign of Tutankhamun as "Great overseer of troops",
"overseer of the troops of the lord of the two lands",
"overseer of troops", "the true servant who is
beneficial to his lord", "the king's scribe", "the
servant beloved of his lord", "the fan-bearer on the right
side of the king" and "the servant who causes to live the
name of his lord". His titles are largely court positions,
fan-bearers were advisers and had military organizational roles as
officers. The ranks of overseer, especially Great overseer is a sign
of supreme military importance. It is unknown if he led any campaigns
into Canaan, Syria or Nubia during the reign of Tutankhamun, or what
he did during the civil conflicts of this time. After Tutankhamun
abruptly died the Grand Vizier Ay became pharaoh. Nakhtmin was made
Ay's successor however Ay's reign was short and Nakhtmin vanishes. It
can be inferred that Nakhtmin's rival was the general Horemheb, as
the latter had Nakhtmin erased from the records.
Seti,
commander of the lord (18th Dynasty) -
Military officer under
Tutankhamun, probably also a vizier under Ay and Horemheb. He was
likely from a prominent family in Lower Egypt. It is unknown whether
he fought in Canaan or Nubia or what role he played during the civil
conflicts and social upheaval resulting from Akhenaten and
Tutankhamun's reigns. Seti's son Paramessu eventually became Ramesses
I and founded the 19th Dynasty. In Ramesses I's monuments Seti is
referred to as a vizier and the "commander of the lord of the
two lands", implying much political and military importance.
Positions which he probably held under Ay or Horemheb.
Khaemwaset,
chief of bowmen of Kush (18th Dynasty) -
He was probably the
brother of the military leader Seti and the uncle of Ramesses I.
Being from a military family of Lower Egypt it is fitting that he
would have become chief of the Nubian archers which served as one of
the pharaoh's elite units. His name is likely mentioned in a statue
from the reign of Tutankhamun as chief of the Nubian archers.
Khaemwaset is also referred to as a "royal fan-bearer",
which was a prestigious position in the pharaoh's court as an adviser
and staff officer. It is unclear what he did during the turmoil of
Tutankhamun's reign and subsequent period. Most likely he was crucial
in supporting Horemheb and eventually the accession of his nephew
Ramesses I. He is depicted alongside his brother Seti and nephew
Ramesses I in a stele of the latter's reign.
Paser
I (Kush, 18th Dynasty) -
The Viceroy of Kush for
pharaohs Ay and Horemheb and also the son of viceroy Huy. The only
inscription relating to viceroy Paser I dates to the reign of Ay
around 1320 BC. The next recorded Viceroy of Kush is not until the
reign of Seti I. Hence it is possible that Paser I served as viceroy
under Ay, Horemheb and Ramesses I. During those times there was much
political and social turmoil within Egypt itself. It is not known
whether this also caused the Egyptians to lose territory in Kush, if
so then Paser I might not have been viceroy throughout their entire
reigns, or at least not viceroy over all of what had been previously
conquered. It does appear that control of Nubia was largely retained
during the tumultuous Amarna period since Seti I's campaigns in the
area later on are described as anti-insurgency campaigns. In the
temple of Aniba, Paser I is depicted in reverence of Horemheb which
does imply that he survived the transfer of power and remained during
the reign of Horemheb in some capacity. He is mentioned as having the
following titles: "Overseer of the Gold Lands of Amun, King’s
Son of Kush, overseer of the Southern Lands. Overseer of the Lands of
Amun in Ta-Set, Overseer of the Gold Lands. King's scribe". His
son was the later Viceroy of Kush, Amenemopet, during the Ramesside
period.
Horemheb (18th Dynasty) (1350 BC-1292 BC)
- Was
born in Hnes, one of the districts of Upper Egypt. It is debated by
scholars whether he was a commoner who rose through the ranks or if
he was from the nobility. He is first mentioned in the reign of
Tutankhamun and depicted next to the pharaoh. His first role was in
leading diplomatic missions abroad, he traveled to visit the Nubian
vassal princes in such a capacity. According to the inscriptions on
the Saqqara tomb from Tutankhamun's reign, he was made "Hereditary
Prince, Fan-bearer on the Right Side of the King, Great Overseer of
Troops, attendant of the King in his footsteps in the foreign
countries of the south and the north, King's Messenger in front of
his army to the foreign countries to the south and the north, and
Sole Companion, he who is by the feet of his lord on the battlefield
on that day of killing Asiatics". The latter suggests that
Horemheb was one of the major army commanders and officials and that
both he and Tutankhamun led the army in a campaign into Asia (in
Canaan, Syria or against the Hittites?). Not long after Tutankhamun
died but it seems that Horemheb had been appointed "Deputy of
the Two Lands" and "Hereditary Prince", which not only
denotes an extreme amount of power but also implies that Horemheb was
the intended successor. Horemheb would rank as one of the major
military figures of that time, together with Huy and Nakhtmin. In his
personal inscriptions Horemheb boasted that he was a personal friend
and adviser to the king and that he alone could assuage the king's
anger. Through some manner or political trick Ay was able to take the
throne instead, perhaps Horemheb was away on campaign at the time.
Interestingly enough Horemheb did not marry queen Ankhesenamun. But
Ay died after a short reign, likely from old age and his intended
successor Nakhtmin as well as queen Ankhesenamun vanish from the
record. Horemheb is then recorded as being the new Pharaoh which he
most likely accomplished by using the army to orchestrate a coup. His
main wife was Mutnedjmet, likely the daughter of Ay and the sister of
Nefertiti. He desecrated Ay's tomb and erased his rivals from
history, but did not damage the tomb of Tutankhamun. As pharaoh
Horemheb succeeded in ruling the country and restoring order to the
people. He controlled the clergy, issued edicts to reorganize the
administration of the state and appointed new priests and civil
servants. He also divided Egypt into two administrations and
appointed a viceroy in Lower Egypt and a viceroy in upper Egypt. In
addition to this he carried out a construction campaign with
inscriptions to legitimize his rule. He does not seem to have
undertaken significant campaigns during his rule but he reorganized
the army and labor forces. Somehow he was able to reclaim parts of
Canaan and Syria, probably using diplomacy and military force (or the
threat of force). Despite this he was unable to support his allies in
Carchemish and suffered a setback at the hands of the Hittites in his
10th year. Horemheb probably also signed a peace with the then
Hittite king Mursili II. Apparently he was unable to produce an heir
and so he appointed his commander and vizier, Paramessu, as his
successor, who adopted the name Ramesses I. For this reason Horemheb
is often seen as the last pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty and the first
pharaoh of the 19th Dynasty.
