Thutmose, empire & Amen Re

Definition of empire

• Area that Egypt ‘controlled’

• Cities and states that paid tribute

• Evidence: Annals, Rekhmire’s tomb

• Difference:

– Taxes came from the south

– Tribute came from the north

• Thutmose III – ‘extend the boundaries of Egypt with might’

Control over the

north

By 30th year as Pharaoh

Key cities –Gaza, Megiddo

and Arvad

Arvad contained most of

Phoenicia and Southern Syria

Included coastal zone

Fort built in Lebanon

Basing garrisons and officials e.g.: Djehuty(Governor / Overseer)

Tribute from the area was regular

Existence of ‘empire’?

• Control over the region was not established until the end of Thutmose’s reign

• The rights that Egypt claimed were respected by the Babylonians, the Assyrians and the Mitanni.

• They sent tribute from the Year 33 onwards.

• This ‘ill defined and loosely knit’ empire survived through the reigns of the next three 18th dynasty pharaohs.

Administration of the empire

Regular military campaigns (17)

Construction of forts and garrisons

Oaths of loyalty

Creation of vassal states

Political hostages

Egyptian administrative officials e.g.:

Viceroy, ‘Overseer of

Northern lands”

Use of ‘kings envoy’ –ensured

communication

Thutmose III and Amen Re

• Amen elevated to State God after Theban ascension

• Claimed Amen had selected him for the role of pharaoh – ‘Great Coronation Inscription’

• Claimed Amen supported his military campaigns – ‘Hymn of Victory’

• Great wealth flowed into Amen’s temples e.g.: gifts, building projects, precious furniture and jewellery, slaves, tribute rights, food etc.

Building programs

• Dedicated building programs to Amen were part of a royal propaganda program.

• The building program was meant to show the strength and power of the pharaoh.

• It was also a way of demonstrating his right to the throne.

• Temple of Amen at Karnak – extensive developments and additions