Amenhotep III Egypt's Radiant Pharaoh

This book follows the life story of Amenhotep III, one of the most important rulers of ancient Egypt, from his birth and into the afterlife. Amenhotep III ruled for thirty-eight years, from c.1391–1353 BC, during the apex of Egypt's international and artistic power. Arielle P. Kozloff situates Amenhotep in his time, chronicling not only his life but also the key political and military events that occurred during his lifetime and reign, as well as the evolution of religious rituals and the cult of the pharaoh. She further examines the art and culture of the court, including its palaces, villas, furnishings and fashions. Through the exploration of abundant evidence from the period, in the form of both textual and material culture, Kozloff richly re-creates all aspects of Egyptian civilization at the height of the Mediterranean Bronze Age.

Prologue: the birthplace of Amenhotep III; 1. An heir unapparent: reign of Amenhotep II, years 15–25, c.1411–1401 BC; 2. The making of an heir apparent: reign of Thutmose IV, years 1–5, c.1401–1396 BC; 3. Thutmose IV and King's Son Amenhotep in Nubia: reign of Thutmose IV, years 5–8 c.1397–1393 BC; 4. Le roi est mort, vive le roi!: Reign of Amenhotep III, year 1, c.1391 BC; 5. Establishing divine might and divine right: reign of Amenhotep III, years 1–4, c.1391–1388 BC; 6. Year 5, 'The First Campaign of Victory', Amenhotep III's river war: reign of Amenhotep III, year 5, c.1387 BC; 7. The spoils of war: reign of Amenhotep III, years 6–9, c.1386–1383 BC; 8. The king's first two wives: reign of Amenhotep III, years 10 and 11, c.1382–1381 BC; 9. The lost years: reign of Amenhotep III, years 12–19, c.1381–1370 BC; 10. Bringing heaven and Earth to see the living gods: building the king's religious monuments at Thebes: reign of Amenhotep III, years 20–29, c.1369–1360 BC; 11. Per Hai ('The House of Rejoycing') Palace at Malkata: reign of Amenhotep III, years 25–29, c.1364–1360 BC; 12. Beneath the divine falcon's wings: a new world takes shape: reign of Amenhotep III, years 26–29, c.1363–1360 BC; 13. The first jubilee festival (heb-sed): reign of Amenhotep III, year 30, c.1361 BC; 14. Raising up old officials and buying a new bride: reign of Amenhotep III, years 30 and 31, c.1361–1360 BC; 15. International trade in princesses and other goods: reign of Amenhotep III, years 32–33, c.1359–1358 BC; 16. A mixed forecast: dazzling sun and dark clouds: reign of Amenhotep III, years 34–36, c.1356–1355 BC; 17. The last hurrah: reign of Amenhotep III, years 37–38, c.1354–1353 BC; 18. Year 38. Whose heaven is it? The reign of Akhenaten and beyond; Epilogue: one god left standing.

This book follows the life story of Amenhotep III, one of the most important rulers of ancient Egypt, from his birth and into the afterlife. Amenhotep III ruled for thirty-eight years, from ca.1391-1353 BC, during the apex of Egypt's international and artistic power.

Arielle P. Kozloff, former curator of ancient art at the Cleveland Museum of Art, is now a private consultant and lecturer for museums and private collectors in the United States and abroad. She is the co-author of Egypt's Dazzling Sun and The Gods Delight. She has contributed chapters to volumes including Egyptology Today, Amenhotep III: Perspectives on His Reign and Millions of Jubilees, as well as articles to numerous journals, including the Journal of Egyptian Archaeology and the American Journal of Archaeology.