11 interesting Facts About Thutmose III: Egypt’s Military Genius

Thutmose III’s empire extended across the ancient Near East, from Iraq to Sudan, under the command of one of the most powerful warrior pharaohs of the ancient world. Discover fascinating facts about Thutmose III of the 18th Dynasty.

In the Cairo Museum, off to one side, lies a shrunken corpse in a casket-like glass case, partially covered by a royal purple cloth. The skin of this mummy is a parchment-like brown, and it is swathed completely in linen wrappings, except where they have been pulled back to reveal the face.

The face is oval with full lips, smooth cheekbones, and a prominent brow stretched tightly against the darkened skin. Despite the blackened decay, one can discern the jawline and nose that closely resemble those of his father and grandfather. Gazing upon this face evokes a profound sense of awe, for here rests Thutmose III, the greatest warrior pharaoh of the ancient world.

he had lived fifty-three years, ten months, and twenty-six days, and in his time had changed egypt forever. For his having lived, the world was never the same again.

Footless Pharoah?

There’s some debate about Thutmose III’s mummy. Some believe he might be missing his feet, though the reason remains unclear.

When the king’s mummy was found in 1881, Egyptologists were appalled to discover that ancient grave robbers had nearly destroyed the body.

Also read

What Are the Lesser-Known Myths Surrounding Egyptian God Min?

The robbers had torn off all four limbs, separated the arms at the elbows, removed the feet, and damaged most of the nose. They had even severed the head from the neck.

This desecration of a great man was so distressing that the Egyptian government imposed a five-year moratorium on future examinations of royal mummies.

Renowned Egyptologist and physician G. Elliot Smith conducted the autopsy of Thutmose III’s mummy. Smith measured the body and declared Thutmose to have been five feet three inches tall.

This combination of Thutmose’s military prowess and his short stature led Egyptologists to refer to him as the Napoleon of Egypt, a description possibly coined by the famous American Egyptologist James Henry Breasted. However, it appears Smith did not account for the corpse’s missing feet when taking his measurements.

A more recent examination revealed that the king’s height was 1.71 meters, or approximately five feet six and one-half inches, which was taller than the average Egyptian of his time and taller than all the pharaohs of the Eighteenth Dynasty except Amenhotep I.

Therefore, Breasted’s comparison of Thutmose III to Napoleon Bonaparte should be reconsidered. In his military achievements, Thutmose III was, as British historian B. H. Liddell Hart might say, “greater than Napoleon.” Indeed, Thutmose III was ancient Egypt’s Alexander the Great.

 Elephant Encounters

During his Syrian campaigns, Thutmose III’s army reportedly encountered herds of elephants, a rare sight in the region at the time. The king attributed his success in hunting them for their ivory to the power granted to him by the god Ra.

Thutmose rested the army at Niya for only a week or so, during which time he took part in an elephant hunt. His grandfather had stopped once at Niya too and had hunted elephants while returning from his Euphrates campaign.

His grandfather’s example seems to have been very much in Thutmose’s mind. He tells us, “He granted me another brave deed by the sea of Niya. He made me drive together a herd of elephants. My Majesty fought them, they being a herd of 120 elephants.”

Historical accounts offer differing views of this event. The king’s official records depict him as a solitary figure vanquishing the elephants. However, Amenemhab, a prominent general, presented a different perspective in his tomb inscriptions.

He claimed to have played a crucial role, cutting off the trunk (referred to as the “hand” by Amenemhab) of the largest elephant as it charged the pharaoh. For his bravery, Amenemhab was rewarded with gold and new clothing by the king.

An Ancient Scientist-King

Thutmose III had an inquisitive mind, with intellectual interests that extended beyond military matters and state affairs. He was deeply interested in history, religion, architecture, pottery, and even jewelry design.

His reign saw a remarkable period of artistic production in all forms, making him one of history’s greatest patrons of the arts. He also had a keen interest in botany and, during his military campaigns, he brought along scribes specifically tasked with finding and recording unusual flowers and plants they encountered.

This practice is reminiscent of Alexander the Great and Napoleon, who also took historians, scientists, and secretaries on their campaigns to document the discoveries in foreign lands. Indeed, one of Napoleon’s secretaries discovered the Rosetta Stone during his Egyptian campaign.

Also read:

What Makes Thutmose III Tomb Stand Out? Tomb KV34 

Thutmose ensured that samples of these exotic plants were brought back to Egypt and planted there. His interest in botany is evident from the portrayals of these plants inscribed on the walls of the Festival Hall, now known as his Botanical Garden.

Botanical garden of Thutmosis III

The Botanical Garden of Thutmose III is a vestibule that forms part of the Ajmenu in the precinct of Amun-Ra at Karnak, where Thutmose III had the fauna and flora of the Egyptian New Kingdom at its peak sculpted in bas-relief, created after the Asian military campaigns in Syria and Palestine.

Upon his return, he had rare species of exotic animals and plants brought in an attempt to acclimatize them in Egypt.

The images, engraved in great detail on sandstone, mainly illustrate the most extraordinary zoological and botanical species that the king offers to Amun-Ra as a manifestation of earthly creation captured in the richness of its infinite diversity. The animals seem to be heading towards the nearby sanctuary of Amun-Ra.

Behind the naos, deemed too small, Thutmose III commissioned a new architectural space, the Ajmenu, or “temple of the sovereign’s regeneration.” Its walls featured the “botanical garden,” possibly inspired by the sacred garden at the temple of Amun, where animals and birds thrived within an enclosed, verdant haven. A similar area existed near the sacred lake, by the storerooms.

Strategist, Tactician, and Logistician King

His deep understanding of the world sharpened his already educated and well-read mind, while his early schooling and training equipped him to think clearly.

He was an exceptional strategist. Egypt owes to him the creation and execution of a new strategic vision that transformed this once defeated and isolated society into a powerful nation of vast proportions, dominating all the territories that an Egyptian would have deemed significant for over five hundred years.

Also read:

Osiris Shaft: Giza’s Elusive Enigma

Thutmose III stood out as one of the greatest military leaders of ancient times. His military record is truly remarkable. He engaged in more battles over a longer span and achieved more victories than any other general in the ancient world. In the 60 years preceding Thutmose’s reign, Egypt’s warrior kings, from Ahmose to Thutmose II, undertook one foreign campaign every 4.6 years.

In the 70 years following Thutmose, from Amenhotep II to Amenhotep III, kings led one campaign abroad every 10.5 years. During the 19 years between his 23rd and 42nd regnal years of his 32-year rule, Thutmose conducted seventeen campaigns in Canaan and Syria, averaging one military campaign every 1.2 years.

Additionally, in his final decade, he led a significant expedition into Nubia. In the six years leading up to his ascension to the throne, Thutmose, as commander of the army, waged a major campaign in Nubia and possibly another, albeit with uncertain evidence, and led the army that reclaimed Gaza from rebels.

By the time Thutmose assumed sole rule in Egypt, around his twenty-second year, he had already proven himself as a seasoned military commander. In his first major campaign against the combined Canaanite and Syrian armies at Megiddo in his twenty-third year, Thutmose demonstrated his skills as a top-notch strategist, tactician, and logistician, attributes he had honed throughout his rise to power.

It’s not surprising that this renowned warrior chose a name associated with military prowess as one of the ‘five great names’ adopted by all pharaohs. Thutmose adopted the Horus name ‘Strong Bull Arising in Thebes,’ linked to Montu, the Theban god of war.

During Thutmose’s reign, the famous Blue War Crown also emerged. Shaped like a helmet and crafted from leather, this crown was dyed blue and adorned with golden sequins. This war crown appears to have been a completely new type of crown that gained prominence during this period, possibly reflecting the martial heritage and military triumphs of Thutmose’s rule.

Hidden Tomb?

The location of Thutmose III’s original tomb might still be unknown, with his mummy being found elsewhere.

Thutmose III’s modesty extends even to his final resting place. Unlike the elaborately adorned tombs of other pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, his is remarkably small and plain. It resembles a simple soldier’s coffin writ large, a stark contrast to the grandeur typically associated with royalty.

The walls lack any grand pronouncements of his military triumphs. It seems Thutmose desired to be judged by the gods for qualities beyond battlefield prowess.

Despite this understated tomb, no other military leader in ancient times can boast a record as impressive as Thutmose III of Egypt. His achievements on the battlefield remain unmatched.

Stepmom on the Throne

Thutmose III became Pharaoh while still young, with his stepmother Hatshepsut acting as regent. Surprisingly, Hatshepsut eventually took the throne herself for over two decades!

Born in roughly 1504 BCE, Thutmose III entered the world as the son of Pharaoh Thutmose II and a concubine named Isis. His half-sister, Hatshepsut, the king’s Great Wife, bore no sons, only a daughter named Neferure.

It’s likely that Thutmose married Neferure at a young age, a practice common among Egyptian royalty. Marriages within the royal family, including those between siblings and half-siblings, served to maintain a pure bloodline believed to be essential for succession.

However, this custom also presented a challenge. Powerful male cousins outside the direct line of succession could use such marriages to stake a claim to the throne.

Thutmose I himself had ascended to power through this very method, marrying the sister of the previous pharaoh who lacked a male heir. Similarly, Thutmose II, born of a non-royal mother, solidified his claim by marrying Hatshepsut, the daughter of Thutmose I and his royal wife Ahmose.

Sadly, Thutmose II died when Thutmose III was still an infant. Although the young prince was declared pharaoh, real power resided with Queen Hatshepsut, who ruled as regent.

History offered examples of Egyptian queens acting as regents. Hatshepsut’s own mother, Ahmose, held this role for a young Thutmose II. Even earlier, Ahhotep, the mother of Ahmose I – the hero who drove out the Hyksos – served a similar function. However, Hatshepsut took this tradition a step further than any other woman before her.

When Thutmose was just seven years old, Hatshepsut declared herself king. She adopted all the official titles of a pharaoh and even donned the attire of a male ruler, complete with the traditional false beard. This remarkable scenario saw a male and female king ruling side-by-side for around fifteen years. Although both held the title, Hatshepsut wielded the true power.

This unique experience, an upbringing under a female pharaoh who actively ruled, undoubtedly shaped the first two decades of Thutmose’s life. It was an unparalleled situation in Egyptian history.

A Young Thutmose Faces Circumcision

Imagine a young Thutmose III, destined to become Egypt’s greatest warrior, facing the traditional rite of circumcision. While commoners experienced this with the standard flint knife, Thutmose’s royal blood entitled him to the “star knife” – a special scalpel crafted from rare meteoric nickel steel.

Depictions of the ceremony showcase the physician kneeling before the young prince, who stands tall. Assistants may be present to hold the boy steady or offer support if overcome by pain. One particular image hints at how Thutmose, the future king, might have handled the ordeal: a young man stands ramrod straight, one hand placed firmly on the physician’s head, the other on his hip. This gesture suggests composure and fortitude in the face of pain.

Witnessed by family and friends, a young man’s performance during this ceremony held significant weight. It could mark him as strong and courageous, or forever brand him as weak.

Unexpected Humanity of Thutmose III

Despite his fearsome reputation on the battlefield, Thutmose III emerges as a surprisingly compassionate leader. Throughout his numerous campaigns, no accounts mention civilian massacres or atrocities. He often extended mercy to conquered towns, demonstrating a sense of humanity uncommon amongst conquerors of the time.

Thutmose III valued his troops deeply, sharing spoils of war generously and taking pleasure in rewarding valor with decorations beyond the traditional gold of honor. This dedication fostered a strong bond of trust between the king and his soldiers.

A telling anecdote recounts how ordinary soldiers threatened to report their own scribe or commissary officer to the pharaoh for inadequate food supplies. Such boldness suggests a deep respect for Thutmose III’s fairness and commitment to their welfare.

Further evidence of his concern for his men lies in his promotion of trusted comrades from the battlefield to positions of power within the government. As his ascension to the throne neared, Thutmose III surrounded himself with these veteran officers, many of whom hailed from humble backgrounds yet had proven their worth on the battlefield.

Thutmose III ensured their well-being by granting them estates and prestigious positions within the military and civil administrations. He even instilled this value in his son, Amenhotep II, who similarly spent his youth learning the rigors of military life.

Later, as pharaoh, Amenhotep recognized a struggling veteran named Amenemhab amongst his rowers – a soldier who had fought alongside Thutmose III. Acknowledging their shared history, Amenhotep awarded the aged warrior a royal commission and pension.

The Pharaoh Who Rebuilt an Empire

Thutmose III stands as one of Egypt’s most prolific builders. Excluding perhaps Ramses II, who ruled for an unmatched 67 years, Thutmose constructed more temples, shrines, and other monumental structures than any other pharaoh before or after him.

The Hyksos invaders had left a trail of destruction across Middle Egypt, and by the time of Thutmose III’s reign, resources and stability finally allowed for a grand rebuilding effort. His expanding empire also necessitated new military outposts and fortifications in conquered territories like Canaan and Nubia.

Thutmose III actively oversaw his ambitious building program, displaying a keen interest in monumental architecture. He is credited with introducing the basilica form to Egyptian design.

Interestingly, many of these construction projects coincided with the peak of his military campaigns in Syria and Canaan, during the third and fourth decades of his reign.

To secure his victories in Asia, Thutmose III sometimes relocated captured populations to Egypt, providing a large pool of laborers for his public works projects. Thus, his conquests not only expanded the empire but also fueled its monumental rebuilding efforts.

Thutmose III’s Feminine Image Under Hatshepsut

Prior to Hatshepsut’s reign, depictions of Thutmose III often displayed a softer, rounder face, mirroring the ruling queen’s own features. However, after her decline, Thutmose III’s portraits underwent a significant shift. They adopted a more masculine style, presenting his physical characteristics with greater realism.

These new portrayals emphasized facial features shared with his father and grandfather. This deliberate emphasis served as a visual declaration of their rightful lineage as rulers of Egypt, distancing themselves from the female line of Hatshepsut (the Tao bloodline).

This shift aimed to establish Thutmose III and his male ancestors as the true royal line, thus solidifying his son’s future claim to the throne.

The Final Years of Thutmose III

Thutmose III devoted his later years to grand temple construction and pursuing his intellectual pursuits. Two years before his passing, he aimed to solidify his son’s claim to the throne by appointing him co-regent.

This likely coincided with Amenhotep reaching the age of sixteen and having completed his military training and gained experience in war. Perhaps Thutmose III, reflecting on his own youthful reign, desired a more prepared successor who could navigate the complexities of war and international politics.

And so, after a long and illustrious life, the great warrior pharaoh departed this world due to natural causes.

An inscription commemorates his reign:

The king completed his lifetime of many years, splendid in valor, in might, and in triumph…he mounted to heaven, he joined the sun…he had lived fifty-three years, ten months, and twenty-six days.

he had lived fifty-three years, ten months, and twenty-six days, and in his time had changed egypt forever. For his having lived, the world was never the same again.

Source