Who was Amenhotep II and how was he connected to Thutmose III?

Amenhotep II was a pharaoh of ancient Egypt who reigned from approximately 1425 to 1400 BCE. He was the son of Thutmose III and his second wife, Meryetre.123

His connection to Thutmose III was defined by both familial and political ties:

• Coregency: About two years before his death, Thutmose III appointed Amenhotep II as his coregent, ensuring a smooth transition of power.13
• Upbringing: Thutmose III personally guided his son’s upbringing, placing a strong emphasis on military skills, physical strength, and sportsmanship—traits for which both men were known.23
• Continuity of Rule: Upon succeeding his father, Amenhotep II maintained many of Thutmose III’s administrators and completed several building projects that his father had initiated. He also strove to preserve the imperial conquests established during his father's reign through his own military campaigns in Syria.21