Why were the sons of Asian rulers sent to the Egyptian court?

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During the reign of Thutmose III, the sons and brothers of Asian princes were brought to the Egyptian court primarily to ensure the loyalty of their respective city-states.1

By educating these young men in Egypt, the pharaoh sought to cultivate future leaders who would serve as loyal vassals upon their return home. While some individuals remained at the Egyptian court, most eventually returned to their regions to govern, effectively integrating them into the Egyptian sphere of influence and helping to maintain stability without the need for an elaborate imperial administration. This practice was part of a broader strategy of diplomatic control, which also included the maintenance of garrisons to supervise the delivery of tribute and quell potential insurrections.1