Eighteenth Dynasty
Quick Summary
The Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt, part of the New Kingdom period (c. 1539–c. 1077 BCE), was a time of significant expansion and artistic innovation. This dynasty began with Ahmose I, who expelled the Hyksos and reunified Egypt, marking the start of a new era of Egyptian power and influence.123
Key features of the Eighteenth Dynasty include:
* Military Expansion: Kings like Thutmose I and Thutmose III led campaigns into Western Asia and Africa, extending Egypt's empire.4
* Religious and Artistic Revolution: Akhenaten, a pharaoh of this dynasty, introduced a monotheistic worship of the sun disk, Aton, and a distinctive artistic style known as the Amarna style, characterized by more naturalistic and intimate portrayals.5
* Monumental Architecture: This period saw the construction of grand temples, such as those at Luxor and Karnak, and elaborate tombs in the Valley of the Kings.6
* Notable Rulers: Besides Ahmose I and Akhenaten, other significant pharaohs include Amenhotep III, Tutankhamun (famous for his intact tomb), and Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's few female rulers.26
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Akhenatenancient Egypt of the 18th dynasty, who established a new cult dedicated to the Aton, the sun’s disk (hence his assumed name, Akhenaten, meaning “beneficial to Aton”).
Read Moreancient Egypt of the 18th dynasty, who established a new cult dedicated to the Aton, the sun’s disk (hence his assumed name, Akhenaten, meaning “beneficial to Aton”).
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Thutmose III1479–25 bce) of the 18th dynasty, often regarded as the greatest of the rulers of ancient Egypt. Thutmose III was a skilled warrior who brought the Egyptian empire to the zenith of its power by conquering all of Syria, crossing the Euphrates (see Tigris-Euphrates river system) to defeat the…
Read More1479–25 bce) of the 18th dynasty, often regarded as the greatest of the rulers of ancient Egypt. Thutmose III was a skilled warrior who brought the Egyptian empire to the zenith of its power by conquering all of Syria, crossing the Euphrates (see Tigris-Euphrates river system) to defeat the…
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