Thutmose III was the sixth Pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt. He reigned for 30 years, from approximately 1479 to 1425 BCE. Thutmose III is widely considered one of the greatest and most successful Pharaohs in Egyptian history. He led the Egyptian army to numerous military victories, greatly expanded the Egyptian empire, and oversaw a period of unprecedented cultural and artistic prosperity in Egypt.
2. Opinion on Hatshepsut:
Thutmose III had a complex and contentious relationship with his predecessor and co-ruler, Hatshepsut, who was the second female Pharaoh of Egypt.
- Early Cooperation: Initially, Thutmose III and Hatshepsut ruled as co-regents. Hatshepsut played an active role in managing political and religious affairs, and Thutmose III concentrated on military campaigns. During this time, they seemed to have maintained a harmonious and cooperative relationship.
- Growing Tensions: As time went on, tensions between Thutmose III and Hatshepsut escalated. Hatshepsut took on more prominence in governance and began to overshadow Thutmose III. He felt frustrated and limited in his role. Some historians believe Thutmose III became jealous of Hatshepsut's power and influence.
- Conflict After Death: After Hatshepsut's death, Thutmose III expressed strong negative sentiments towards her. He launched a campaign to erase her legacy from Egyptian history. He ordered the removal of her statues, inscriptions, and monuments. Historians believe Thutmose III may have been motivated by a combination of personal animosity, political consolidation, and a desire to restore the traditional patrilineal succession of the throne.
Conclusion: Thutmose III held a complex and conflicted view of Hatshepsut. While they initially cooperated, tensions emerged due to Hatshepsut's rise to power. After her death, Thutmose III actively sought to erase her contributions from Egyptian history, demonstrating his disapproval of her reign.