Amenhotep

Amenhotep is an ancient Egyptian royal name meaning "Amun is satisfied" or "Amun is at peace." It was borne by several pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty in the New Kingdom, reflecting the central role of the god Amun in Theban religion and state ideology.

Amenhotep I reigned in the early 18th Dynasty, roughly around 1525–1493 BCE. He was a son of Ahmose I and is associated with continuing the consolidation of Theban power after the Hyksos period and with the development of temple and cultic institutions honoring Amun. His name and cult persisted in royal and priestly contexts after his death.

Amenhotep II ruled about 1427–1401 BCE as the son of Thutmose III. His reign is known from inscriptions and reliefs that emphasize royal prowess and military activity, helping to maintain Egyptian influence in the region. His monuments and tomb contribute to the historical record of the late 18th Dynasty.

Amenhotep III, ruling circa 1386–1353 BCE, presided over a prosperous and culturally vibrant period. His long reign saw extensive building and artistic production, including monumental statues and temple complexes. He forged diplomatic alliances through marriages and hosted foreign dignitaries, with his queen Tiye playing a prominent role in court life. He was a key figure in the height of New Kingdom culture and is considered among the era’s greatest builders.

Amenhotep IV, who renamed himself Akhenaten, reigned around 1353–1336 BCE. He initiated religious reforms centered on the sun disk Aten, established the city of Amarna as a new capital, and fostered distinctive artistic styles. His reforms challenged the traditional cult of Amun and were largely reversed after his death, during the subsequent return to Theban religious practices. His era also saw significant shifts in royal imagery and family structure, including his relationship to Nefertiti and the succession of Tutankhamun.