Amenhotep III (redirected from Amenophis III)

Amenhotep III

Amenhotep III, head of a statue from western Thebes, c. 1390 BC

(credit: Reproduced by courtesy of the trustees of the British Museum)

(flourished 14th century BC) Egyptian pharaoh (r. 1390–53 BC) during a time of prosperity. Early in his reign he led a military campaign south of Egypt, but otherwise his rule was peaceful. His reign is noted for the expansion of diplomacy with Syria, Cyprus, Babylon, and Assyria, and the construction of public buildings in Memphis, Thebes, and Nubia, including portions of the temples at Luxor and Karnak. He broke with tradition by marrying Tiy, a commoner, with whom he shared his rule. He was succeeded by his son Akhenaton.