Amenhotep I

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Djeserkare Amenhotep I (d. 1504 BC) was the second Pharaoh of the 18th dynasty of Egypt. He ruled from 1525 BC to 1504 BC.

Amenhotep I was the third son of Ahmose and Ahmose-Nefertari. His elder brothers both preceded him in death clearing the way for his ascension to the throne in 1525 BC. Invaders from Libya took advantage of the death of Ahmose to move into the western Nile Delta, prompting an immediate campaign for the new king. Despite Amenhotep's inexperience the invasion was quickly rebuffed.

According to the tomb texts of Ahmose, son of Ebana, Amenhotep later sought to expand Egypt's border southward into Nubia and he led an invasion force which defeated the Nubian response. Amenhotep commissioned the architect Ineni to expand the Temple of Karnak, including a station for the barque of Amun. Amenhotep had one son, Amunemhat, with his Great Royal Wife Ahmose-Meritamon; however, Amunemhat died when he was two. With no living heirs, Amenhotep was succeeded by his military commander Thutmose I.

Manetho notes that Amenhotep I ruled Egypt for 20 Years and 9 Months. While Amenhotep I's highest attested official date is only his Year 10, Manetho's information is confirmed by information from the Tomb Biography of a Magician named Amenemhet. This individual explicitly states that he served under Djeserkare Amenhotep I for 21 Years. There are two possible sites for the location of Amenhotep I's undiscovered tomb, one high up in the Valley of the Kings, KV39 and the other at Dra' Abu el-Naga', ANB. His body was found in the Deir el-Bahri Cache above the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut and is now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Amenhotep I

See also