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Coming from the 18th dynasty and being the ninth Pharaoh to rule during this period, Amenhotep III uplifted Egypt. He would also gain fame for fathering a son who would shake Egypt’s very foundation, and that son would later be referred to as Akhenaton.

During Amenhotep III’s reign, which would come to be known as a period of peace and abundance, many structures were constructed that still stand today. Son of the Pharaoh Thutmose IV, Amenhotep III inherited the throne at the age of twelve and remained Pharaoh until the old age of 50.

Like most Pharaohs, he also had many wives.  It was believed that he had 317 wives, all of which were well taken care of and were acquired through dowries and treaties.  His favorite wife, Queen Tiy, was married to Amenhotep III at around the age of 11 or 12 and she was the first woman to be given official acts. Together they had a son named Amenhotep IV, who would later change his name to Akhenaton.

Amenhotep III ruled Egypt in prosperous times, due to trading and production and life along the Nile River was flourishing.  Unlike other Pharaohs, conquering was not an issue and there was little military action during his reign. As a result funds and resources were available to enlarge many cities and construct many temples.  He built the temple Malkata located on the western shores of Thebes and the southern part of Medinet Habu. This site was dedicated to housing and official chambers. His greatest and most famous structure was the Temple of Amun (modern day Luxor), which is known by its ruins and remains a popular tourist attraction today.