Bible Dictionaries
Thutmose

Holman Bible Dictionary

(thuht' mohsse) Egyptian royal name meaning, “Thoth the moon god is born.” Four pharaohs of the Egyptian Eighteenth Dynasty (about 1550-1310 B.C.). Their combined efforts, especially those of Thutmose I and III, did much to expand Egyptian wealth and influence.

Thutmose I rose to power through his skills as a general and by marrying the daughter of his predecessor, Amenhotep I. His military exploits expanded Egypt to include Nubia to the south and Syria, north to the Euphrates River. The tribute from his conquests allowed Eneni, his architect, to restore and add to the temples of Thebes. Eneni was also instructed to initiate the work at Biban el-Moluk (gates of the kings) known today as the Valley of the Kings. Thutmosis I had no clear heir to the throne when he died.

Thutmose II succeeded in gaining the throne by marrying his ambitious half sister Hatshepsut. His reign lasted only a few years and was obscured by the shadow of this queen.

Thutmose III marched in the steps of his grandfather Thutmose I but only after about twenty years of “co-rule” with Hatshepsut. His hatred of her must have smoldered all those years, for he removed much of the evidence of her reign as soon as she was dead. Thutmose III conducted fourteen military campaigns in seventeen years, continuing his rule another fifteen years. The Theban temple of Karnak contains displays of his exploits. He especially enjoyed hunting and was devoted to the god Amun. Some scholars believe him to be the pharaoh of the Israelite oppression, but this is not the predominate view. Amenhotep II became coregent with his father for about three years at the conclusion of his reign.

Thutmose IV, like Thutmose II, seized his position by marriage. He seemed content to maintain the status quo and clear the sand from the Sphinx where he had dreamed of becoming Pharoah according to a stela. See Egypt; Thebes .

Gary C. Huckabay