Thutmose III

 Get ready for stories that shaped the world! In the new series of the 4min podcast, we introduce the greatest military leaders in history. Discover who they were, the strategies they used, and why their names are etched in history. Each episode delivers key moments of their lives in just four minutes. Listen on your favorite podcast platform! 

Transcript

Thutmose the third, one of the most significant pharaohs of ancient Egypt, ruled around the sixteenth century before Christ. His reign lasted nearly fifty-four years, during which he achieved many accomplishments, not only as a capable ruler but also as a brilliant military leader. He was a pharaoh of the Eighteenth Dynasty, which is often considered the golden age of Egypt. His military campaigns and extensive building activities made him a legendary figure in ancient history. Thutmose was the son of Pharaoh Thutmose the second and his secondary wife. After his father’s death, he was still too young to rule on his own, so his stepmother, Hatshepsut, took over as regent. Eventually, Hatshepsut assumed the title of pharaoh and became the dominant figure in Egyptian politics for many years. In his early years, Thutmose remained in the background, but after Hatshepsut's death, he took full control of the empire. One of Thutmose’s greatest achievements was his military campaigns, which brought Egypt great glory and wealth. He led a total of seventeen military expeditions, the most significant of which were to the Levant and northward to the regions of modern-day Syria and Palestine. His most famous battle was the Battle of Megiddo, where he defeated a strong coalition of Asian kings. This victory was crucial in securing Egyptian dominance over the eastern Mediterranean. Thutmose also greatly expanded Egypt's influence beyond its borders. His armies conquered many territories, including Nubia in the south and parts of Mesopotamia in the east. Due to these military successes, Thutmose is often referred to as the “Napoleon of Ancient Egypt.” His ability to lead his army, maintain order, and expand Egypt’s territory was extraordinary. But Thutmose was not just a soldier. He was also a skilled builder and a patron of culture. During his reign, many temples and monuments were constructed throughout Egypt. One of his most notable building projects was the development of the Karnak temple complex. Here, he erected several obelisks, some of which are still considered among the largest and most impressive structures of ancient Egypt. These buildings were meant to celebrate his military victories and reinforce his power as a divine pharaoh. Thutmose was also an able administrator and reformer. Under his reign, Egypt experienced a period of prosperity and stability. He introduced reforms that improved the administrative functioning of the empire, allowing it to manage its vast territories more efficiently. His reign marked a time of great cultural and economic growth for Egypt. After Thutmose’s death, his son Amenhotep the second succeeded him on the throne and continued the policy of military expansion and consolidation of Egyptian power in the region. However, Thutmose the third remains one of the most important pharaohs of ancient Egypt, and his legacy can still be seen in the many monuments and inscriptions throughout the country. Thank you for listening.