Egypt: Rulers, Kings and Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt: Amenhotep II

Amenhotep II (Akheperure) 1427-1392 B.C.

18th Dynasty

Amenhotep, the seventh king of the 18th Dynasty, was a fierce ruler that excelled in both horsemanship and archery. While a prince, he was given the command of the naval base near Memphis. In his first year as king the Asiatics rebelled, but to no avail. He spent his second year in Syria overcoming several uprisings. His victorious return to Egypt was indicated by the captive officers that were hanging upside down on the prow of his ship. The same were beheaded in a ceremony by Amenhoteps own hand. His son, Thutmose IV assumed the throne when Amenhotep died at the age of 45. His remains show signs of a systemic disease which probably attributed to his death. He built a court in the Temple of Luxor, that was later decorated by Tutankhamun and Horemheb. Amenhotep II's tomb is in the Valley of the Kings in Thebes.