Eighteenth Dynasty of Egypt family tree facts for kids

The Eighteenth Dynasty of ancient Egypt had a very complex family tree. It can be tricky to understand exactly how everyone was related! This dynasty was a powerful time in Egyptian history, with many famous pharaohs and queens.

Understanding the Eighteenth Dynasty Family

The Eighteenth Dynasty ruled Egypt for about 250 years, from around 1550 BC to 1292 BC. It was the first dynasty of the New Kingdom, a time when Egypt became a mighty empire. The pharaohs of this dynasty were very important. They expanded Egypt's borders and built amazing temples and monuments.

Key Pharaohs and Queens

The family tree of the Eighteenth Dynasty started with Senakhtenre Ahmose and Tetisheri. Their grandson, Ahmose I, is often seen as the founder of this dynasty. He helped unite Egypt after a period of foreign rule.

Ahmose I and Ahmose-Nefertari

Ahmose I was a very important pharaoh. He drove out the Hyksos, who had ruled parts of Egypt for a long time. This brought peace and unity back to the land. His Great Royal Wife was Ahmose-Nefertari. She was also very powerful and respected. They had several children, including Amenhotep I.

Amenhotep I and Thutmose I

Amenhotep I continued his father's work, strengthening Egypt. He was followed by Thutmose I, who was a great warrior. Thutmose I led military campaigns that expanded Egypt's empire far into Nubia (south) and the Near East (north-east). He also started building in the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs would later be buried.

Hatshepsut: A Female Pharaoh

One of the most famous rulers was Hatshepsut. She was the daughter of Thutmose I. After her husband, Thutmose II, died, she became a co-ruler with her young stepson, Thutmose III. Eventually, she took on the full title of pharaoh herself. Hatshepsut ruled for over 20 years. She focused on trade and building projects, creating magnificent temples like her mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari.

Thutmose III: The Warrior Pharaoh

Thutmose III became pharaoh after Hatshepsut. He is known as one of Egypt's greatest warrior pharaohs. He led many successful military campaigns, conquering vast territories and making Egypt an even larger empire. He also built many temples and monuments.

Amenhotep II and Thutmose IV

Amenhotep II followed Thutmose III. He was also a strong ruler and athlete. His son, Thutmose IV, became pharaoh next. Thutmose IV is known for restoring the Great Sphinx at Giza.

Amenhotep III and Tiye

Amenhotep III ruled during a time of great wealth and peace for Egypt. He was a magnificent builder, creating grand temples and statues. His Great Royal Wife was Tiye, who was a very influential queen. Their reign was a golden age for Egypt.

Akhenaten and Nefertiti

Akhenaten was the son of Amenhotep III and Tiye. He brought about a huge change in Egyptian religion. He tried to make Egyptians worship only one god, the Aten (the sun disk), instead of the many traditional gods. He also moved the capital city to a new place called Amarna. His Great Royal Wife was the famous Nefertiti. Their religious changes were very controversial.

Tutankhamun: The Boy King

After Akhenaten, his son, Tutankhamun, became pharaoh. Tutankhamun was a young boy when he took the throne. During his reign, the old religion with many gods was brought back. Tutankhamun is most famous today because his tomb was found almost completely untouched in 1922. It was filled with incredible treasures.

Ay and Horemheb

After Tutankhamun's death, two important officials became pharaohs: Ay and then Horemheb. Horemheb was a general who restored order and stability to Egypt after the changes made by Akhenaten. He prepared the way for the next great dynasty.

Images for kids

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  The Double Crown of Egypt, worn by pharaohs.