Smenkhkare

Smenkhkare was a Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt who ruled during the New Kingdom period, specifically during the Eighteenth dynasty of Egypt. Smenkhkare's reign is often associated with the Amarna Period, a time of significant cultural and religious change in Egypt, influenced by the radical policies of Akhenaten. The pharaoh's existence is confirmed by several archaeological findings, including a scarab discovered in the Valley of the Kings and a cartouche found in the Tomb of Tutankhamun. Smenkhkare's relationship with other notable figures of the time, such as Nefertiti and Tutankhamun, has been the subject of much debate and speculation among Egyptologists, including Flinders Petrie and Howard Carter.

Introduction

Smenkhkare's place in the history of Ancient Egypt is still a topic of discussion among Historians and Archaeologists, with some considering the pharaoh to be a Coregent of Akhenaten, while others believe Smenkhkare to have been a separate ruler. The Amarna Period, during which Smenkhkare lived, was marked by significant changes in Egyptian art and Egyptian architecture, as seen in the construction of the City of Akhetaten and the creation of Amarna art. Smenkhkare's connection to other notable figures of the time, such as Kiya and Meritaten, has been explored by Scholars like Donald Redford and Aidan Dodson. The study of Smenkhkare's life and reign has also been influenced by the discoveries of Zahi Hawass and the Supreme Council of Antiquities.

Reign

The length and nature of Smenkhkare's reign are not well documented, but it is believed to have occurred around 1334-1333 BC, during the late New Kingdom period. Smenkhkare's reign is often associated with the decline of the Amarna Period and the eventual return to traditional Egyptian polytheism. The pharaoh's relationship with the Priests of Amun and the Temple of Karnak is thought to have been strained, as evidenced by the lack of Inscriptions and Reliefs from this period. Smenkhkare's connection to the Mitanni and the Hittite Empire has been explored by Historians like Kenneth Kitchen and Trevor Bryce. The pharaoh's reign has also been studied in relation to the Battle of Kadesh and the Treaty of Kadesh.

Identity

The identity of Smenkhkare is still a topic of debate among Egyptologists, with some believing the pharaoh to have been a male ruler, while others propose that Smenkhkare may have been a female ruler, possibly Nefertiti or Meritaten. The discovery of a Co-regency Stela in the Tomb of Tutankhamun has provided some insight into Smenkhkare's identity, but the issue remains unresolved. Smenkhkare's connection to other notable figures of the time, such as Ay and Horemheb, has been explored by Scholars like Joyce Tyldesley and Peter Clayton. The study of Smenkhkare's identity has also been influenced by the work of Manfred Bietak and the Austrian Archaeological Institute.

Relationships

Smenkhkare's relationships with other members of the Eighteenth dynasty of Egypt are not well documented, but it is believed that the pharaoh may have been married to Meritaten or possibly Ankhesenamun. Smenkhkare's connection to Tutankhamun is thought to have been significant, with some considering the two pharaohs to have been Coregents or possibly even the same person. The pharaoh's relationship with Ay and Horemheb has been explored by Historians like Aidan Dodson and Dyan Hilton. Smenkhkare's connection to the Nubian Kingdom and the Kingdom of Kush has also been studied by Scholars like Kathryn A. Bard and the University of Toronto.

Legacy

Smenkhkare's legacy is still a topic of discussion among Egyptologists and Historians, with some considering the pharaoh to have been a significant figure in the history of Ancient Egypt. Smenkhkare's connection to the Amarna Period and the Eighteenth dynasty of Egypt has been explored by Scholars like Donald Redford and Eric Cline. The pharaoh's relationship with other notable figures of the time, such as Ramses II and Hatshepsut, has been studied in relation to the Battle of Kadesh and the Treaty of Kadesh. Smenkhkare's legacy has also been influenced by the discoveries of Zahi Hawass and the Supreme Council of Antiquities, as well as the work of Manfred Bietak and the Austrian Archaeological Institute. The study of Smenkhkare's life and reign continues to be an important area of research in the field of Egyptology, with new discoveries and insights being made by Scholars like Joyce Tyldesley and Peter Clayton. Category:Pharaohs of the Eighteenth dynasty of Egypt