The "Zenith of Magnificence"
Before Amenhotep III rose to the throne as Pharaoh of the Egyptian Empire, it was a place of tumultuous fighting for his ancestors; he however, was to live in an Empire of peace and enjoy the delights of the Ancient world. “Through wars, his predecessors had established an empire; it was Amenhotep’s destiny to enjoy its fruits and live off his ancestor’s
achievements.’ (Hallo & Simpson- The Ancient Near East: A History)
When Amenhotep III succeeded the throne of Egypt, his Empire was the unrivalled leader of the known world. After the multitude of campiagns launched by his predeccessors, Amenhotep rose to pwer with little disruption from his neighbouring nations. Gold poured in from Nubia, cedars came from the forests of Syria-Palestine and within Egypt, a huge supply of luxurious foods were coming from the furtile banks of the Nile.With his extensive power and wealth Amenhotep was able to launch the greatest building program the world had ever seen. Craftsman within his reign were able to display such scenes of artistic magnificence, which were never to be equalled in the 1500 years of Egypt’s Pharaohs.