Thutmosis III meaning “Thoth is born” was a New Kingdom, Dynasty 18, pharaoh from 1479-1425 BC, ascending the throne at 2 years old, he was co-regent with his aunt, Hatsheput, for the first 22 years of his reign. Following many successful military campaigns, Thutmosis III expanded the Egyptian empire to its largest extent, conquering land in Syria and Nubia. Thutmosis III’s reign also saw some significant developments in the arts including new forms in monument and sculpture. Some kings were held in particularly high regard, Thutmosis III was particularly honoured and his praenomen, Men-Kheper-Re, was used on scarabs for a period of circa 1000 years. Men-Kheper-Re translates as ‘Established by the image of Re’.
Amun was one of the principle deities within the Egyptian pantheon. Worshipped from the Old Kingdom, his importance grew and he was eventually placed as the patron god of Thebes. His national importance was affirmed with the fusion of Amun and the sky-god, Ra, to become Amun-Ra. He was associated by the Ancient Greeks to Zeus.
To find out more about Ancient Egyptian amulets please see our relevant blog post: Egyptian Amulets and their Meanings.