Relief of Tuthmosis III
Elephantine Island, Temple of Satis, New Kingdom, Dynasty 18, reign of Tuthmosis III, 1479-1425 BC
Painted sandstone
Musée du Louvre B 72 = E 12921 bis N
cat. no. 9

Because Tuthmosis III came to the throne as a child, his stepmother Hatshepsut ruled on his behalf, first as regent, later as king beside him. When she died after 22 years of co-rule, Tuthmosis immediately embarked on a series of annual campaigns in western Asia that established his reputation as the greatest military leader in Egyptian history.

On this painted temple relief, Tuthmosis III wears the atef-crown, which elaborately combines a tall central element resembling the White Crown with two ostrich plumes; the long, curling horns of a ram; sun disk; and uraeus. In back is a falcon with outstretched wings. The falcon was a favorite motif of Tuthmosis III and is often associated with his image. At the upper right are the two cartouches identifying the ruler by his throne name, Menkheperra, and birth name.