ABSTRACT
When Amenhotep III succeeded his father on the throne in c.1386 bc, he inherited a kingdom that was immensely prosperous and powerful. After decades of military campaigning and foreign conquests undertaken by his predecessors, vast quantities of tribute in the form of gold as well as precious and exotic products were annually poured into Egypt’s state coffers from every corner of her huge empire. Amenhotep himself, however, had no desire to conduct further foreign campaigns, preferring instead the diplomatic touch with his neighbours and the encouragement of trade. Nevertheless, early in his reign, he did undertake a few relatively unimportant military expeditions which he proceeded to claim as glorious conquests, referring to himself as a mighty warrior and boasting of many other great (though imaginary) victories.
