Ancient Egypt: Ahmose
By Robert Guisepi, 1984
Egypt’s History
The Valley of the Nile
Ahmose (reigned c. 1539–14 BC) was the founder of Egypt’s 18th dynasty. He completed his brother’s mission to expel the Hyksos—Asiatic rulers who had dominated Egypt—and expanded Egypt’s influence by invading Palestine and reasserting control over Nubia in the south.
Ahmose’s Military Campaigns
- War Against the Hyksos
Early in his reign, Ahmose resumed the campaign to liberate Egypt from the Hyksos. He defeated their allies in Middle Egypt and captured Memphis, Egypt's traditional capital near modern-day Cairo.- Ahmose’s mother, Queen Ahhotep, managed the government in Thebes (modern Luxor) during his campaigns.
- Ahmose launched a waterborne assault on Avaris, the Hyksos capital in the eastern delta, followed by a land siege.
- Rebellion in Upper Egypt
When a rebellion broke out in Upper Egypt, Ahmose swiftly returned upriver to suppress it. Queen Ahhotep played a key role in containing the uprising. After restoring order, Ahmose successfully captured Avaris.- He pursued the fleeing Hyksos to Sharuhen, a stronghold in Palestine, which fell after a three-year siege.
- Campaigns in Nubia
Ahmose conducted three campaigns in Nubia, whose ruler had allied with the Hyksos. These campaigns not only secured Egypt’s southern borders but also provided access to Nubia’s rich gold mines, strengthening Egypt’s economy.
Administrative and Economic Reforms
- Loyal Administration: Ahmose rewarded loyal veterans of his campaigns and members of the royal family with land grants, ensuring their allegiance.
- Economic Recovery:
- He reopened copper mines in Sinai.
- Trade with the cities of the Syrian coast resumed, as evidenced by cedar imports from Syria and the luxurious jewelry from his reign.
Cultural and Religious Contributions
Ahmose invested in restoring Egypt’s neglected temples and constructed chapels for his family. Although he initiated plans for grand architectural projects, his reign ended before these could be realized.
Legacy of Ahmose
Ahmose left behind a unified and prosperous Egypt. His military victories and administrative reforms laid the foundation for the New Kingdom, a period of unparalleled power and cultural achievement in ancient Egyptian history.
