Amenhotep III, who reigned during the 14th century BC, ascended to power during Egypt’s zenith, where he was revered as a living deity. Under his rule, the nation flourished, enjoying unparalleled prosperity and global influence. Regarded as one of the most illustrious pharaohs, Amenhotep III’s legacy endures through an abundance of surviving statues, surpassing that of any other ruler of ancient Egypt.
Utilizing data extracted from the mummified remains of Amenhotep III’s skull, an international team of experts meticulously reconstructed his facial features. Drawing upon contemporary anatomical data, including the dimensions and positioning of his nose, ears, eyes, and lips sourced from living donors, the team painstakingly pieced together a faithful representation of the ancient king’s countenance.
Brazilian graphics designer Cicero Moraes, credited with breathing life into Amenhotep III’s likeness, expressed his sentiment, stating, “If we are not mistaken, this is the first facial approximation of Amenhotep III. It is our gift to all those who appreciate history.”
Moraes further remarked on the remarkable completeness of the reconstruction, noting, “We were amazed with the final result; seeing a complete bust with these colours and the facial serenity is quite satisfying.”
Amenhotep III’s name, derived from the sun and air god Amun, underscores his divine associations. Renowned for his ambitious architectural projects spanning Egypt and Nubia, the monarch left an indelible mark on the landscape of ancient civilization.Described as obese, ailing, and largely sedentary, Amenhotep III’s physical stature stood in stark contrast to his towering wealth. Amenhotep III was an obese, sick, and sedentary man, who was almost bald, and suffered from dental problems, the expert said. Dr. Michael Habicht, an archaeologist at Flinders University in Australia, remarked on the king’s opulence, speculating that he may have been entirely adorned in gold leaf, resembling a deity in human form.
Despite his diminutive stature, standing at approximately 156cm (around 5ft1), Amenhotep III’s wealth and influence eclipsed that of many of his contemporaries. Dr. Habicht mused, “He might well have been one of the richest men that ever lived, at least in his epoch.”
The monarch’s reign came to an end at the age of 40 or 50, marking the conclusion of an era that witnessed the pinnacle of ancient Egypt’s grandeur.
In shedding light on the enigmatic face of Amenhotep III, scientists offer a captivating glimpse into the distant past, unraveling the mysteries of one of history’s most illustrious figures.