Thutmose IV
The Pharaoh Who Dreamed of the Sphinx
Imagine standing in front of the Great Sphinx of Giza. Its huge form is partially buried in desert sand, and it looks out into the distance. Now, picture a young prince, tired from the sun, resting in its shade. As he falls asleep, he dreams of a promise: if he clears the sand from the Sphinx, he will become king. This is not just a story; it is the message carved into the Dream Stele, a stone that still sits between the Sphinx’s paws. That prince was Thutmose IV. He was not meant to rule, but his fate was altered by his vision. His reign may not have lasted long, but it connected times of war and peace, helping to set the stage for Egypt’s golden age under his son, Amenhotep III. To understand Thutmose IV is to see how dreams, diplomacy, and divine support can change history.
Early Life and Rise to Power
Thutmose IV was not the expected heir to the throne. He was born to Amenhotep II and had several brothers. It seems he was not prepared for kingship. His rise to power came from an unexpected encounter. According to the Dream Stele, he dreamed near the Sphinx that the sun god Ra-Horakhty promised him kingship if he removed the sand covering the Sphinx.
This story served a purpose beyond just his personal vision—it was a way to gain political support. By claiming that his kingship was ordained by a god, Thutmose IV made his rise to power legitimate. In a time when succession could be challenged, the stele symbolized divine approval.
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The Dream Stele and the Great Sphinx
The Dream Stele is one of Egypt’s most interesting artifacts.
– Location: It is placed between the paws of the Great Sphinx at Giza.
– Material: Made of granite, it stands 3.6 meters tall and weighs 15 tons.
– Function: It served as the back wall of a small chapel built by Thutmose IV.
The inscription recounts the story of Thutmose IV’s dream, in which the Sphinx, representing the sun god, promised him the throne. This helped reinforce the belief that kingship was divinely granted, not just inherited. The stele also reflects important ideas in Egyptian religion, linking kingship with the worship of the sun and showing how monumental art supported political authority.
Reign and Achievements
Thutmose IV ruled from about 1401 to 1391 BC for around ten years. His reign was short, but he accomplished much:
– Diplomacy over Warfare: Thutmose IV focused on peace instead of war. He made a treaty with the Mitanni Empire, Egypt’s long-time rival, and married a Mitanni princess to strengthen their bond.
– Religious Focus: He promoted worship of the sun and emphasized the connection between the pharaoh and the sun god.
– Monumental Contributions: He restored the Sphinx and built temples, continuing Egypt’s tradition of grand architecture.
His shift from military campaigns to diplomacy helped stabilize Egypt and set the stage for the prosperity his son, Amenhotep III, would enjoy.
Family and Legacy
Thutmose IV’s family is important to understanding his legacy.
– Consorts: His wives were Iaret, and Mutemwiya.
– Children: Most importantly, he had Amenhotep III, who led Egypt into its golden age.
– Grandson: Akhenaten, his grandson, was the pharaoh who changed Egypt by promoting the worship of one god, Aten.
Through these connections, Thutmose IV played a key role in a significant period of Egypt’s history. His reign may not have been grand, but his family shaped the future of Egypt.
Tomb KV43 in the Valley of the Kings
Thutmose IV was buried in Tomb KV43 in the Valley of the Kings, near Luxor.
– Discovery: The tomb was discovered in the 20th century, but had been looted long before.
– Features: It is decorated with scenes from the Book of the Dead and other funerary texts.
– Significance: The tomb shows burial practices of the 18th Dynasty, focusing on solar gods and the pharaoh’s journey to the afterlife.
Though not as elaborate as some later tombs, KV43 gives valuable insight into how royal burials evolved during this time.
Thutmose IV’s Place in Egyptian History
Thutmose IV is often seen as less significant than rulers like Thutmose III, Amenhotep II, and Akhenaten. However, his reign marked an important change:
– It shifted from military expansion to diplomatic stability.
– It changed from a warlike kingship to a more religious kingship.
– It moved away from succession disputes to a focus on dynastic continuity.
His Dream Stele is a well-known symbol of divine kingship, showing that Egypt’s rulers depended on both myth and religion as well as military power.
Although Thutmose IV did not have the longest or most dramatic reign, it was very meaningful. His dream at the Sphinx captures the essence of Egyptian kingship, showing a connection to divine authority, great art, and religious devotion. By choosing diplomacy over warfare, he brought stability and laid the groundwork for Egypt’s golden age under Amenhotep III.
Got a Question?
F.A.Qs
Thutmose IV was a pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty (c. 1401–1391 BC). He is best remembered for the Dream Stele at the Great Sphinx, which recounts how a divine vision promised him kingship if he cleared the sands from the monument.
The Dream Stele is a granite monument placed between the paws of the Great Sphinx at Giza. Its inscription tells the story of Thutmose IV’s dream, where the sun god Ra-Horakhty promised him the throne.
His reign marked a shift from military expansion to diplomacy. He secured peace with the Mitanni Empire, restored monuments like the Sphinx, and paved the way for Egypt’s golden age under his son, Amenhotep III.
Thutmose IV was buried in Tomb KV43 in the Valley of the Kings, near Luxor. Though looted in antiquity, the tomb still provides insights into 18th Dynasty burial practices.
Yes. Visitors to Giza can view the Dream Stele at the Great Sphinx. In Luxor, tours of the Valley of the Kings highlight KV43, though it is not always open to the public. Artifacts linked to Thutmose IV are also displayed in museums worldwide.
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