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Planet Egypt: Pharaohs at War (S1, E2) | Full Episode | History

HISTORY・22 minutes read

Ancient Egypt thrived with advanced mathematics, technology, and enduring monuments, as Pharaoh Thutmose III led successful military campaigns to stabilize Egypt's borders and extend its empire. Thutmose's strategy involved striking first to repel foreign threats and strengthen Egypt's military, marking the peak of Egypt's power and influence.

Insights

  • Thutmose III strategically preempted foreign threats by expanding Egypt's borders through military campaigns, focusing on strengthening the military and fortifying key regions to ensure security.
  • Hatshepsut's reign as the first female pharaoh left a lasting impact on Egypt's history, marked by ambitious voyages for exotic goods and a diplomatic approach to conquered enemies, showcasing Egypt's power and influence in the ancient world.

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Recent questions

  • How did Thutmose III strengthen Egypt's military?

    Thutmose III bolstered Egypt's military by focusing on the region between Egypt and Nubia, reinforcing border fortresses and acquiring Nubian slaves as soldiers. He also equipped his army with war chariots, inspired by the Hyksos, and improved their design to enhance Egypt's military strength.

  • What was the significance of Hatshepsut's reign?

    Hatshepsut's reign marked a significant era in Ancient Egypt as the first female pharaoh. Her peaceful rule was commemorated by a grand temple in Thebes, and her voyages to distant lands brought back exotic goods like wood, gold, and slaves. Her death emboldened Egypt's enemies, leading to shifts in power dynamics.

  • How did Thutmose III handle conquered enemies?

    Thutmose III took a diplomatic approach to conquered enemies by sparing their lives but taking their children as hostages. This strategy allowed him to maintain control over the regions he conquered while minimizing immediate resistance, showcasing his strategic prowess as a leader.

  • What were the key features of Egyptian cargo ships?

    Egyptian cargo ships were sturdy vessels capable of long journeys, constructed using tendons and ligatures to hold the wooden planks together. These ships required 20 trees each, carried 40 people and 17 tons of freight, and had 50-foot wide sails enabling speeds of six knots, showcasing Egypt's advanced maritime technology.

  • How did Thutmose III expand Egypt's empire?

    Thutmose III led a successful military campaign against the Mitanni, reaching the geographical limits of Egypt's empire. Through a combination of diplomacy and military might, he expanded Egypt's influence, solidifying his legacy as a great general and politician in Ancient Egypt's history.

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Summary

00:00

"Thutmose III: Egypt's Military Expansion"

  • Ancient Egypt thrived for over 3,000 years, showcasing advanced mathematics, technology, and enduring monuments.
  • Pharaoh Thutmose III devises a strategy to repel foreign threats by striking first to extend his empire and stabilize Egypt's borders.
  • In 1457 BC, Egypt faces danger from allies in the Middle East, prompting Thutmose and his soldiers to head towards Megiddo to confront the enemy.
  • The region of Kanaan, crucial for Egypt's security, falls under the control of Egypt's rival, the Mittani, leading Thutmose to vow to crush the enemy alliance.
  • The capital city of Thebes, with over 50,000 people, faces the risk of losing wealth and stability due to the threat from foreign powers.
  • Egyptians, once arrogant about their prosperity, realize they are not alone in the world, facing threats from foreign domination.
  • Thutmose, raised in a peaceful era, learns about Egypt's past invasions and the importance of preparing for foreign threats.
  • King Ahmose ends the Hyksos domination using war chariots, leading to the New Kingdom era where pharaohs aim to restore Egypt's glory.
  • Thutmose strengthens Egypt's military by focusing on the region between Egypt and Nubia, reinforcing border fortresses and acquiring Nubian slaves as soldiers.
  • Thutmose equips his army with war chariots, inspired by the Hyksos, improving on their design to enhance Egypt's military strength.

18:42

Hatshepsut's Death and Thutmose's Triumph

  • Hatshepsut's death marked the end of an era, commemorated by a grand temple in Thebes celebrating her peaceful reign.
  • Her ships voyaged to distant lands, bringing back exotic goods like wood, gold, and slaves.
  • The first female pharaoh buried in the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's death emboldened Egypt's enemies.
  • Thutmose, facing a coalition of enemy princes, led his army 240 miles from Memphis to Gaza in Canaan.
  • The army, comprising 12,000 men and 2,400 animals, required 13,000 gallons of water daily, supplied through a sophisticated system.
  • Thutmose's army faced the strategic town of Megiddo, crucial for controlling the region.
  • Thutmose's decision to cross the treacherous Carmel mountains was pivotal, immortalized on the temple walls of Karnak.
  • Despite challenges, the Egyptians reached Megiddo, launching a surprise attack and defeating the enemy.
  • Megiddo's sophisticated supply system, including a water tunnel, allowed it to withstand sieges.
  • Thutmose's diplomatic approach to the conquered enemies involved sparing their lives but taking their children as hostages.

37:38

Egyptian Cargo Ships and Thutmose III's Legacy

  • Egyptians built sturdy cargo ships capable of long journeys, requiring 20 trees each, carrying 40 people and 17 tons of freight, with 50-foot wide sails enabling speeds of six knots.
  • The ships were constructed using tendons and ligatures to hold the wooden planks together, allowing for easy dismantling and reassembly, similar to Egyptian chariots, aiding in transportation over land.
  • Thutmose III led a successful military campaign against the Mitanni, reaching the geographical limits of Egypt's empire, expanding its influence through diplomacy and military might, solidifying his legacy as a great general and politician.
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