Thutmose II’s Family Tree

Thutmose II was born to Thutmose I and a secondary wife, Mutnofret. Thutmose II’s older brothers, Wadjmose and Amenmose, died before they could ascend to their father’s (Thutmose I’s) throne. This made Thutmose II the heir. Thutmose II was a weak man, but cunning enough to realize he should marry into true royalty to secure his kingship. Hatshepsut, both Thutmose II’s half sister and cousin, was the oldest daughter of Thutmose I and his principal Queen, Ahmose. Hatshepsut’s influence over Egypt secured Thutmose II’s leadership once he married her. Together, they had a daughter, Neferure. Thutmose II’s only heir was Thutmose III, born to Iset, a secondary wife.

© JMCC1 – Relief of Thutmose II at Karnak

Questions about the Length of Thutmose II’s Reign

It is hard for historians to determine the exact length of Thutmose II’s reign. Many historians believe he ruled between 3 and 13 years. After his death, Hatshepsut had his name removed from monuments and temples. Once Hatshepsut removed her husband’s name, she replaced it with her own. Once Hatshepsut died and Thutmose III took over as Pharaoh and no longer co-regent, he tried putting his father’s name back onto some of these buildings. These inconsistencies have scholars pinpointing his reign to be approximately from 1493 BC to 1479 BC.

Campaigns

Thutmose II managed to crush a rebellion in Kush by sending an army to Nubia. His armies also stopped rebellions in the Levant (historic Palestine, Israel and Syria). They also defeated a group of nomadic Bedouins in the Sinai Peninsula. Even though Thutmose II did not lead these campaigns himself, he is credited with the results. The armies were, in fact, led by the king’s generals.