Researchers have recreated the portrait of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, believed to be one of the wealthiest figures in history.
Amenhotep III is recognized as one of the greatest pharaohs, with more surviving statues than any other king. He led Egypt through an unprecedented period of power and prosperity. Utilizing data from the mummified skull of Amenhotep III, an international research team revealed his portrait for the first time in nearly 3,400 years, according to a report by Mail on May 16.
Pharaoh Amenhotep III in a reconstructed image. (Photo: Sun).
Michael Habicht, an archaeologist at Flinders University in Australia, noted that the reconstructed image looks quite different from the pharaoh’s depictions on various statues. “It is the calm face of a man who promoted peace and lived during a time of economic prosperity. He could be one of the wealthiest individuals in history, at least for that era. Research conducted in the 1970s described Amenhotep III as overweight, serene, nearly bald, and suffering from dental issues in his later years. His height was approximately 1.56 meters, making him one of the shortest kings we know based on their preserved mummies,” Habicht stated.
Brazilian graphic expert Cicero Moraes, who reconstructed the pharaoh’s portrait, explained that the process began with digitally reconstructing Amenhotep III’s skull using photographs and mummification data. He also utilized data from donors to estimate the size and position of the king’s ears, eyes, nose, and mouth.
“Based on historical information, Amenhotep III had a robust appearance, which is why we used data from individuals with a high body mass index. Compared to other pharaohs’ portraits I have worked on, this is the most complete portrait as we modeled both clothing and accessories,” Moraes shared.
Pharaoh Amenhotep III was highly revered during his lifetime. He passed away in his 40s or 50s, leaving behind an Egypt at its peak of prosperity and power to his son, Pharaoh Amenhotep IV. His grandson, Tutankhamun, became one of the most famous pharaohs due to the discovery of his intact tomb in 1922. Habicht, Moraes, along with colleague Elena Varotto from Flinders University and Francesco Galassi from the University of Lodz in Poland, will publish their research in a scientific journal.
