We know from the Annals that Thutmose became pharaoh on 4 Shemu (Šmw), the first month of the Season of the Harvest. From the inscription of one of his commanders, Amenemheb-Mahu, we know the day of his death too – the 30th day of the third month of Peret, the Season of Emergence. These precise details are somewhat ironic since we are highly uncertain of the year in which we should place them. The information that has come down to us about the dating of the eighteenth dynasty is incomplete; we do not know the exact dates of Thutmose II’s reign either. It is usually dated to the period 1513–1499 or 1493–1479 BC. Likewise, Thutmose III’s reign, counting from the death of his father (whenever that is placed), occupies the subsequent 54 years.
Even though it now seems certain that Hatshepsut declared herself pharaoh soon after she was established as regent for the 1 and 28). Despite that, it is clear from reliefs that military expeditions were also launched, probably against both Syria and Nubia, perhaps a continuation of the campaigns of Thutmose I (r. 1526– 1513 or 1506–1493 BC) who had advanced the borders of Egypt’s influence further south and north than ever before. He had also increased the size of Egyptian expeditions and introduced innovations pertaining to oaths and the imposition of taxes on conquered territories (see Redford, 2003: 186–189). The founder of the Eighteenth Dynasty, Ahmose I (r. 1570– 1546 BC, and suggested dates down to 1515 BC), also campaigned in Syria and Canaan.
