Assuming the throne of a nation at just 10 Years old Ahmose 1st – The Liberator of Kemet Part II

BY DAVE RAKIN

All hail Neb-Pehty-Re meaning, “The Lord of Strength is Re.”

Is there a 10 year old that you know right now that would be able to lead a kingdom? Take in the fact that they recently learned about the deaths of their father, and brother within three years of each other. Imagine learning that they died in combat attempting to liberate the country at the hands of foreigners. Then, without enough time to grieve, having to assume the throne of a nation as early as 10 years old.

In my last article, I introduced the community to Ahmose the 1^st, (aka, Neb-Pehty-Re), a child who had to take on the weight and responsibilities that come with being a newly appointed ruler. The last article examined what those types of circumstances would do to a child. How this type of trauma, and then added responsibility would affect the child’s cognitive development. Let us complete our story about Ahmose the 1^st.

A great force that is worth mentioning at this time is Ahhotep, Ahmose the 1^st’s mother. Ahhotep or “The Moon is Satisfied” was a stabilizing force. She was plunged into a difficult situation. Like many of our African women, she rose to the occasion, like our queens often do. Ahmose the 1^st had later written that his mother was ”The one who has accomplished the rites and taken care of Egypt. She has looked after her soldiers; she has brought back her fugitives and collected together her deserters. She has pacified Upper Egypt and expelled her rebels.” It was a no-brainer that she would be the one to instruct her son on the matters of the throne. Ahhotep had her work cut out for her, and respect must be given. She had to hold the country together until her son came of age.

At the age of 20, Ahmose the 1^st was ready to take on his duties as a king. What he accomplished during his regency is legendary. In the article titled, “The War of Liberation” I mentioned expulsion of the Hyksos from Kemet; going into Palestine and Nubia to quell any further Hyksos rebellion; controlling the gold mines, which brought the much-needed income into Kemet.

These feats are so widely known that they can be found in almost any ancient African history book. For those of us who would need a point of reference, one may consider researching the Rhind Papyrus. This contains some of the military strategy Ahmose the 1^st used during his campaigns.

With the revenge Ahmose the 1^st sought now completed, the building of a new and powerful kingdom became a reality. By now, the Liberator of Kemet was a family man. With 25 years of earthly rule, Ahmose the 1^st gave up the ghost at 35 years of age. His successor, his son Amenhotep the 1^st also established a long line of rulers that will be discussed in detail at some point.

The life and times of Ahmose the 1^st will forever be an example that through tragedy and with great support, triumph is inevitable.