Answer to Famous Kings & Queens of Africa Series: Part 8

Prester John

Famous Kings & Queens of Africa Series: Part 9

I am a king-priest ruling a very rich kingdom with strange and exotic creatures, gold and precious stones, and the “fountain of youth.” Some say I was a descendant of the "Three Magi" and had an emerald scepter. As a Nestorian, a member of an independent Eastern Christian Church, I have no ties to the patriarch of Constantinople. Throughout the 12^th – 17^th centuries, Europeans tried to find my kingdom, hoping that I would join ranks with them against the Muslims and pagans. Myths about my kingdom and a letter written by me circulated throughout Europe, sparking expeditions to foreign lands, including Africa, India, China, and Ethiopia. Who am I?

Hint: 

-Material contributed by Sue Roberts

Answer to Famous Kings & Queens of Africa Series: Part 8

Thutmose III (stepson/nephew of Hatshepsut) 

Famous Kings & Queens of Africa Series: Part 8

My stepmother/aunt was my regent until she declared herself pharaoh in 1473 since I was too young to rule. I was a successful general (the Napoleon of ancient Egypt), an acclaimed athlete, historian, and architect. Twenty years after the death of my stepmother/aunt, my son and I attempted to remove her image and name from historical and pharaonic  records. Statues were smashed and her cartouches and images were chiseled off stone walls that were visible and accessible. Many questioned our motives. Was I trying to prevent a dangerous precedent of a successful female king in Egyptian history? Or was I trying to return her to a queen regent position, claiming all her achievements as mine? Lastly, was I helping my son to ensure his elevation to pharaoh when I died, contributing her accomplishments to him? Who am I?

Hint: 

-Material Contributed by Sue Roberts 

Answer to Famous Kings & Queens of Africa Series: Part 7

Piye  

Famous Kings & Queens of Africa Series: Part 7

I was the first Nubian king, the first black pharaoh, to rule Egypt during the country’s 25th dynasty (747-716 BC). After years of dominance by Egypt, Nubia had embraced many Egyptian customs, and adopted Amun as the state religion. Many Nubians viewed Thebes as their spiritual home. When Egypt’s rulers were squabbling, I expanded Nubia’s power beyond Thebes into Lower Egypt. For me it was a Holy War, and as general, I had my solders cleanse themselves ritually before beginning battle. After a year-long campaign, the Egyptian kings capitulated. Despite complaints from my soldiers, I did not press further north. I returned home to Nubia, never to return to Egypt again. My energies were spent in making Napata the Karnak of Nubia. My Victory Stela at Gebel Barkal records my military feats and my preference for treaties and alliances instead of warfare. Who am I?

Hint: 


-Material contributed by Sue Roberts

Answer to Famous Kings & Queens of Africa Series: Part 6

Pharaoh Akhenaten (Originally Amenhotep IV, before he changed his name)