The 18th dynasty is the most famous era of ancient Egyotian history. It saw everything from the emergance of Egypt as a serious eurasian power to the beginning of its decline.This period is home to some of the greatest and most well known Egyptian pharoah's.Such names as Akhnatten, Thutmoses 3, Hetshepsut and Tutunkahmun date from this period.

At the end of the Middle Kingdom,the central Egyptian authority broke down like it did at the end of the Old Kingdom and anarchy ensued once again.During this time of confusion, an Asiatic race known to the Egyptians as the Hyksos invaded Egypt and initiated their own dynasties of rule.

The Hyksos invaders introduced a number of new innovations to the Egyptians, most notably the chariot.Previous to the Hyksos invasion,the Egyptian army was made up of foot soldiers. The Egyptians used the Hyksos own technology against them and drove the unwelcome invaders out of Egypt.With the Hyksos gone, the royal family of Thebes became the new rulers of Egypt initiating the 18th dynasty.

Amenhotep I (Djeserkare) 1514-1493

Thutmose I (Akheperkare) 1493-1481

Tutmose II

Queen Hetshepsut

Thutmoses III

Amenhotep II (Akheperure) 1427-1392

Amenhotep III Nebmaatre 1382-1344

Amenhotep IV Akhenaten 1352-36

Smekare

This Pharoah reigned for a very short time and is said to have been the half brother of Akhnatten.After the dissapearance of Nefertiti,Akhnatten is said to have taken Smekare as his principle queen or "Divine Consort."His relationship to Akhnatten is considered to be the first known bisexual relationship in history.During his reign it is believed that the Aten was still the main god.

Ay

Tutankhamun (Nebkheprure) 1336-27

Horemheb