Ahhotep (r. 1570–1546 BCE)
Ahhotep (r. 1570–1546 bce)
Queen-regent of Egypt. Name variations: Ahotep. Ruled around 1570–1546 bce (there is some debate concerning the chronology of this period of Egyptian history as dates are dependent upon data derived from lunar observations; three separate chronologies have been put forth); children: Egyptian rulers King Kamose (d. 1570); Ahmose I (Ahmosi or Amasis), who is generally credited with founding the 18th Dynasty in Egypt; and daughter Ahmose-Nefertari (reigned around 1570–1546 bce).
While her son Ahmose I drove the Hyksos kings (rulers of ancient Egypt between the 13th and 18th dynasties) out of Egypt, Ahhotep ruled Thebes in Upper Egypt (modern-day Luxor), together with her daughter Ahmose-Nefertari (r. c. 1570–1546 bce). An 18th dynasty inscription of Ahhotep claims: "She assembled her fugitives. She brought together her deserters. She pacified her Upper Egyptians. She subdued her rebels." When Ahmose I returned, he married his sister Ahmose-Nefertari; they had a daughter Ahmose , mother of Hatshepsut , and a son Amenhotep I.