The Case for Amenhotep II as the Pharoah of the Exodus
As to the character of his reign: he wielded considerable power and was known for his militaristic endeavors.
-
He lived much closer to Goshen than other monarchs did. He frequently ruled from Memphis rather than Thebes far to the south (where the other Pharaohs of the 18th dynasty reigned)
-
Conducted 2 major military campaigns in Canaan:
- One was during his 3rd year (in 1450).i>Another was during his 7th year (in 1446).i>After 1446 (i.e., after the Exodus) his military activities in the north--in Canaan--came to an abrupt halt.
-
His firstborn son did not inherit the throne. Instead, the power passed on to a younger son—who became Thutmose IV
- "Dream Stela" at the base of the Sphinx (near Memphis). It relates a dream where Thutmose IV was assured that he would one day be king (this is something that would be very unlikely to inscribe on stone if he would have been the natural heir--the firstborn son).
Source: Eugene Merrill, Kingdom of Priests.