Ahmose Meritamen was the eldest daughter of Thutmose III. She is
appears to be the second queen to bear that name. The first was the sister-wife
of Kamose. X-ray's taken years ago estimate her age at death to be in the late
40's to 50. Since her father died at the age of 63, this would have meant she
was conceived when he was 13. It seems more probable that she was in her early
40's. Judging from Ahmose's age, her mother could have been non-other then
Neferure. After Neferure's disappearance in year 11, Thutmose III did not take a
major wife until year 23 (which may point to her death year). Add to that the
fact that Hatshepsut would hardly have approved a marriage which could produce a
male heir with anyone other then her daughter.
Before her
marriage to her half-brother, Ahmose's titles read:
"Kings Daughter, The Kings Sister, The Gods Wife and
Hand, Sweet in Love, (Ahmose Meritamen)|. Living like Re, The Mistress of the
Two Lands."
Thutmose's first documented 'Great Wife' was in year 23, to Sitioh
(Ahset/Setyah/Satiah). Her cartouche showed signs of having been erased, leading
most egyptologists to now conclude that Neferure's name was the original
occupant. Sitioh was the daughter of the royal nurse, Ipu. If Neferure and
Thutmose wed in year 11, they would have had sufficient time to produce heirs
for the throne before she died sometime in year 24.
Ahmose Meritamen was a good 20+ years older then her half-brother,
Amenhotep II. Such a discrepancy in age didn't seem to pose a problem. She was
an acknowledged heiress and the title was her right, regardless of the age
factor. Her half-brother was the son of Meritre Hatshepsut, a third great wife,
born around year 33. Meritre's mother was Huy, an Adorer of Amun and Atum &
Superintendant of the Harim. She was obviously connected to the royal house.
After a brief year or two as the Great Royal Wife, Ahmose passed away and was
replaced by a sister, Sitamen I. (a daughter of either Neferure or Meritre) Her
reign was to last somewhat longer and produce heirs.
