24. Ay

'Return to History 8 Egypt ID's

During the 18th dynasty Ay had great influence during the reign of Akhenaten and Tutankhamun. He was the Master of Horses at the court of Akhenaten. He was known as a military man like many men in this period. He became a Vizier and his “influence had effected the boy-king’s impressionable young mind.” King Tut was “probably under the care of Ay or Horemheb or both, who would have actually been the factual ruler of Egypt.”

It was believed that Ay had the motive to kill King Tut to get the thrown. Ay was probably 70 years old when inherited the thown and he reigned from 1325 to 1321 BC, a short four years. He married Tutankhamun's widow, Ankhesenamun, to become Pharaoh.

The name Ay means “Father of God.” His throne name was Kheperkheperu-re, meaning "Everlasting are the Manifestations of Re". He was buried in the Valley of the Kings and was succeeded by Horemheb.

http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/tut.htm

http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/ay.htm

Michael Urdahl