Amenhotep picked up where hisfather left off, continuing the consolidation of the Egyptian state under a single pharaoh and redeveloping the country politically, economically, and diplomatically. He was not entirely un-warlike, however, and at least one campaign against Nubia is recorded. He strengthened the northeast border and restored the centralize administration and legal system. Most of the religious, artistic and architectural activities of his reign are directly based on the Middle Kingdom models.

Amenhotep I's building efforts were extensive -- he added to many temples (notably Karnak) and is known for monuments in Abydos, elKab, Saqqara, Kom Ombo, although his major work was at Thebes. He built an alabaster shrine (The "Menmenu") which is now reconstructed in the open air museum at Karnak. His focus on Thebes helped return the city to its prior status of the most important city in Egypt.

He was the first pharaoh to construct his memorials away from his actual tomb. Tomb robbers were well-known, so he built his tomb in an inconspicuous place in Thebes to avoid the looters. His tomb has not been positively identified, but there are several candidates in Thebes: one near Medinet Habu, another possibility is KV 39. Recently, some have suggested K93.11 in Draa Abu el-Naga.

Tomb 39 it he Valley of the Kings (KV 39) seems the most likely site for his burial. it may be the oldest in the valley -- which means that Amenhotep was the first king to start building tombs in this most-famous valley. It was discovered in 1900 by two locals from Luxor and in 1908 was descried as "ruined", which means that despite his best efforts, Amenhotep I's tomb was looted early on.

Recent excavations recovered some 1500 bags of artifacts (mostly potsherds, jar sealings, etc) and the remains of at least nine people in the tomb. The names of Thutmose I, Thutmose II and Amenhotep II have been found.

Amenhotep was declared a god upon his death by the priests in Thebes, as was his mother. They were revered as local protective deities.

pharaohs

Ahmose
Amenhotep I
Thutmose I
Thutmose II
Hatshepsut
Thutmose III
Amenhotep II
Thutmose IV
Amenhotep III
Amenhotep IV
Smenkhkare
Tutankhamun
Ay
Horemheb

monuments

tomb KV 39, Valley of the Kings
temple of Nekhbet
Temple of Amun, Karnak