hey guys i got a project on co-regency between akhenaten and Amenhotep III. Seeing my local libary ahs none of the books i need for the assignment and the internet didnt have much info either thought would ask you guys.

I have found heaps of reasons for co-regency but have strugled to find any theorys against co regency any info would be much appreciated.

I myself am neither for or against the co-regency theory. Neither argument is so strong that it is beyond a doubt, so I am open-minded about it.

The most damning evidence against the co-regency is probably in the evidence itself. In science, as we all know, theories are tested not by proving them right, but by proving them wrong. There is no evidence for the co-regency that cannot be proven wrong. But here are some other tidbits against:

1. There are many references to Amenhotep III ruling independantly, and Akhenaten ruling independantly
2. There is only one painting showing Akhenaten and Amenhotep together, which was painted after Amenhotep was already dead. If they had been co-regents they would likely have been in more than one painting together.
3. The Armana letters are written to one king -yes, the letters were typically adressed to simply "my lord" but if there were two rulers, it is common sense that they would be adressed as "my lords"
4. In a stela of Akhenaten he complains that the arguments he was hearing in his fifth year were worse than those of his fourth, and third... and goes on until Amenhoteps reign

But, if you are writting an essay I would recomend pointing out the flaws in the evidence for the co-regency rather than showing how Amenhotep and Akhenaten reigned independantly, it is much more effective in getting the message across, and scientificly acceptable.

Best of luck on your project

-Maharet