Horemheb and the struggle for the throne of Tutankhamun

The author studies the question of rivalry, or even enmity, between the courtier Ay and the general Horemheb after the early demise of Tutankhamun. There is textual evidence that Horemheb was designated successor and that therefore his claim was legitimate. The answer to why Horemheb did not ascend the throne immediately after the death of Tutankhamun possibly lies in the foreign policy as viewed by the hawks of Horemheb's party and by the doves of Ay's party at the Egyptian court in connection with the unstable situation in Syria-Palestine owing to the rise of Hittite power there. Their army even defeated the Egyptians at Amki, in Egyptian territory, for which the Commander-in-chief Horemheb bore the ultimate responsibility. This defeat occurred very shortly after the king's sudden death. The letter of Ankhesenamun and the murder of prince Zannanza may be seen in this light. (OEB)