AY

flourished 14th century BC also called Kheperkheprure Ay king of Egypt (reigned 132319 BC) who rose from the ranks of the civil service and the military to become king after the death of Tutankhamen, the last king of the 18th dynasty. Ay began his career either owing to his prestige as a son of the parents of Queen Tiy, wife of Amenhotep III, or else with the aid of his own wife, who was the nurse of Nefertiti, Akhenaton's queen. As Akhenaton's courtier, he became very close to the royal family, as shown by his title, god's father, and it has been suggested that he was Nefertiti's father. He also held an important army post and was the king's secretary. After Akhenaton's death, Ay's prestige and influence increased as he became King Tutankhamen's closest adviser. Ay guided Tutankhamen's reconciliation with the priesthood of Amon, which Akhenaton had persecuted. During this reign he acquired another military title, a very high religious office, and the posts of chancellor and vizier. Nonetheless, he remained loyal to the royal family that had promoted him. There is no clear evidence that he became Tutankhamen's coregent, but, when the young king unexpectedly died, Ay officiated at his funeral as his successor. When Tutankhamen's widow, Ankhesenamen, sought from the Hittite king in Anatolia a son whom she might marry and make king, it is not known whether she acted alone or on advice. The unfortunate prince, however, was intercepted and murdered. A ring with Ay's and Ankhesenamen's names, seen in 1932 in Cairo, has been construed as indicating that Ay became king through marriage with the heiress. Nonetheless, Ay's original wife remained his chief queen, as illustrated in his royal tomb. Ay built a fine funerary temple at Thebes, which incorporated innovations that later became standard. To his credit, he continued tolerance of the Aten as had Tutankhamen. Ay was already an old man at his accession, and he ruled only four years; lacking a son, he was succeeded by the general Horemheb.