Ay

Ay was a prominent ancient Egyptian official who served as vizier under Tutankhamun and later became pharaoh, ruling as Kheperkheperure Ay. He began his career under Amenhotep III and rose to prominence during Akhenaten's reign. As a trusted advisor, he played a crucial role during Tutankhamun's young reign. After Tutankhamun's death, Ay married his widow, Ankhesenamun, to legitimize his claim to the throne. He ruled for approximately four years. His rise from official to pharaoh represents one of the few times in Egyptian history when someone of non-royal birth ascended to the throne. Ay worked to restore traditional religious practices after the Amarna period, continuing the process begun under Tutankhamun. His reign marked a transitional period between the end of the Eighteenth Dynasty and the rise of the military leader Horemheb.