Amarna relief with an image of two soldiers

Limestone relief from a building, decorated with a carved scene showing two soldiers. The soldiers can be identified as Nubians (from Southern Egypt-Sudan) on account of the short wigs that they wear.

Nubians were seen as one of the traditional enemies of ancient Egypt because their territories bordered Egypt. Nubian soldiers fighting for Egypt were, however, well known and there are many references and depictions of them; they are typically shown with black skin.

The soldier on the left carries a round shield over his right arm and spear in his right hand; in his left hand he holds an axe. He appears to be naked. The soldier in front carries a rope in his right hand; the left hand is missing at the break. This figure appears to wear a garment, which is tied beneath his chest.

The block has traces of plaster wash and blue pigment. The size and proportion of the figures would suggest that this was a kind of block used in the Amarna period and known as a talatat block. These blocks were smaller than those typically used for Egyptian architecture in order to make building easier.

During this short period of rule there were extensive building programmes at the new capital city Ahketaten, often also called Amarna.

The Amarna period marked a significant shift in Egyptian art, moving away from traditional conventions to a more naturalistic and intimate portrayal of individuals. This relief sculpture exemplifies that transformation, offering valuable insights into the era’s artistic innovations.

New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty, Amarna Period, reign of Akhenaten, ca. 1353-1336 BC. Now in the Fitzwilliam Museum. E.GA.4514.1943