While we don’t have detailed accounts of how the Winter and Summer Solstices were exactly marked and specifically celebrated in Ancient Egypt, it is clear and evident that the Egyptians recognized the importance of the cycle of seasons, agriculture, and associated such with the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. All evidence suggests to...
Architecturally, the Osireion is unique due to its subterranean design, constructed at a much lower level than the surrounding Seti I’s temple, suggesting it was either built into an existing depression or the ground level has significantly changed over time. The structure features massive blocks of red granite, some weighing up to 100 tons, which...
In the grand tapestry of Ancient Egyptian divinity, Mut emerges as a goddess of both formidable stature and subtle grace. Her name, meaning “Mother,” captures the essence of her role as a maternal figure, embodying the creative and nurturing forces of the cosmos. Often regarded as the consort of Amun, and at times as the...
In Ancient Egypt, both cows and bulls held significant cultural, religious, and symbolic importance, though their roles and perceptions were quite distinct. Bulls were used in religious ceremonies not only because of their association with deities but also due to their symbolic representation of strength, fertility, and life’s renewal. Their sacrifice was a way to...
Despite its name, the obelisk was not from the reign of Cleopatra VII, but was originally erected by Thutmose III in the city of Heliopolis and later usurped and inscribed by Ramesses II. The obelisk was moved in 12 B.C. to Alexandria, where it remained for over 1,800 years. It is made of Aswan granite....
A pregnant Queen Ahmose, with her daughter (and future ruler of Egypt) Hatshepsut in utero. This scene is depicted within the walls of Hatshepsut’s funerary temple Djeser-Djeseru (“Holy of Holies”) and documents the mythos of Hatshepsut’s divine conception and birth, therefore giving her divine-right to the throne of Egypt. It is known as the Birth...
“Egypt Carrying the Light to Asia”, also known as “Progress”, was the proposal of erecting a neoclassical colossal statue at the Suez Canal entryway in Port Said, Egypt. Designed in the late 1860s by French artist Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the statue was planned to be that of a robed female named “Saeid Misr” or “Upper...
The Avenue of Sphinxes, also known as The King’s Festivities Road or Rams Road, is a 2.7 km (1.7 mi) path that connects Karnak Temple to Luxor Temple with sphinxes and ram-headed statues lining both flanks. Construction on the Avenue of Sphinxes began in the New Kingdom era and was completed in the Late Period...
Referred to as Asqanu in Egyptian texts and among the cities revolting against Ramesses II. Scenes of the battle for Ashkelon (including the one shown here) are shown on the walls of Ramesses’ temple at Karnak. The scene shows many activities taking place at once. The army of Ashkelon is being defeated in the center,...
The Colossi of Memnon (Arabic: el-Colossat or es-Salamat) are two colossal seated statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, which once would have flanked the entrance of the king’s Mortuary Temple, which was said to have finally been erected in 1350 B.C. The sculptures have 107 Roman-era inscriptions in Greek and Latin dated between 20 and 250...
