The vizier in ancient Egypt | vizier's installation and duties In this article we will talk abut the Vizier in ancient Egypt and his power, rank, influence, and history. Egypt has a special geographical form, so it demanded careful administration. If administration was not good, it was difficult to maintain a centralized control over the whole land. the position of the vizier first appeared in the texts found in the tombs of the nobles and royal burials of the 1st dynasty especially a person called Hamaka, the minister of the king DEN. Who was the vizier in ancient Egypt? The vizier in ancient Egypt was the second position of the social pyramid after the king and the was the equivalent of the modern-day prime minister. Who was the first vizier of Egypt? According to our information, the first one who carried that title was Hamaka from the early dynastic period. Perhaps the most famous vizier during the Old Kingdom was Imhotep of the Pharaoh Djoser. Also, Imhotep the builder of the first Pyramid, the Step Pyramid and was later considered a god. Who could be a vizier? It was known that Pharaohs in ancient Egypt married many women but one of the them was the chief wife, daughter of a king and a queen. The sons from the chief wife will be the future kings but the sons from the secondary wives will be viziers, head of workers, scribes to make their mothers happy. We can say that during the 4th Dynasty, viziers were exclusively the sons of kings from the secondary wives but from the 5th dynasty the situation changed. We have some historical proves that a vizier became a king such as Amenemhat I who was the vizier of Mentuhotep IV and the first Pharaoh of the 12th
The vizier in ancient Egypt | vizier’s installation and duties In this article we will talk abut the Vizier in ancient Egypt and his power, rank, influence, and history. Egypt has a special geographical form, so it demanded careful administration. If administration was not good, it was difficult to maintain a centralized control over the
Medicine in ancient Egypt | The Art of Healing in ancient Egypt | Medical practice, Magic and religion Medicine in ancient Egypt and the medical practices come from medical papyri such as the Ebers papyrus, and the Edwin Smith Papyrus. Besides, the Hearst Papyrus, the London Medical Papyrus, and the tomb’s inscriptions and temple designs such as the Kom Ombo temple surgical instruments. Homer acknowledged in the Odyssey the following “In Egypt, men are more skilled in Medicine than any of humankind”. Also, on the walls of TT17, in the Valley of Nobles, the scribe, and doctor Nebamun from the 18th Dynasty, New Kingdom during the reign of Amenhotep II received a gift from a Syrian prince for his services. Meanwhile, Herodotus mentioned that King Cyrus of Persia has requested Amasis (Ahmose II of the 26th dynasty) to send him the most skillful of all the Egyptian eye doctors. Per Ankh (House of life) The oldest central institution in Kemet (Ancient Egypt). In other words, the oldest university in the world where people studied art, medicine, philosophy, and science. Doctors and mostly they were priests or scribes had to study few years in the Per Ankh to be a general doctor. This means each one treats one disease such as Otolaryngologist, Pediatrics, Dentist, and General internist. Overall and the most professional doctors were the doctor-healers and those who had to study for more years and practice more during their lifetime. Diseases in ancient Egyptian civilization Ancient Egyptians were not like the Sumerians and Babylonians saw the disease as a divine punishment. They saw death as the beginning of another everlasting life in the Duat so, they did their best to have two good life. They created a way to diagnose diseases and a way to treat them. What was the
Medicine in ancient Egypt | The Art of Healing in ancient Egypt | Medical practice, Magic and religion Medicine in ancient Egypt and the medical practices come from medical papyri such as the Ebers papyrus, and the Edwin Smith Papyrus. Besides, the Hearst Papyrus, the London Medical Papyrus, and the tomb’s inscriptions and temple designs
Isis | Origin, Facts & Symbol | Goddess of love, magic, motherhood in ancient Egyptian history Who is Isis? Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess of fertility, motherhood, and magic, was one of the most revered and powerful deities in ancient Egyptian religion. Known as the "Great of Magic," she was revered as a protector of the dead and a goddess of healing. Her cult spread throughout the ancient world, and she continues to be a powerful symbol of strength and compassion in modern culture. In this article, we will explore the mythology, origins, worship, symbolism, and artistic representations of the goddess Isis, and examine her enduring legacy in the world today. Mythology In ancient Egyptian mythology, Isis was the daughter of Geb, the god of the earth, and Nut, the goddess of the sky. She was also the sister of Osiris, the god of the afterlife, and Seth, the god of chaos. According to Osiris myth, Osiris was murdered by Seth, and Isis used her powers of magic to bring her brother husband back to life. This myth is significant because it connects Isis to the cycle of death and rebirth, and it also highlights her power as a goddess of magic. Isis was also closely associated with the Nile River, which was seen as the source of all life in ancient Egypt. It was believed that the annual flooding of the Nile was caused by the tears of Isis, which fertilized the land and brought new life. This connection to the Nile also made Isis a goddess of fertility and agriculture. Where did the goddess Isis originate? The origins of the goddess Isis are not well-documented, but it is believed that she was first worshipped in the predynastic period of Egypt, around 5000 BCE. Her cult grew in popularity
Isis | Origin, Facts & Symbol | Goddess of love, magic, motherhood in ancient Egyptian history Who is Isis? Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess of fertility, motherhood, and magic, was one of the most revered and powerful deities in ancient Egyptian religion. Known as the “Great of Magic,” she was revered as a protector of
Amun | Origin, Significance, Facts | Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses God Amun, also known as Amen or Ammon, was one of the most important and powerful deities in ancient Egyptian religion and culture. He was considered the supreme god and was associated with the sun, air, and fertility during the New Kingdom of Egypt. Zeus for the Greeks, he is Amun for ancient Egyptians, god of gods. Throughout ancient Egyptian history, Amun's cult and worship played a significant role in the religious, political, and cultural of the Egyptian civilization. This article will explore the origins and early history of Amun, his role in ancient Egyptian religion, the rise and decline of his cult, and his influence on art and architecture. It will examine the various factors that contributed to the god's significant impact on ancient Egypt, and how his legacy continues to be studied and understood today. Origins and early history of Amun The origin of Amun, like many ancient Egyptian gods, is uncertain and debated by scholars. However, it is believed that Amun was originally a local god of the city of Thebes, in Upper Egypt. He was associated with the air and the sun and was considered a god of fertility and regeneration. Amun's name means "hidden" or "concealed" which reflects his mysterious and unknowable nature. In the early years of ancient Egyptian history, Amun was not one of the major gods of the pantheon, but as the city of Thebes grew in power and influence, so did the worship of Amun. He was eventually combined with the god Ra, the sun god, to form Amun-Ra, a powerful creator god who was believed to have brought the world into existence. As Amun-Ra gained popularity, his cult spread throughout Egypt. Thebes became the main center of his worship
Amun | Origin, Significance, Facts | Ancient Egyptian Gods and Goddesses God Amun, also known as Amen or Ammon, was one of the most important and powerful deities in ancient Egyptian religion and culture. He was considered the supreme god and was associated with the sun, air, and fertility during the New Kingdom of Egypt.
Tomb of Sennefer | TT96 the tomb of the vineyards | Valley of Nobles Frankly speaking, if you are in Luxor and have time make sure you do not miss the tomb of Sennefer. Sennefer’s tomb is one of the most beautiful tombs in the Valley of Nobles on Luxor west bank. TT96 is known since the Greco-Roman era because of graffiti on the walls of the tomb. Here, you can see a different 18th Dynasty Nobles’ tomb style and part of the Egyptian civilization through the rich people. Besides, the importance of the ancient Egyptian religion in people’s life. The importance of the family in ancient Egypt in life and death. Who was Sennefer? Sennefer is one of the High Officials of the New Kingdom during the reign of Amenhotep II (1427-1400 BC), near the middle of the Eighteenth Dynasty. He became the Mayor of Thebes when his cousin Amenemopet was the Vizier of Upper Egypt. Sennefer Titles during his lifetime Sen Nefer or the good brother carried many titles during his life under Amenhotep II. Here are some of them Mayor of the city (Thebes) Overseer of the Granaries of Amun Overseer of the Herds of Amun Overseer of the gardens of Amun First friend of the palace, the king Ear of the King of Lower Egypt Lord of Kus Where is Sennefer’s tomb located? The tomb of Sennefer is located on Luxor west bank in the Upper Enclosure of the Sheikh Abd el-Qurna district of the Theban Necropolis opposite Luxor in the valley of Nobles. When was the tomb of Sennefer found? The tomb of Sennefer was known since antiquity. We know for sure that Englishman Robert Hay visited the tomb in 1826. Robert Hay copied the scenes of the tomb which is now in the British
Tomb of Sennefer | TT96 the tomb of the vineyards | Valley of Nobles Frankly speaking, if you are in Luxor and have time make sure you do not miss the tomb of Sennefer. Sennefer’s tomb is one of the most beautiful tombs in the Valley of Nobles on Luxor west bank. TT96 is known
Opet Festival in ancient Egypt | New Kingdom of Egypt | Egyptian Festivals What is the Opet Festival? The Opet Festival was one of the most important religious festivals in ancient Egypt, especially during the New Kingdom in Thebes. It was an annual festival during which the sacred barks of the triad of Thebes, Amun, Mut, and Khonsu journeyed from Karnak to Luxor and back since the 18th Dynasty. According to some, the Opet Festival continued into the Roman and the Coptic Period. What is the most important festival in Egypt? Ancient Egyptian history is very rich with feasts and celebrations since the beginning of history. For example, the Saqqara complex has a huge place where they were celebrating the Heb Sed Festival. Meanwhile, during the New Kingdom of Egypt when Luxor was the capital, we found a lot of their feast during that time. During the Greco-Roman era, temples such as Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae still keep a lot of these feasts decorating their walls. Surprisingly, the Palermo stone dates back to 2500 BC and mentioned many of these feasts. Feats in ancient Egypt varied from religious to political feasts allowing all people to share both rich and poor. In fact, one of the most important feasts in the past was the Opet Festival together with the beautiful feast of the Valley. Meanwhile, they have much more feasts like gods’ feasts such as Min Festival, Sokar Festival, Bastet, Hathor, and Isis. The Purpose of the Opet Festival? The purpose of this festival was to give energy to the Netjer—divine power—and to reestablish the pharaoh’s divine right to rule. Queen Hatshepsut who ruled Egypt as a Pharaoh during 1473–1458 BC) is believed to have been the first to develop and celebrate the Opet Festival. During her reign, the
Opet Festival in ancient Egypt | New Kingdom of Egypt | Egyptian Festivals What is the Opet Festival? The Opet Festival was one of the most important religious festivals in ancient Egypt, especially during the New Kingdom in Thebes. It was an annual festival during which the sacred barks of the triad of Thebes, Amun,
The temple of Ramesses III at Karnak Luxor | Barque Chapel of Ramesses III The location of the temple of Ramesses III The temple of Ramesses III is located inside Karnak temple on Luxor east bank of the Nile River. Barque Chapel of Ramesses III was built in the large open court lying between the first unfinished Pylon of Nectanebo I (380-362 BC) and the second pylon of Horemheb (1323- 1295 BC). Who is Ramesses III? Ramesses III was the second Pharoah of the 20th dynasty of the new Kingdom of ancient Egyptian history. His father Pharoah Seth Nakht founded the dynasty and Ramesses III followed him. King Ramesses III is considered the last great Egyptian Pharoah king after Ramesses II and Thutmose III. Meanwhile, three of his sons will rule Egypt later under the names Ramses IV, Ramses VI, and Ramses VIII. He led numerous military campaigns to defend Egypt’s borders against the Sea People, the Syrians, and the Euphrates people. Pharoah Ramesses III built Habu temple, KV 11 in the Valley of the Kings, besides his addition to Karnak temple and Luxor temple. Why the temple of Ramesses III was built? Ramesses III built this small temple following the pattern of the Egyptian temples and at his temple, the second Pylon was the end of the temple. King Seti II built his triple Barque Shrines to the north of the second Pylon. So, Ramesses III built his shrines to the south of the second Pylon as a resting place for the holy barques of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Probably, he wanted to store the Barques in a place carrying his name as Taharqa will do the same after that when he built the Taharqa kiosk in the open court. Who was the triad of Luxor? The triad of
The temple of Ramesses III at Karnak Luxor | Barque Chapel of Ramesses III The location of the temple of Ramesses III The temple of Ramesses III is located inside Karnak temple on Luxor east bank of the Nile River. Barque Chapel of Ramesses III was built in the large open court lying between the
