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The Pharaohs Of The New Kingdom

Decent Essays

According to ancient Egyptian belief, the primordial hillock first emerged from of the primeval waters of chaos in the land of Djanet, now know as the city of Thebes. This location was also believed to be the sacred burial grounds of the Ogdoad, enriching the land with a celestial power. It is here that we find the mortuary temple of Ramesses III, Medinet Habu. The pharaohs of the New Kingdom constructed these elaborate temples in order to honor themselves after death and unite with the divine world through cult practices. Modeled after the mortuary temple of Ramses II, Medinet Habu has served a range of purposes. It’s hosted the visiting gods of Amun, Mut, and Khonsu during the Festival of the Valley, it served as the site of history’s first documented protest during the food shortages and economic turmoil that plagued the land during the 29th year of Ramesses III’s reign, and when the Libyans invaded Thebes it served as a refuge for the fleeing residents. However, most importantly, this mortuary temple served as an earthly representation of cosmic structure, function, and regeneration. In essence, it symbolized a passage through the cosmic lifecycle , and via cult practice served as a portal into the divine world. This paper will examine the architectural structure and its symbolic importance to the cosmology of the ancient Egyptians. Further, it will explore the ideological implications of the text and imagery depicted throughout the temple. Lastly, it will analyze the

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