Tomb of Horemheb
The Tomb of Horemheb is in the necropolis of Saqqara, south of the
Step Pyramid. Horemheb was general under both Tutankhamun
(c.1332-1322 B.C.E.) and Ay (c.1322-1319 B.C.E.). This tomb was
under construction when he succeeded Ay as king.
He later began construction on a tomb in the Valley of the Kings.
This round-topped stela in the forecourt has a winged sun disk spreading its protection over the scene below. Horemheb offers to Maat, Thoth, and Re-Horakhty. Horemheb's linen garment flares beyond his arms and legs as he bows and raises his arms in reverence before the deities. The depiction of his body reveals the continuing influence of the naturalistic Amarna style. Notice his rolls of flesh, round belly, and thin limbs.
The deities reflect the traditional style of representation with the slender waist and broad shoulders. Each stands on a small plinth, and each holds in the right hand an ankh, the hieroglyphic symbol for life. Maat, goddess of truth, order, and the harmony of the universe, is on the far left. Her headdress is the single feather of truth, and the staff in her left hand has a papyrus blossom finial, probably symbolizing prosperity/beneficence. Thoth, god of wisdom, writing, and the moon, has the body of a man and the head of an ibis. He holds in his left hand a was scepter, symbolizing dominion. Re-Horakhty (Horus as god of the sun) has the body of a man and the head of a falcon. He also holds in his left hand a scepter.
The hieroglyphs on this stela are beautifully executed and indicative of the flexibility of the written language. Above and within the figures are vertical columns of hieroglyphs to be read from right to left. The direction to read is determined by which way the birds' / animal's / humans' face. The horizontal lines of hieroglyphs below the scene are also to be read from right to left and consist of an adoration of the setting sun.
SACRED PLACES AND TEACHINGS INDEX
CRYSTALINKS MAILING LIST, NEWSLETTER, UPDATES