Six Temples at Thebes - Petrie, 1896

More reading material for those of you with an interest in the Theban (Luxor) West Bank. Of particular interest to this blog is the Temple of Wadjmose (Uazmes) in Chapter 1.


Some information supplied by Petrie includes:

• Discovered by Daressy in 1887
• Written texts on the clearance of the temple/ chapel did not appear in print (public)
• A possible restoration by Amenhotep III
• Brief comments on finds
• Temple/ chapel plan
• Diagram showing its position on the Theban West Bank.

Six Temples at Thebes, Petrie - 1896

From The Internet Archive.


Regards,
Stuart

Senenmut - Lover? Father figure?

Senenmut - Lover? Father figure?

I am not comfortable with the "lover" tag which is still being used to show the issues we have in explaining Senenmut’s closeness to Hatshepsut. To my knowledge no-one has yet proven that Senenmut was or wasn't "romantically involved" with Hatshepsut.

I will not go into detail here regards the "evidence" for each side of the discussion, the fact it is still being discussed says a lot. Sometimes we find archaeology which may help us with the jigsaw which is Ancient Egypt, other times we wish for such evidence, but do not know where to look.

Without argument, we know for sure that Senenmut was very close to Hatshepsut in his many roles conducted within her reign. One such role was as tutor to Neferure - a position repeatedly shown via his block tutor statues we see in museums around the world.

Was Senenmut considered by Hatshepsut as a father figure? Did the death of her father allow her to one day require another man to fill such a void in her life? If so, can we discount Senenmut?

Quite possibly, if Senenmut was indeed a father figure - someone whose advice was treated as a necessity - this may have led to the many benefits and titles awarded to Senenmut during his time in the employ of Hatshepsut. His own "words" in his Deir el Bahri tomb have been translated with romantic background meaning. Perhaps the relationship between these two human beings was mutual - a father/ daughter love, which would not have overstepped the barriers of Ancient Egyptian society.

In today's society, if a father, step-father, guardian says to their young ones "You are the most important person in my life, I love you with my heart and my sole. All i do so is for you and all that i am is because of you" these words will be taken in one way. A loving dedication, romantic and loving without ever overstepping the mark.

I wonder (without evidence) whether this particular angle is worth any time.Does anyone have any personal views on this subject which they would like to share?

Regards,

Stuart

"Scarabs and Cylinders With Names" by William Matthew Flinders Petrie

We are fortunate enough to have a number of quality (if dated) books which have been scanned, so that we may see them today. Many books and articles are available to us and its a joy hunting them down.

The following book, by Flinders Petrie, "Scarabs and Cylinders With Names", is one such book we can all see without the expense of a purchase. Available to download from ETANA it offers an insight into the scarabs and cylinders throughout Egypt's history.

There is a specific division into Dynasties, and is set out chronologically. Hatshepsut ("Hotshepsut") has a number of items included, which i will use for my research.

A very good insight into scarabs and cylinders. Enjoy.

Regards,
Stuart