Author: ancientegyptblog7

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Hieroglyphic Flash Cards

An Offering the King Gives π“‡“π“π“Š΅π“™

Let’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to look at the following phrase: π“‡“π“π“Š΅π“™ – β€œAn Offering the King Gives.”

An Offering the King Gives π“‡“π“π“Š΅π“™
An Offering the King Gives π“‡“π“π“Š΅π“™ as seen on a Middle Kingdom sarcophagus at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.

π“‡“π“π“Š΅π“™, better known as the Offering Formula is probably the most common hieroglyphic phrase you will see in a museum. The Offering Formula is found on all different types of funerary objects π“ˆŽπ“‚‹π“‹΄π“π“π“Š­ such as stelae π“Ž—π“…±π“†“π“‰Έπ“ͺ, sarcophagi π“ŽŸπ“‹Ήπ“ˆ–π“π“Š­π“¦, statues 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾π“ͺ, and false doors.

The purpose of the Offering Formula was to allow the deceased 𓅓𓏏𓏱 to partake in and accept offerings π“Š΅π“π“Šͺ𓏏𓏔𓏦. These offerings could be either the deceased 𓅓𓏏𓏱 making an offering to a god π“ŠΉ (usually Osiris π“Ήπ“Š¨π“€­ or Anubis π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“Šͺ𓅱𓃣) or the deceased 𓅓𓏏𓏱 accepting offerings π“Š΅π“π“Šͺ𓏏𓏔𓏦 directly from family members.

What we are looking at today is the first part of the Offering Formula: π“‡“π“π“Š΅π“™. This translates to β€œAn Offering the King Gives…”

𓇓 – King

π“π“Š΅ – Offering (shortened version of π“Š΅π“π“Šͺ𓏏𓏔𓏦)

𓏙 – Gives

Let’s break down each of the hieroglyphic symbols!

The β€œSedge 𓇓” symbol functions as a biliteral phonogram and is associated with the sound β€œsw.” Most commonly, the symbol is used as an ideogram for the word β€œKing,” which is associated with the sound β€œnswt.”

The β€œflat loaf of bread 𓏏” is a uniliteral phonogram used to represent the sound β€œt.” It also functions as the ideogram for the word β€œbread 𓏏𓏺” and can be used to make words feminine when placed at the end of the word!

The β€œbread loaf on a mat π“Š΅β€ symbol is a triliteral phonogram for the sound β€œαΈ₯tp” and is also an ideogram for β€œoffering slab” which is also associated with the sound β€œαΈ₯tp.”

The β€œbread mold 𓏙” symbol is functions as a phonogram for β€œd” or β€œαΈj” and also as β€œrdj” in the word for β€œgive.”

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Hieroglyphic Flash Cards

Words Spoken By π“†“π“Œƒπ“‡‹π“ˆ–

Let’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to look at the common phrase “Words Spoken By π“†“π“Œƒπ“‡‹π“ˆ–.”

Words Spoken By π“†“π“Œƒπ“‡‹π“ˆ–
“Words Spoken By π“†“π“Œƒπ“‡‹π“ˆ–” as seen in hieroglyphs from a Middle Kingdom coffin at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

β€œ π“†“π“Œƒπ“‡‹π“ˆ–β€ is a really popular introduction to an inscription π“Ž˜π“…±π“Ž– and it translates to β€œWords spoken by… π“†“π“Œƒπ“‡‹π“ˆ–.” If you know this phrase, you’ll be able to recognize the beginning of a lot of inscriptions!

β€œπ“†“π“Œƒπ“‡‹π“ˆ–β€ is usually followed by the name π“‚‹π“ˆ– of a god π“ŠΉ or goddess π“ŠΉπ“, so if you know the names of popular deities π“ŠΉπ“ŠΉπ“ŠΉ you’ll be able to read that part too!

The β€œcobra 𓆓” is a phonogram, which means that it is a symbol that represents sounds, and is usually part of a larger word! The cobra 𓆓 is a uniliteral sign, so it represents just one consonant. It represents the sound β€œαΈβ€ which would almost sound like a β€œj” when pronounced.

The β€œstaff or walking stick π“Œƒβ€ functions as both a phonogram (in this phrase) and as an ideogram (for the word β€œ staff π“Œƒπ“Ίβ€). π“Œƒ is a triliteral phonogram symbol and represents the three consonant sound β€œmdw.”

The β€œreed 𓇋” is a uniliteral phonogram for β€œΔ±Ν—,” however it can also function as an ideogram for the word β€œreed 𓇋𓏺.”

The β€œripple of water π“ˆ–β€ is also a uniliteral phonogram. The β€œπ“ˆ–β€ is associated with the sound of β€œn!”

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Egyptian Artifacts

Talatat of Akhenaten

These small π“ˆ–π“†“π“‹΄π“…© limestone π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“ˆ™π“Œ‰ blocks are called β€œTalatat” and were used solely during the reign π“‹Ύπ“ˆŽπ“ of the pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 Akhenaten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…žπ“π“ˆ–! These were used in the construction of the Aten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³ temple π“‰Ÿπ“π“‰ at Karnak (this construction started when he was still Amenhotep IV π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“Š΅π“ŠΉπ“‹Ύπ“Œ€) and the palace π“‚π“Ž›π“π“‰₯𓉐 at Akhetaten π“ˆŒπ“π“‰π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“Š–. Akhetaten π“ˆŒπ“π“‰π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“Š– was the capital of Egypt π“†Žπ“…“π“π“Š– during the reign π“‹Ύπ“ˆŽπ“ of Akhenaten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…žπ“π“ˆ–. 

Talatat of Akhenaten
Talatat from Amarna at the MET. The top talatat shows an image of the pharaoh Akhenaten

The top Talatat in the picture 𓏏𓅱𓏏 was part of a much larger relief which was the pinnacle image of the time – Akhenaten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…žπ“π“ˆ– and the royal family (including Nefertiti π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“„€π“„€π“„€π“„€π“„€π“‡π“π“­) receiving β€œAnkhs 𓋹” which is the symbol for β€œLife” from the Aten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³. 

The Talatat were unique because they were so small π“ˆ–π“†“π“‹΄π“…© that a single worker could carry one and put it into place. This was meant to expedite construction and make building a lot faster. The Talatat are also unique because they were only used during the reign π“‹Ύπ“ˆŽπ“ of Akhenaten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…žπ“π“ˆ–, and were never used again. 

Even though originally from Amarna π“ˆŒπ“π“‰π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“Š–, these Talatat were actually found in other places across Egypt π“†Žπ“…“π“π“Š–.Β  After Akhenaten’s π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…žπ“π“ˆ– reign π“‹Ύπ“ˆŽπ“, his monuments 𓏠𓏍 were destroyed and building materials were used by other pharaohs 𓉐𓉻𓏦!

I like to think of this as an ancient Egyptian recycling program! It’s truly fascinating to see not only how the ancient Egyptians procured some of their building materials, but also to understand the intent behind them. Since Akhenaten was to be “erased” from history, his monuments were destroyed and the materials repurposed.

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Video

Tour of Gallery 122

Let’s go on a tour of Gallery 122 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art!

@ancientegyptblog

One of my favorite things about the Metropolitan Museum of Art are these little β€œhidden” galleries that are off-shoots of the main galleries! This is Gallery 122, and it’s one of my favorites because this gallery houses many Amarna-era pieces along with pieces from the 19th Dynasty! The 18th and 19th Dynasties are my favorite parts of Egyptian History! There are so many little and wonderful hidden treasures in these rooms! They may not be the β€œbig-ticket must-see” artifacts, but they have their own unique charms and history and I love them! Among the pieces in this gallery are Amarna-age trial pieces, broken pieces of statues 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾 of Akhenaten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…œπ“π“ˆ–/Nefertiti π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“„€π“„€π“„€π“„€π“„€π“‡π“π“­, many different ushabti π“…±π“ˆ™π“ƒ€π“π“­π“€Ύ figures, flowers 𓆼𓅱𓆰𓏦 from the funeral of Tutankhamun π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“π“…±π“π“‹Ήπ“‹Ύπ“‰Ίπ“‡“, a wooden statue 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾 of Anubis π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“Šͺ𓅱𓃣, lots of pottery π“ π“ˆ–π“‡‹π“‹ shards and so much more! I hope you enjoy this little gallery tour! Follow me to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, Egyptian mythology, art, culture and more! This is my personal video and original text. DO NOT repost. #ancientEgypt #egyptianhistory #egyptianmythology #metropolitanmuseumofart #metmuseum #egyptology #ancientegyptblog #anticoegitto #egitto

♬ Glimpse (Slowed + Reverb) – Gabriel AlbuquerqΓΌe

One of my favorite things about the Metropolitan Museum of Art are these little β€œhidden” galleries that are off-shoots of the main galleries! Gallery 122, is one of my favorites because this gallery houses many Amarna-era pieces along with pieces from the 19th Dynasty! The 18th and 19th Dynasties are my favorite parts of Egyptian History!Β 

There are so many little and wonderful hidden treasures in these rooms! They may not be the β€œbig-ticket must-see” artifacts, but they have their own unique charms and history and I love them! 

Among the pieces in this gallery are Amarna-age trial pieces, broken pieces of statues 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾 of Akhenaten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…œπ“π“ˆ–/Nefertiti π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“„€π“„€π“„€π“„€π“„€π“‡π“π“­, many different ushabti π“…±π“ˆ™π“ƒ€π“π“­π“€Ύ figures, flowers 𓆼𓅱𓆰𓏦 from the funeral of Tutankhamun π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“π“…±π“π“‹Ήπ“‹Ύπ“‰Ίπ“‡“, a wooden statue 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾 of Anubis π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“Šͺ𓅱𓃣, lots of pottery π“ π“ˆ–π“‡‹π“‹ shards and so much more! 

I hope you enjoy this little gallery tour! 

This is my personal video and original text. DO NOT repost.Β 

Follow me @ancientegyptblog on Instagram and TikTok to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, mythology, culture and most importantly, my Nonno!

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Reading Hieroglyphs

Name of Thutmosis I or Thutmosis II?

Have you ever asked yourself “Are these hieroglyphs the name of Thutmosis I 𓇳𓉻𓆣𓂓 or Thutmosis II π“‡³π“‰»π“†£π“ˆ–?” The names are so similar, that if you’re reading hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ, you probably have!

The discovery of the tomb π“‡‹π“‡©π“Šƒπ“‰ of Thutmosis II π“‡³π“‰»π“†£π“ˆ– is so exciting and I cannot wait to learn more about this discovery!! The 18th Dynasty is my favorite time period, and Hatshepsut π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“ŽΉπ“π“„‚π“π“€Όπ“ͺ is my favorite pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 so I am really excited about all of the new information that can be learned from this discovery!

In celebration of this wonderful discovery, Let’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ!

Thutmosis I or Thutmosis II
A display of scarabs which show the names of the 18th Dynasty pharaohs Thutmosis I and Thutmosis II. This display is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. Can you find the name of Thutmosis II amongst the Thutmosis I scarabs?

In this beautiful 𓄀𓆑𓂋 display of scarabs 𓐍π“Šͺ𓂋𓂋𓆣π“ͺ at the MET, there is a collection with the names π“‚‹π“ˆ–π“¦ of the pharaohs 𓉐𓉻π“₯ Thutmosis I 𓇳𓉻𓆣𓂓 and Thutmosis II π“‡³π“‰»π“†£π“ˆ–. Except there is a mistake in the display – one of the scarabs 𓐍π“Šͺ𓂋𓂋𓆣π“ͺ in the Thutmosis I 𓇳𓉻𓆣𓂓 section actually belonged to Thutmosis II π“‡³π“‰»π“†£π“ˆ–!

Can you find it? Scroll below to see the answer once you’ve looked!Β 

Thutmosis I or Thutmosis II

It’s the scarab 𓐍π“Šͺ𓂋𓂋𓆣 in the bottom row, second from the left! The throne names π“‚‹π“ˆ–π“¦ of Thutmosis I 𓇳𓉻𓆣𓂓 and Thutmosis II π“‡³π“‰»π“†£π“ˆ– are very similar to each other – there is only a one hieroglyph difference between the two! 

Let’s take a closer look at the names: 

𓇳𓉻𓆣𓂓 – β€œGreat 𓉻 is the Manifestation 𓆣 of the soul π“‚“ of Ra 𓇳” (Thutmosis I)

π“‡³π“‰»π“†£π“ˆ– – β€œGreat 𓉻 is the Manifestation 𓆣 of π“ˆ– Ra 𓇳” (Thutmosis II) 

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Egyptian Artifacts

World Hippopotamus Day

Apparently yesterday 𓋴𓆑𓇳 was World Hippopotamus π“Œ‰π“π“ƒ― Day and I missed it! I guess it’s not that big of a deal because I feel like every day π“ŽŸπ“‡³ is hippo π“Œ‰π“π“ƒ― day to me! This picture 𓏏𓅱𓏏 is the last time I saw William at the MET before I moved to Florida, and yes I was crying!Β 

World Hippopotamus Day
Me with my plush William (and the real William) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. I was crying in this picture because I don’t know when I will see William in person next as I have moved to Florida!

It’s no mystery that I love the blue 𓇋𓁹𓏏𓄿𓏸π“₯ faience π“‹£π“ˆ–π“π“Έπ“Ό hippos π“Œ‰π“π“ƒ―π“¦ that were common during the Middle Kingdom! β€œWilliam” is the name π“‚‹π“ˆ– given to the blue 𓇋𓁹𓏏𓄿𓏸π“₯ faience π“‹£π“ˆ–π“π“Έπ“Ό hippo π“Œ‰π“π“ƒ― at the MET! William was made in the first part of the 12th Dynasty (c. 1961–1878 B.C.E.) and was found in a tomb π“‡‹π“‡©π“Šƒπ“‰ in Upper Egypt 𓇓. 

In Egypt π“†Žπ“…“π“π“Š–, hippos π“Œ‰π“π“ƒ―π“¦ were both feared and respected π“ˆ™π“†‘π“„…. They were feared because they were one of the most dangerous animals in the Nile Valley 𓇗. 

However, hippos π“Œ‰π“π“ƒ―π“¦ were also thought to be powerful protectors π“…“π“‚π“Ž‘π“€œ against evil, which is why statues 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾π“ͺ such as Willam were placed in tombs π“‡‹π“‡©π“Šƒπ“‰! If you look closely though, three of William’s legs have been restored – they were probably broken off in antiquity to protect the deceased 𓅓𓏏𓏱 from the hippopotamus π“Œ‰π“π“ƒ―! 

A closeup image of William at the MET! This image clearly shows the painted Lotus flowers and his restored legs!

William has lotus flowers 𓆸π“ͺ painted all over him to associate him with rebirth π“„Ÿπ“Ώπ“…± and regeneration! William is most likely painted blue 𓇋𓁹𓏏𓄿𓏸π“₯ to represent the Nile River π“‡‹π“π“‚‹π“…±π“ˆ—π“ˆ˜π“ˆ‡π“Ί.Β 

I hope everyone had a wonderful World Hippopotamus π“Œ‰π“π“ƒ― Day!

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Blog

Five Years

It’s been five years since my Nonno passed away and I still have no words to describe how much I miss my Nonno. The pain I felt on this day five years ago is still ever present and is something that will probably never go away. 

My Nonno was such a big part of my life and everything reminds me of him. The most obvious one, ancient Egypt, reminds me the most of him. My apartment is littered with not only his ancient Egyptian trinkets but also his books. My brain is full of all the wonderful things he taught me. My soul is filled with the passion for ancient history that he instilled in me. 

But it’s not only ancient Egypt – it’s Disney World, anything Italian, even my vacuum cleaner (because he gave it to me). I can’t even clean without a reminder that he isn’t here with us anymore. I can’t ride the Haunted Mansion, Tower of Terror, and the Peoplemover without remembering how much he loved those rides and how much I wish he could be here in Florida with me to enjoy them. 

β€œBut what is grief if not love persevering?” is a quote from WandaVision that I think about frequently and I feel accurately describes my emotions. My grief/love will always be present – and I think that’s the curse of being so lucky. I was so lucky to have my Nonno and to be his granddaughter. 

Five Years
One of my selves dedicated to my Nonno – the Hatshepsut Stela from the Vatican he gave me, the picture frame is his, and in the picture frame is my favorite picture of us from our trip to Pompeii in July of 2024.

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Egyptian Artifacts

Head of Akhenaten or Nefertiti?

The MET has this piece listed as β€œHead of Akhenaten or Nefertiti” but to me, the head looks more like Nefertiti π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“„€π“„€π“„€π“„€π“„€π“‡π“π“­ than Akhenaten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…œπ“π“ˆ–! Let me know who you think this piece looks more like in the comments!  

This piece is dated to c. 1353–1336 B.C.E., which unsurprisingly is during the reign π“‹Ύπ“ˆŽπ“ of Akhenaten π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“…œπ“π“ˆ–. The piece was found during the 1891-1892 excavations of Akhetaten π“ˆŒπ“π“‰π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“Š– (present-day Amarna) by Flinders Petrie and Howard Carter. 

The bust was found in one of the sculptor’s π“‹΄π“‹Ήπ“ˆ–π“π“€€ workshops. The sculptor’s π“‹΄π“‹Ήπ“ˆ–π“π“€€ workshops in Akhetaten π“ˆŒπ“π“‰π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“Š– have been the source of many beautiful 𓄀𓆑𓂋 pieces from this time period. I love the artifacts that are found in an unfinished state because it gives such insight into how these incredible ancient Egyptian artists worked and it shows that even the most grand of pieces started off in humble states! If this piece had been finished, would it have looked like the famous Bust of Nefertiti π“‡‹π“π“ˆ–π“‡³π“„€π“„€π“„€π“„€π“„€π“‡π“π“­? Or was the piece just meant to be a trial piece and this was what it was supposed to look like?

One of my favorite things about this account is I get to learn as I am teaching! I did not know the word for β€œsculptor π“‹΄π“‹Ήπ“ˆ–π“π“€€β€ off the top of my head so I looked it up! One of the alternative translations for β€œsculptor π“‹΄π“‹Ήπ“ˆ–π“π“€€β€œ is β€œLife Giver” which I find so fascinating – it really gives insight into the Egyptian culture because the image 𓏏𓅱𓏏 or statue 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾 of a person could give 𓏙 life π“‹Ή to them after death! 

Follow me to learn all about ancient Egypt, hieroglyphs, Egyptian mythology, art, culture and more! 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Egyptian Artifacts

The Apis Bull

These are bronze π“ˆ”π“€π“ˆ’π“¦ statues 𓏏𓅱𓏏𓀾 of the Apis Bull π“Ž›π“‘π“Šͺ𓃒. The worship 𓇼𓄿𓀒 of the Apis Bull π“Ž›π“‘π“Šͺ𓃒 can actually be traced back to as early as the First Dynasty! 

The Apis Bull π“Ž›π“‘π“Šͺ𓃒 was associated with fertility and rebirth π“„Ÿπ“Ώπ“…± and was mostly worshipped 𓇼𓄿𓀒 in Memphis π“ π“ˆ–π“„€π“†‘π“‚‹π“‰΄π“Š– near the Ptah π“Šͺπ“π“Ž›π“± Temple π“‰Ÿπ“π“‰. People would travel from various locations to the temple π“‰Ÿπ“π“‰ just to worship 𓇼𓄿𓀒 the Apis Bull π“Ž›π“‘π“Šͺ𓃒, and the mother 𓅐𓏏 of the Apis Bull π“Ž›π“‘π“Šͺ𓃒. 

While Hathor 𓉑 is probably the most famous of the cow 𓄀𓆑𓂋𓏏𓃒 deities π“ŠΉπ“ŠΉπ“ŠΉ, the Apis Bull π“Ž›π“‘π“Šͺ𓃒 was also very widely worshipped 𓇼𓄿𓀒 and represented eternity π“Ž›π“‡³π“Ž› and the harmonious balance of the whole universe. The Apis Bull π“Ž›π“‘π“Šͺ𓃒 was usually associated with the pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 which is probably why a lot of pharaohs 𓉐𓉻𓏦 were referred to with the title of the β€œstrong bull 𓂑𓃒.” This was to represent the strength 𓄇𓏏𓂝𓏭 and vitality of the pharaoh 𓉐𓉻. 

Usually a live bull π“‚‹π“ˆ–π“ˆ–π“ƒ’ was used to be worshipped, and the bull π“‚‹π“ˆ–π“ˆ–π“ƒ’ needed to have special markings on it such as a triangle shape on its forehead, or patches that represented wings π“‚§π“Œ³π“π“†ƒπ“¦ on its body. When the bull π“‚‹π“ˆ–π“ˆ–π“ƒ’ that was being worshipped 𓇼𓄿𓀒 as the Apis Bull π“Ž›π“‘π“Šͺ𓃒 died, it was embalmed π“‹΄π“‚§π“π“…±π“Ž and buried elaborately. A new bull π“‚‹π“ˆ–π“ˆ–π“ƒ’ would then take its place. 

One of the easiest ways to recognize the Apis Bull π“Ž›π“‘π“Šͺ𓃒 in statuary is by looking for the sun disc 𓇳 on its head, and the elaborate cloth that is decorating the back of its body. In this picture it’s hard to see the triangle on its forehead that usually represented the Apis Bull π“Ž›π“‘π“Šͺ𓃒, but it is there! 

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Categories
Egyptian Artifacts

Great Sphinx of Tanis

Did you know that this sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ in the Louvre is one of the largest outside of Egypt π“†Žπ“…“π“π“Š–?

The sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ is known as the β€œGreat Sphinx of Tanis” because it was found in the ruins of the Temple π“‰Ÿπ“π“‰ of Amun-Ra π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“Ίπ“‡³ in Tanis π“†“π“‚π“ˆ–π“π“Š–! Tanis π“†“π“‚π“ˆ–π“π“Š– was the capital of Egypt π“†Žπ“…“π“π“Š– from the 21st-23rd Dynasties. 

The sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ is made of red granite π“…“π“Œ³π“π“ŽΆ which is an extremely strong 𓄇𓏏𓂝𓏭 and durable rock π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‚‹π“ˆ™! Red granite π“…“π“Œ³π“π“ŽΆ was very valued not only for its pink color but its durability. As you can see, the sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ retained its beautiful π“„€ features really well due to the characteristics of the rock π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‚‹π“ˆ™

This sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ is so interesting because the cartouches of the pharaohs 𓉐𓉻𓏦 Merneptah π“‡³π“ƒ’π“ˆ–π“ˆ˜π“ŠΉπ“ŠΉπ“ŠΉ (19th Dynasty) and Sheshonq I π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“Œ»π“†·π“†·π“ˆ–π“ˆŽ (22nd Dynasty) are both seen on the sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€.  Why are two 𓏻 pharaoh’s 𓉐𓉻 names π“‚‹π“ˆ–π“¦ there?  Well, the Egyptians π“†Žπ“π“€€π“π“ͺ used to recycle monuments, a process called “usurping.” The practice of usurping was when the current pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 would take old pharaoh’s 𓉐𓉻 names π“‚‹π“ˆ–π“¦ off of monuments 𓏠𓏍 and put their own there! It is basically ancient plagiarism and it occurred quite frequently. 

Some Egyptologists say this sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ actually dates back to the Old Kingdom, as the face 𓁢𓏺 doesn’t represent any known pharaoh 𓉐𓉻! A book that I have says the sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ dates to the Middle Kingdom. We will probably never know when the sphinx π“Ž›π“…±π“ƒ­π“€ was carved which is both fascinating and frustrating at the same time! 

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