Naos of King Nectanebo II
GEM 2734

Naos of King Nectanebo II

This granite naos—a sacred shrine-like container often used to house a divine statue—once belonged to King Nectanebo II, the final native ruler of ancient Egypt. He reigned during the 30th Dynasty, around 360–343 BCE, and his name is forever linked to one of the last chapters of Egypt’s independence before it fell under foreign rule. Naoi like this one were intricately carved from stone and placed in temples as focal points of worship. This particular example was found at the ruins of Hermopolis Magna, near modern-day El Ashmunein in Middle Egypt, which was a major center for the worship of Thoth, the god of w ... Discover more with Premium!
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