Statue of King Ramesses III as Standard Bearer
GEM 5993

Statue of King Ramesses III as Standard Bearer

In the grandeur of the Karnak Temple in Thebes, a remarkable statue depicts King Ramesses III, one of Egypt’s last great pharaohs, standing in full ceremonial attire. Dating back to the 20th Dynasty (circa 1184–1153 BCE), this statue captures the king in the role of standard bearer—a powerful symbol of his divine and royal authority. Ramesses III is portrayed wearing a ceremonial wig with elaborate curls and the royal uraeus cobra symbol attached to his forehead—a mark of kingship and divine protection. In his right hand, he holds a royal standard, and in his left, a second one topped with the ram-headed emblem of the god Amun, one of the most sacred and revered deities in Egyptian religion. These standards, often carried during religious processions and state rituals, were not mere ornaments; they represented the king’s role as both sovereign and high priest. This dual identity—king and priest—was essential to the ideology of Egyptian kingship. Ramesses III, like many of his predecessors, was depicted as the chief celebrant in temple rituals, acting as an intermediary between the gods and the people. The presence of sacred emblems above the standards reflect ... Découvrez plus avec Premium !
Débloquez toute l'histoire de cet artéfactPassez à Premium pour accéder à la description complète, aux guides audio et au contenu exclusif de tous les artéfacts.Accédez à l'audio complet et à la description des principales œuvres du GEM pour seulement 1,99 $
Vous cherchez un autre artéfact ?
GEM
Recherchez le numéro GEM sur l'étiquette juste en dessous de l'artéfact.