In this episode, we’ll be visiting a diorite statue of Amun Ra – King of the gods, from the new kingdom, 18th Dynasty at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo. Welcome to Art, Culture & Books with me, Anthony King.
This diorite statue from the New Kingdom’s 18th dynasty (1550 to 1292 BC) which was discovered at Karnak, represents Amun, an influential figure among the eight original Egyptian deities. Throughout history, Amun’s significance transformed; during the Middle Kingdom, he ascended to the position of the deities’ leader, and by the New Kingdom, he attained national reverence. Over time, Amun merged with Ra, the ancient sun god, resulting in the amalgamation known as Amun-Ra, with the Karnak Temple serving as the focal point of worship.
In his role as the principal deity of the Egyptian Empire, Amun-Ra’s influence extended beyond Egypt, as documented by ancient Greek historians. It’s said that he identified as Zeus Ammon and Jupiter Ammon, he found recognition in Greece as Zeus and in Rome as Jupiter.
The wind god Amun’s association with the solar deity Ra and the fertility and creation god Min led to the multifaceted nature of Amun-Ra, embodying traits of a solar, creator, and fertility deity.
By Anthony King (c)