Carmel-Ann Dimarco
SECTION II - HSC Ancient History
HSC RESEARCH AND ORAL – RAMESSIDE SOCIETY
Outline the main characteristics of Amun-Re during
the Ramesside period.
OUTLINE: sketch in general terms; indicate the main features of
 Identify titles
 Translation of name
 Physical appearance
 Animal form
(4)
Amun-Re was principally associated with the title, “King of Gods”
(“Amon-Re nesu netjeru”). Being such an influential divinity, he was
commonly referred to by a number of names such as, the Lord of Karnak,
Lord of Eternity and Everlastingness, Lord of Truth, and Father of the
Gods and man. Originating in the separate form of Amun and Re, both
similarly attained the image of a “creator” and “sun” god. The
syncretism of the two prominent deities, promoted Amun-Re as the chief
of state Gods. His name can be translated into “the hidden one” or
“what is concealed and invisible”. The Egyptians however, were unable
to form one specific “nomen” for the God, therefore addressing his
complex nature by identifying him as “asha renu”, meaning “rich in
names”. Amun-Re is often portrayed wearing a large crown with two
vertically divided feathers (Lord of Great Two Feathered Crowns). In his
left hand, he is generally shown holding an Ankh and is envisaged with a
hugely-erected phallus. Anthropomorphically represented, both the Nile
Goose and the Ram are particularly sacred to the deity.
Describe the role of Amun-Re during this period.
(6)
DESCRIBE: provide characteristics and features





Restore polytheism
Support and partner with Pharaoh
Renew reign of Pharaoh
Protect
Support ordinary Egyptians
The restoration and re-birth of Amun-Re during the 19th
Dynasty, assisted the Ramesside Pharaohs in re-establishing
the lost concept of polytheism. It was through the deity’s
connections to other significant Gods that made this role
possible, as he linked with, for example, Montu (Amun-ReMontu), Horakhty (Amun-Re-Horakhty) and Min (Min-Amun). It
should be noted that Amun-Re was not attempting to create a
new deity, however aimed to develop a unity amongst Gods,
further promoting the idea of polytheism.
Amun-Re attained the role of working in conjunction with the
Pharaoh. Frequently being recognised as the “father of the
monarch”, it was this deity who ruled the land of Egypt only
through the Pharaoh. The role of Amun-Re to support and
develop a form of partnership with the King was therefore
necessary to maintain stability, harmony and order (Maat)
within the society.
On an annual basis, it was necessary for the King to reinstate their
position as a high leader. The Opet Festival substantially hosted this
process where the King’s connection to Amun-Re was assessed. If the
influential deity approved, the Pharaoh would be free to govern for an
additional year, thus, reinforcing Amun-Re’s responsibility to renew the
reign of the Egyptian ruler.
Amun-Re became known as a protector God, which was verified at the
Battle of Kedesh as he miraculously saved Ramesses II from death. Wall
reliefs have been recruited, displaying the God offering a King in battle
a scimitar and spells found within the Book of the Dead, state methods
to prevent and heal an injury. Above all, papyri containing hymns reveal
Amun-Re’s ability to “come at the voice of the poor”, acting as a
protective force and saviour.
Most importantly, Amun-Re held the responsibility to support ordinary
Egyptians. The Beautiful Feast of the Valley allowed individuals to visit
lost relatives, securing their journey and existence within the afterlife
as Amun-Re was metaphorically present. Amun-Re established personal
piety, which provided the Egyptians with moral directions and ethical
instructions. It can be conceded that not only did Amun-Re manage to
sustain a solid role in the affairs of the Pharaoh; however he
fundamentally protected and supported ordinary Egyptians.
With reference to Source 1, explain the importance of
Amun-Re during the Ramesside period.
(10)
 Creation
EXPLAIN: relate cause and effect;
make the relationship between
things evident; provide why
and/or how
 Impact on Pharaoh
 Saviour
 Legitimised reign
 Provided assistance with
reign
 Impact on Egyptians
 Cult
The importance of Amun-Re during the Ramesside period can be attributable to a
number of contributing factors, such as, the mythological creation, his immense
influence on the Pharaoh and impact on ordinary Egyptians.
The first element, which significantly mirrors the extraordinary power and ability
of Amun-Re, relates to the mythological creation account. According to one
legend, mythical waters of chaos existed, which instigated a primeval swamp when
seeds were sent through. The Amun Priesthood further suggest that Amun-Re
appeared on a mound, masturbated and produced Shu and Tefnut, Gods of air and
moisture respectively. This marked the creation of the universe, as the divinity
further generated light and established living creatures.
As Amun-Re became known as the primeval creation god, his significance and
contribution to the origins of the universe reflect the highly proficient stance the
Egyptians devoted towards him. The Hypostyle Hall located within the Temple of
Amun-Re in Karnak, allows the annual flood of the Nile to flow across the floors,
forming a natural essence of the mythology. This enabled its successor Ramesses II
to restore life of the society and gods, bring order out of chaos (isfet) and make a
statement that this Dynasty represents a re-birth and renaissance for Egypt.
Moreover, the emergence of such a rich, cultural tradition carried out
independently and by the thoughts and will of the creator deity, highlights the
phenomenon as the spectacular work of Amun-Re. It is from this extreme devotion
that the divinity was of supreme importance during the Ramesside period.
Specifically at the Battle of Kedesh, the high dependency and
prominence placed on Amun-Re became clear. Ramesses II was at
the point of death during this war, when he begun to plead and pray
to the God. Proving his supremacy and capabilities, Amun-Re
saved Ramesses II, exemplifying the many battles in which the God
had beneficially became involved in. This reliance on Amun-Re,
further underlines his importance within society.
Illustrating and publicising the connection attained with Amun-Re
was essential for the Pharaoh to legitimise their reign. Both Seti I
and Ramesses II successfully accomplished this by stating they
were the “chosen one of Re”. Ramesses II further launched his
titulary or nomen as “Ramesses-Meryamun”, meaning “Born of Re,
beloved of Amun”. Many other Pharaohs additionally incorporated
his name within their titularies. Consequently, the considerable
extent to which Pharaohs aimed to legitimise their position further
reinstates the importance of Amun-Re within the society.
Source 1 emphasises the assistance Amun-Re provided the Pharaoh
with during his reign. Specifically within this image, Seti I is
centred with Amun-Re and Khnum surrounding, as he is kneeling on
a heb-basket, symbolising his rule over Egypt. The eminent objects
included such as the Ankh, Djed, Was, and the heb-seb hieroglyphs
below the Renpet, epitomise the offerings of stability, power, hope
and most importantly, life. Seti I is further receiving the mace and
kheperesh sword, which act as the tools of imperialism. From this
detailed image, the number and diversity of figures indicate the
support Khnum and in particular Amun-Re are presenting the
Pharaoh with. Conclusively, Amun-Re is typified as an exceptionally
important deity, enormously assisting in the rule of this Ramesside
Pharaoh.
As a result of the supremacy Amun-Re attained, his imperial cult acquired
high status and considerable amounts of wealth. As the custodians of this
eminent group, the priesthood additionally held enormous prestige and
high-ranking positions within society. Amun-Re’s importance within this
period is therefore necessary in maintaining this reputation and cachet of
his cult.
Amun-Re initiated the idea of personal piety, as it became possible for
regular citizens to establish a connection to him. This therefore marked
the point were ordinary Egyptians of the Ramesside period became
involved and concerned in the religious policies of the era. Amun-Re is thus
seen as of supreme importance as he promoted a sense of freedom and
participation for each citizen.
In conclusion, the upmost importance in which Amun-Re attained within
the Ramesside period can be credited to his major role in the creation of
the universe, in accordance to Egyptian legend, his impact on the Pharaoh
and influence on ordinary Egyptians.