The functions of ancient Egyptian obelisks (according to the inscriptions on the 18th and 19th dynasties monuments)

  • Ala A. Spartak Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliežnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33581/2520-6338-2019-2-57-70

Abstract

The problem of comprehension the function of the ancient Egyptian obelisks is connected with the issues of formation, functioning and development of the institute of kingship in ancient Egypt, which justifies the relevance of the case studies. There is still a consensus on the question of understanding the meaning of the erection of the obelisks by kings. There is no doubt that the obelisks are erection in pairs near the entrance to the temples. The article examines the inscriptions on the ancient Egyptian obelisks of the reign of the 18th and 19th dynasties, taking into account their better preservation and accurate attribution. The main purpose of this work is that the author sees the identified functions and characteristics. In the introduction, the author gives a brief historical overview of the issue and compares the position of the stories with the data obtained from the analysis of texts in the original language. Authors should obtain a definition of the concept of «obelisk» both in the Egyptian language and in other languages of antiquity and the Middle Ages, on the basis of which the author concludes that the designation of obelisks in Egyptian was originally associated with their property – luminosity. In conclusion, the author concludes that the obelisks are dedicated to the ancestor of the king (God or king) along the male lines, in the temple of which they were erected. One of the obvious functions of the obelisks, according to the inscriptions on them, was to imprint the royal name (one of the hypostasis of the royal soul).

Author Biography

Ala A. Spartak, Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliežnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

specialist at the General Directorate of Science

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Published
2019-04-16
Keywords: obelisk, kingship, king worship, New Kingdom, sun worship
Supporting Agencies The author would like to thank O. V. Perzashkevich, PhD (history), associate professor at the department of the ancient and medieval history, faculty of history, Belarusian State University, for assistance in preparing this article.
How to Cite
Spartak A. A. The functions of ancient Egyptian obelisks (according to the inscriptions on the 18th and 19th dynasties monuments) // Journal of the Belarusian State University. History. 2019. 2. PP. 57-70.
Issue
No 2 (2019): Journal of the Belarusian State University. History
Section
World History

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