2023

King Djedkare

Although his ancestry is still unknown, Djedkara-Isesi was the penultimate king of Dynasty V, the ancestor of Unas. He might have been the son of Menkauhor, his predecessor, but it's also plausible that the two kings were brothers, sons of Niuserre, or even cousins, sons of Neferefre and Niuserre.

The two discoverers of the pyramid of Djedkara Izozi died unfortunately prematurely without leaving any record of their work. It is probable that the numerous papyrus fragments that arrived in Europe in 1893, scattered throughout the various museums, came from the area they explored.

These documents all bear the date of the reign of Izozi but refer to the administration of the funeral possessions of a previous king, Neferirkara Kakai.

Among other things, the daily payments made to the high priests or "prophets" and to the attendants of the solar temple, the transfer of income to the assets of the pyramid of Kakai, and the offerings made to the statues of him and the queen mother, Khantkawes, are recorded. The scarcity of documents from this period makes them of the utmost importance, but a long and careful examination is needed to decipher their difficult writing and establish their exact content.

Like his predecessor Menkauhor, Izozi did not erect a Solar Temple and this leads us to believe that after Niuserra important changes occurred in solar theology or, in any case, in the religious policy of the dynasty.

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What are the most important works of the King Djedkare ?

His reign was full of great deeds, he sent a military campaign to the Sinai Peninsula, and to the Hammamet Valley in Abu Simbel, and statues of sphinxes, Bulls, and some foreign captives were found for him, the biography of King ka-Ra ASIS remained in a letter on the facade of the Tomb of Prince Harkhov, the ruler of Aswan.

What role did the military play during the reign of the Pharaohs?

The military played a crucial and multifaceted role during the reign of the Pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Here are some key aspects of the military's role:

Defense and Border Security: One of the primary functions of the Egyptian military was to defend the country's borders from external threats. Egypt faced occasional incursions and invasions from neighboring regions and foreign powers, such as the Nubians, Libyans, Hittites, and Hyksos. The military was responsible for safeguarding Egypt's territorial integrity.

Expansion and Conquest: Throughout Egypt's long history, various pharaohs sought to expand their territory through military campaigns. Notable conquests included the campaigns in Nubia to the south and the Levant to the northeast. These military campaigns aimed to gain control over strategic resources and trade routes.

Maintaining Internal Order: The military also played a role in maintaining internal order and suppressing rebellions or uprisings. They were responsible for ensuring the stability of the Egyptian state and protecting it from domestic threats.

Construction and Engineering: The military was often involved in large construction projects, such as the building of temples, pyramids, and fortifications. They provided the necessary labor force and logistical support for these monumental endeavors.

Resource Management: The military managed and controlled valuable resources, including food, labor, and land. This allowed them to sustain the army during campaigns and maintain the loyalty of soldiers.

Trade and Diplomacy: The military played a role in securing trade routes and negotiating with foreign powers. Egyptian pharaohs conducted diplomacy through a combination of military strength and diplomatic alliances.

Religious Significance: The military had a strong religious significance in Egyptian society. Soldiers often held a special place in religious ceremonies and rituals, and they were seen as protectors of the gods' divine order.

Hierarchical Structure: The Egyptian military had a hierarchical structure with different ranks and divisions, including infantry, charioteers, archers, and naval forces. Commanders and officers played essential roles in organizing and leading military campaigns.

Influence on the Pharaoh's Power: Military leaders held significant influence and could even challenge the authority of the Pharaoh. Some Pharaohs rose to power through their military achievements, and the military elite often had a say in the selection of the Pharaoh.

Innovation and Technology: The Egyptian military contributed to technological innovations, such as advancements in weapon design, fortifications, and military engineering.