archaicwonder: Egyptian Stone Shabti for King Taharqa, Sudan, Kushite Period, 25th Dynasty, c. 690-6
archaicwonder:Egyptian Stone Shabti for King Taharqa, Sudan, Kushite Period, 25th Dynasty, c. 690-664 BCKing Taharqa was the most important king of the Kushite Dynasty (747-656 BC) and when his tomb at Nuri was discovered, over one thousand of these shabtis were found with him, lined up around the walls. They were primarily of granite, ankerite or calcite and were particularly large and stout with typically rugged features and an archaising style harking back to the Middle and New Kingdoms.Although Taharqa’s reign was filled with conflict with the Assyrians, it was also a prosperous renaissance period in Egypt and Kush. When Taharqa was about 20 years old, he participated in a historic battle with the Assyrian emperor Sennacherib at Eltekeh. At Hezekiah’s request, Taharqa and the Egyptian/Kushite army managed to stall the Assyrian advance on Jerusalem. Sennacherib abandoned the siege and returned home. Thus, Taharqa saved Jerusalem and Hebrew society from destruction, a pivotal point in world and Hebrew history.The might of Taharqa’s military forces was established at Eltekeh, leading to a period of peace in Egypt. During this period of peace and prosperity, the empire flourished. In the sixth year of Taharqa’s reign, prosperity was also aided by abundant rainfall and a large harvest. Taharqa took full advantage of the lull in fighting and abundant harvest. He restored existing temples, built new ones, and built the largest pyramid in the Napatan region. Particularly impressive were his additions to the Temple at Karnak, new temple at Kawa, and temple at Jebel Barkal. Taharqa died in the city of Thebes in 664 BC and was buried at Nuri in North Sudan. He was described by the Ancient Greek historian Strabo as having “advanced as far as Europe”, and (citing Megasthenes), even as far as the Pillars of Hercules in Spain.Another beautiful shabti belonging to Taharqa’s grandson Senkamanisken be seen here... -- source link
#king taharqa#sudan#shabti#kushite period#ancient egypt