This rectangle fragment of a relief depicting a horse drawn chariot π ¨ππππ was found at the Great Aten Temple in Amarna (Akhetaten πππππππ). This piece is estimated to have been carved between c. 1352β1336 B.C.E., which is during the reign πΎππ of Akhenaten ππππ³π ππ. This particular relief pictured was originally part of a much larger image ππ ±π. Here, chariot π ¨ππππ attendants are keeping watch of the chariots π ¨πππππ¦ for the royal family.Β
Chariots π ¨πππππ¦ (and horses π΄π΄π πππͺ) were not always a part of Egyptian history. It is estimated by historians that the chariot π ¨ππππ first arrived in Egypt ππ ππ around 1600 B.C.E. and that they were introduced by the Hyksos. The first horse π΄π΄π ππ remains in Egypt ππ ππ are estimated to be from the Thirteenth Dynasty, so horses π΄π΄π πππͺ must have been introduced to Egypt ππ ππ before the Hyksos rule.
After Ahmose I πΊπ defeated the Hyksos and reunified Egypt ππ ππ to start the 18th Dynasty/New Kingdom, the chariot π ¨ππππ became a common sight in both art and in the life of the pharaoh ππ». Chariots π ¨πππππ¦ were the number one choice of transportation for royalty! Chariots π ¨πππππ¦ were also used by pharaohs ππ»π¦ to take part in hunting, and were used by the army for battle. Many reliefs and other forms of art from this time period shows various pharaohs ππ»π¦ hunting or going into battle on their chariot. The chariot π ¨ππππ became a sign of bravery and strength π.
Fun Fact: the hieroglyph πΉπ for βchariot πβ only appeared in Middle Egyptian around the same time that the chariots π ¨πππππ¦ were introduced to Egypt ππ ππ! That totally makes sense and itβs so cool to βwatchβ the language evolve as technology evolved! The same thing happens today!
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