Excavations of Predynastic and early Dynastic cemeteries in Abydos revealed examples of cylinder seal impressions which depicted geometric symbols, rows of animals and single figures or objects, such as boats or birds. This detailed study focuses on finds from each tomb complex in turn before Hill places these objects in their cultural context, assessing the significance of seals as magical objects, as works of art and as administrative tools. The volume goes on to consider comparative examples from Nubia and parallels in Mesopotamia where the use of seals was far more widespread during this...
Excavations of Predynastic and early Dynastic cemeteries in Abydos revealed examples of cylinder seal impressions which depicted geometric symbols, ro...
For almost three thousand years, Egypt and Mesopotamia were each ruled by the single sacred office of kingship. Though geographically near, these ancient civilizations were culturally distinct, and scholars have historically contrasted their respective conceptualizations of the ultimate authority, imagining Egyptian kings as invested with cosmic power and Mesopotamian kings as primarily political leaders. In fact, both kingdoms depended on religious ideals and political resources to legitimate and exercise their authority. Cross-cultural comparison reveals the sophisticated and varied...
For almost three thousand years, Egypt and Mesopotamia were each ruled by the single sacred office of kingship. Though geographically near, these a...