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preface
A pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt under Thutmose IV, who reigned between 1400 BC and 1390 BC. Thutmose IV was born between Pharaoh Amenhotep III and Marit Amun, heir to the Pharaonic family.
Before the reign of Thutmose IV, Egypt was experiencing a period of prosperity under Amenhotep III, a great builder who built many huge temples and mausoleums, and Egypt prospered economically and culturally. However, a number of problems arose at the end of his reign, including economic difficulties and political instability.
Legitimacy and authority of Thutmose IV
At the time of Thutmose IV's accession to the throne, Egypt faced threats from outside powers. It is recorded that in a dream at the beginning of the reign of Thutmose IV, he was told by the gods to go to the pyramid area of Gaisa to clear the road full of dust. After interpreting the dream, he immediately took action to clear the road. His actions are believed to be seen as an important religious and political initiative, supported and sanctioned by the gods.
The actions of Thutmose IV established his legitimacy and authority in Egyptian society. He then continued to push for construction projects, including the restoration of the temple in the inland city of Mememphis, and the construction of a monument in the western part of the city, known as the Monument of Dreams.
The reign of Thutmose IV is considered relatively stable, and he also made some important achievements in military and diplomatic affairs. He developed diplomatic relations with foreign powers and cemented Egypt's position in the region. In addition, he carried out a number of internal reforms to stabilize the situation in the country and strengthen the control of the central government.
Thutmose IV worked to consolidate diplomatic relations between Egypt and outside powers, and he established friendly relations with the kingdoms of Mitney and Babylonia in Syria, which helped to protect Egypt's territorial security and ensure the flow of trade. He also made diplomatic contacts with the city-states of ancient Palestine, strengthening Egyptian control over the region.
Egypt's economy flourished under Thutmose IV, and he continued the construction projects of Amenhotep III, especially in the reconstruction of the inland city of Mememehs. These construction projects created jobs for Egypt, elevated the status of the city, and promoted trade and commercial activity.
Thutmose IV played an important role in religion. His dreams were interpreted as divine revelations and were seen as divine instructions. His actions showed a special connection with the gods, which strengthened his legitimacy and sanctity among the people. By erecting a monument to remember, he further consolidated his dominance by closely associating himself with gods and religious beliefs.
The reign of Thutmose IV was relatively stable. He adopted a series of policies and reforms to strengthen the control and authority of the central government and maintain peace and order in the country. He attached importance to the development of military power and strengthened Egypt's military power to maintain national security.
Akhenaten's reforms and expansions
After the succession of Akhenaten, grandson of Thutmose IV, a series of major religious and political reforms were undertaken. He worshipped a single sun god, Artong, and sought to overturn traditional polytheistic beliefs. This period is known as the Akhenaten dynasty and had a profound influence on the religion and art of ancient Egypt.
After Thutmose IV, Thutmose III succeeded to the throne and became one of the most influential pharaohs in ancient Egyptian history. He carried out a series of military conquests, expanding Egypt's territory and making Egypt the hegemon of the Near East. Ramses II was another important pharaoh who carried out large-scale construction projects during his reign and fought the famous Battle of Kadesh with the Hittite Empire.
In the east of ancient Egypt, the Assyrian Empire and the Neo-Babylonian Empire gradually rose. The Assyrian Empire reached its peak between the 9th and 7th centuries BC and posed a significant threat to Egypt. The Neo-Babylonian Empire inherited the status of the Assyrian Empire and continued to influence Egypt.
In the 6th century BC, the Second Theban War broke out between Egypt and the ancient Persian Empire. The Persian king Cyrus II led the Persian army to conquer Egypt and incorporate it into the territory of the Persian Empire.
The time of Thutmose IV laid the foundation for later ancient Egyptian history, and the political, religious, and military policies of his reign influenced Egypt's development. After Alexander the Great conquered Egypt, ancient Egypt gradually came under the influence of Greek culture. Egypt then became part of the Greek Ptolemaic dynasty, which lasted for nearly 300 years.
In 30 BC, Egypt became part of the Roman Empire, beginning centuries-long Roman rule. The Roman period had a profound impact on ancient Egypt, especially in terms of religion and culture. The Kepta dynasty established independent Egyptian rule. This period saw the spread and rise of Christianity and became an important religious and cultural turning point in Egyptian history.
The time of Thutmose IV was an important stage in the history of ancient Egypt, and his reign had an impact on the political, religious, and cultural development of the subsequent period. Over time, Egyptian history has undergone different reigns and transformations that have shaped the diverse cultures and rich heritage of modern Egypt.
Remembering the Monument of Dreams and Ruling Power
The dream tablet is inscribed with Thutmose IV's interpretation of a dream, which is closely related to the religious concept of ancient Egypt. In ancient Egyptian culture, pharaohs were believed to be the embodiment of gods and people, and they possessed the ability to communicate with gods. By interpreting dreams, Pharaoh could obtain instructions and prophecies from the gods, thereby consolidating his divine reign.
The existence of the Dream Monument indicates that Thutmose IV was a pharaoh who actively practiced mysticism. His interpretation of dreams and use of mystical powers shows his concern for the realm of religion and the supernatural. This practice of mysticism not only gave the pharaoh authority religiously, but also possibly consolidated his rule politically.
Through the records on the Dream Tablet, Thutmose IV showed evidence of his divine authority and legitimate rule as a pharaoh. This declaration of divine power and legitimacy helps to stabilize social order and consolidate ruling power. People would see Pharaoh as representatives of the gods, following their instructions and leadership to maintain the stability of society.
As a kind of commemorative cultural relics, the Dream Monument not only has religious significance, but also has the function of political propaganda. By engraving Thutmose IV's interpretation of dreams on a stone tablet and making it public, he could consolidate his dominance and show his wisdom and connection to the gods to the people.
This declaratory act helped to strengthen the pharaoh's image and prestige in order to gain people's support and loyalty. Carrying the memories and symbols of power of the time of Thutmose IV. Its existence allows rulers and future generations to remember the exploits and reigns of the pharaohs, while also linking the dream monument to the ruling power.
By interpreting dreams and connections to the gods, Thutmose IV showed his legitimacy as a pharaoh. This transmission of legitimacy could be perpetuated among the pharaoh's successors and provided the basis for legitimacy for their rule.
The Dream Monument reflects the efforts of the ancient Egyptian pharaohs to combine their ruling power with divine power. Pharaoh rationalized and sanctified his rule by interpreting dreams to obtain instructions and prophecies from the gods. This combination of ruling power with divine power strengthened the authority and influence of the pharaoh.
The existence of the Dream Monument helps to maintain social order and political stability. Pharaoh consolidated his position of authority in society by showing people his connection to the gods, thus achieving control and guidance of society. People would regard the instructions of the pharaohs as divine orders to follow their leadership, which helped to maintain the stability of society and the continuation of their rule.
The publication of the Dream Monument had an impact on the beliefs and behavior of the ancient Egyptian people. Pharaoh's dream interpretation and association with the gods led to awe and worship of Pharaoh's authority, while also influencing their religious beliefs and behavior. People may seek the blessings and guidance of the pharaohs for the protection and good fortune of the gods.
Imagery and semiotic analysis of the Dream Monument
The Dream Monument is an important artifact from the time of Thutmose IV, and its images and symbols provide an insight into the religious and ruling powers of the period.
On the Dream Monument, Thutmose IV appears in the image of a typical ancient Egyptian pharaoh. He wore the richly decorated costumes characteristic of the pharaohs and wore ancient Egyptian crowns or pharaoh turbans. This image symbolizes the authority and ruler of Thutmose IV as a holy pharaoh.
The Dream Tablet may depict ancient Egyptian temples and some gods. The image of the temple can be identified by its characteristic architectural style and structure, such as the frescoes on the gates, pillars, and walls. The image of the deities may be recognizable by their specific appearance, headdress, and symbol of the animal's head. These depictions show the importance of religion in the time of Thutmose IV, as well as the connection between pharaohs and gods.
At the heart of the monument is an interpretation of the dreams of Thutmose IV, which may be expressed through a series of symbols and symbols, which may have special religious or mystical significance. For example, animals, objects, scenes, or people that appear in dreams may represent specific meanings and omens. The interpretation of these dream symbols helps to understand Thutmose IV's understanding and communication of the divine message.
The dream tablet may have been engraved with words and inscriptions used to explain and record the dreams of Thutmose IV and his interpretation. These texts and inscriptions provide detailed information about dreams, as well as the pharaoh's understanding of religion and mysticism. Through the study of these texts and inscriptions, it is possible to reveal the concepts and practices of dream interpretation in ancient Egyptian culture.
The symbols and motifs on the monument may represent specific symbolic meanings. There are many common symbols in ancient Egyptian culture, such as the sun, snakes, birds, etc., which have specific religious and mystical meanings. Through the analysis of these symbols and motifs, we can reveal the deeper meaning in the Dream Monument.
Summary:
In studying the time of Thutmose IV, multiple perspectives should be taken, including the perspective of the ancient Egyptian people, the perspective of groups of lower social status, and those of people who were considered alien by the rulers. This will help us understand more fully the social, political, and religious dynamics of the time of Thutmose IV.
Although Thutmose IV was an important pharaoh, his reign may have had different effects on different parts of Egypt. Further study of archaeological sites and documents from different regions, as well as the connections and interactions between regions of that era, will help us better understand the overall and local characteristics of the time of Thutmose IV.
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