Saturday, July 3, 2010
Astronomical Hidden code
An astronomical hidden code exits within the placing of pyramids and temples. When decoded, this information pinpoints the location of the labyrinth that is believed to contain artefacts and documents from a civilisation that flourished on a global scale thousand of years ago.
Patrick Geryl & Gino Ratinckx have established the precise location of the famous labyrinth. They can prove that archeologists have been looking in the right place, but didn't dig deep enough.
This information was laid down, so myth has it, by this pre-diluvian race which held strong apocalyptic beliefs and feared that their advances would disappear and be lost forever. The time has come for these secrets to be revealed
In the year 2012, the earth awaits a super catastrophe: its magnetic field will turn over in one go. Phenomenal earthquakes and tidal waves will completely destroy our civilization. Europe and North America will shift thousands of miles northwards and will get a polar climate. Nearly the whole earth's population will perish in the apocalyptical happenings.
This discovery will have enormous archeological and historical implications. Archeologists and scientists will see it as an invaluable insight into the technologies of a hitherto undiscovered race.
These predictions stem from the Mayans and Egyptians. They are descendants of the legendary Atlantis, which is buried under the South Pole. The Atlanteans had a highly evolved astronomical knowledge and were able to exactly predict the previous catastrophe in 9792 BC.
They built tens of thousands of Mandjits (kind of small boats) and escaped to South America and Egypt. The authors launch this world-shocking message after having cracked several star codes (which are over ten thousand years old). They discovered that the yramids were built to warn us! They prove their points with extensive scientific and archeological investigations.....
2012 -Ancient Egypt and Maya - Orion Prophecy
For thousands of years, historical sources have told of a hidden and forgotten time-capsule of ancient wisdom out of Mayan and Egyptian astronomy, far greater in importance than the Golden treasures of Tutankhamen.
The Orion Prophecy uses a combination of mathematics and astronomy to break ancient codes in the maya & egypt legacy to forecast a disaster for our civilization as we approach the year 2012.
They speak of secret chambers located in the labyrinth, filled with a tecnological legacy left by a lost civilisation far older than Egypt itself.
The Orion Prophecy uses a combination of mathematics and astronomy to break ancient codes in the maya & egypt legacy to forecast a disaster for our civilization as we approach the year 2012.
They speak of secret chambers located in the labyrinth, filled with a tecnological legacy left by a lost civilisation far older than Egypt itself.
Cleopatra The Queen of Egypt
Cleopatra VII Philopator (in Greek, Κλεοπάτρα Φιλοπάτωρ; (Late 69 BC[1] – August 12, 30 BC) was the last person to rule Egypt as an Egyptian pharaoh – after she died, Egypt became a Roman province.
She was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Ancient Egypt, and therefore was a descendant of one of Alexander the Great's generals who had seized control over Egypt after Alexander's death. Most Ptolemeis spoke Greek and refused to learn Egyptian, which is the reason that Greek as well as Egyptian languages were used on official court documents like the Rosetta Stone.[2] By contrast, Cleopatra learned Egyptian and represented herself as the reincarnation of an Egyptian Goddess.
Cleopatra originally ruled jointly with her father Ptolemy XII Auletes and later with her brothers, Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV, whom she married as per Egyptian custom, but eventually she became sole ruler. As pharaoh, she consummated a liaison with Gaius Julius Caesar that solidified her grip on the throne. She later elevated her son with Caesar, Caesarion, to co-ruler in name.
After Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, she aligned with Mark Antony in opposition to Caesar's legal heir, Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian (later known as Augustus). With Antony, she bore the twins Cleopatra Selene II and Alexander Helios, and another son, Ptolemy Philadelphus. Her unions with her brothers produced no children. After losing the Battle of Actium to Octavian's forces, Antony committed suicide. Cleopatra followed suit, according to tradition killing herself by means of an asp bite on August 12, 30 BC.[3] She was briefly outlived by Caesarion, who was declared pharaoh, but he was soon killed on Octavian's orders. Egypt became the Roman province of Aegyptus.
Though Cleopatra bore the ancient Egyptian title of pharaoh, the Ptolemaic dynasty was Hellenistic, having been founded 300 years before by Ptolemy I Soter, a Macedonian Greek general of Alexander the Great.[4][5][6][7] As such, Cleopatra's language was the Greek spoken by the Hellenic aristocracy, though she was reputed to be the first ruler of the dynasty to learn Egyptian. She also adopted common Egyptian beliefs and deities. Her patron goddess was Isis, and thus, during her reign, it was believed that she was the re-incarnation and embodiment of the goddess of wisdom. Her death marked the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom and Hellenistic period and the beginning of the Roman era in the eastern Mediterranean.
To this day, Cleopatra remains a popular figure in Western culture. Her legacy survives in numerous works of art and the many dramatizations of her story in literature and other media, including William Shakespeare's tragedy Antony and Cleopatra, Jules Massenet's opera Cléopâtre and the 1963 film Cleopatra. In most depictions, Cleopatra is put forward as a great beauty and her successive conquests of the world's most powerful men are taken to be proof of her aesthetic and sexual appeal. In his Pensées, philosopher Blaise Pascal contends that Cleopatra's classically beautiful profile changed world history: "Cleopatra's nose, had it been shorter, the whole face of the world would have been changed."[8]
Contents [hide]
1 Accession to the throne
2 Relation with Julius Caesar
2.1 Assassination of Pompey
2.2 Relationship with Julius Caesar
2.3 Cleopatra in the Roman Civil War
3 Cleopatra and Mark Antony
3.1 Death
4 Character and cultural depictions
5 Ancestry
6 Notes
7 References
8 Further reading
9 External links
9.1 General
9.2 Paintings
[edit] Accession to the throne
Statue of Cleopatra as Egyptian Goddess; Basalt, second half of the first century BC. Hermitage, Saint PetersburgThe identity of Cleopatra's mother is unknown, but she is generally believed to be Cleopatra V Tryphaena of Egypt, the sister or cousin and wife of Ptolemy XII, or possibly another Ptolemaic family member who was the daughter of Ptolemy X and Cleopatra Berenice III Philopator if Cleopatra V was not the daughter of Ptolemy X and Berenice III.[9] Cleopatra's father Auletes was a direct descendant of Alexander the Great's general, Ptolemy I Soter, son of Arsinoe and Lacus, both of Macedon.
Centralization of power and corruption led to uprisings in and the losses of Cyprus and Cyrenaica, making Ptolemy's reign one of the most calamitous of the dynasty. When Ptolemy went to Rome with Cleopatra, Cleopatra VI Tryphaena seized the crown but died shortly afterwards in suspicious circumstances. It is believed, though not proven by historical sources, that Berenice IV poisoned her so she could assume sole rulership. Regardless of the cause, she did until Ptolemy Auletes returned in 55 BC, with Roman support, capturing Alexandria aided by Roman general Aulus Gabinius. Berenice was imprisoned and executed shortly afterwards, her head allegedly being sent to the royal court on the decree of her father, the king. Cleopatra was now, at age 14, put as joint regent and deputy of her father, although her power was likely to have been severely limited.
Ptolemy XII died in March 51 BC, thus by his will making the 18-year-old Cleopatra and her brother, the 12-year-old Ptolemy XIII joint monarchs. The first three years of their reign were difficult, due to economic difficulties, famine, deficient floods of the Nile, and political conflicts. Although Cleopatra was married to her young brother, she quickly made it clear that she had no intention of sharing power with him.
In August 51 BC, relations between Cleopatra and Ptolemy completely broke down. Cleopatra dropped Ptolemy's name from official documents and her face appeared alone on coins, which went against Ptolemaic tradition of female rulers being subordinate to male co-rulers. In 50 BC Cleopatra came into a serious conflict with the Gabiniani, powerful Roman troops of Aulus Gabinius who had left them in Egypt to protect Ptolemy XII after his restoration to the throne in 55 BC. This conflict was one of the main causes for Cleopatra's soon following loss of power.
The sole reign of Cleopatra was finally ended by a cabal of courtiers, led by the eunuch Pothinus, removing Cleopatra from power and making Ptolemy sole ruler in circa 48 BC (or possibly earlier, as a decree exists from 51 BC with Ptolemy's name alone). She tried to raise a rebellion around Pelusium, but she was soon forced to flee with her only remaining sister, Arsinoë.[10]
She was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Ancient Egypt, and therefore was a descendant of one of Alexander the Great's generals who had seized control over Egypt after Alexander's death. Most Ptolemeis spoke Greek and refused to learn Egyptian, which is the reason that Greek as well as Egyptian languages were used on official court documents like the Rosetta Stone.[2] By contrast, Cleopatra learned Egyptian and represented herself as the reincarnation of an Egyptian Goddess.
Cleopatra originally ruled jointly with her father Ptolemy XII Auletes and later with her brothers, Ptolemy XIII and Ptolemy XIV, whom she married as per Egyptian custom, but eventually she became sole ruler. As pharaoh, she consummated a liaison with Gaius Julius Caesar that solidified her grip on the throne. She later elevated her son with Caesar, Caesarion, to co-ruler in name.
After Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, she aligned with Mark Antony in opposition to Caesar's legal heir, Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian (later known as Augustus). With Antony, she bore the twins Cleopatra Selene II and Alexander Helios, and another son, Ptolemy Philadelphus. Her unions with her brothers produced no children. After losing the Battle of Actium to Octavian's forces, Antony committed suicide. Cleopatra followed suit, according to tradition killing herself by means of an asp bite on August 12, 30 BC.[3] She was briefly outlived by Caesarion, who was declared pharaoh, but he was soon killed on Octavian's orders. Egypt became the Roman province of Aegyptus.
Though Cleopatra bore the ancient Egyptian title of pharaoh, the Ptolemaic dynasty was Hellenistic, having been founded 300 years before by Ptolemy I Soter, a Macedonian Greek general of Alexander the Great.[4][5][6][7] As such, Cleopatra's language was the Greek spoken by the Hellenic aristocracy, though she was reputed to be the first ruler of the dynasty to learn Egyptian. She also adopted common Egyptian beliefs and deities. Her patron goddess was Isis, and thus, during her reign, it was believed that she was the re-incarnation and embodiment of the goddess of wisdom. Her death marked the end of the Ptolemaic Kingdom and Hellenistic period and the beginning of the Roman era in the eastern Mediterranean.
To this day, Cleopatra remains a popular figure in Western culture. Her legacy survives in numerous works of art and the many dramatizations of her story in literature and other media, including William Shakespeare's tragedy Antony and Cleopatra, Jules Massenet's opera Cléopâtre and the 1963 film Cleopatra. In most depictions, Cleopatra is put forward as a great beauty and her successive conquests of the world's most powerful men are taken to be proof of her aesthetic and sexual appeal. In his Pensées, philosopher Blaise Pascal contends that Cleopatra's classically beautiful profile changed world history: "Cleopatra's nose, had it been shorter, the whole face of the world would have been changed."[8]
Contents [hide]
1 Accession to the throne
2 Relation with Julius Caesar
2.1 Assassination of Pompey
2.2 Relationship with Julius Caesar
2.3 Cleopatra in the Roman Civil War
3 Cleopatra and Mark Antony
3.1 Death
4 Character and cultural depictions
5 Ancestry
6 Notes
7 References
8 Further reading
9 External links
9.1 General
9.2 Paintings
[edit] Accession to the throne
Statue of Cleopatra as Egyptian Goddess; Basalt, second half of the first century BC. Hermitage, Saint PetersburgThe identity of Cleopatra's mother is unknown, but she is generally believed to be Cleopatra V Tryphaena of Egypt, the sister or cousin and wife of Ptolemy XII, or possibly another Ptolemaic family member who was the daughter of Ptolemy X and Cleopatra Berenice III Philopator if Cleopatra V was not the daughter of Ptolemy X and Berenice III.[9] Cleopatra's father Auletes was a direct descendant of Alexander the Great's general, Ptolemy I Soter, son of Arsinoe and Lacus, both of Macedon.
Centralization of power and corruption led to uprisings in and the losses of Cyprus and Cyrenaica, making Ptolemy's reign one of the most calamitous of the dynasty. When Ptolemy went to Rome with Cleopatra, Cleopatra VI Tryphaena seized the crown but died shortly afterwards in suspicious circumstances. It is believed, though not proven by historical sources, that Berenice IV poisoned her so she could assume sole rulership. Regardless of the cause, she did until Ptolemy Auletes returned in 55 BC, with Roman support, capturing Alexandria aided by Roman general Aulus Gabinius. Berenice was imprisoned and executed shortly afterwards, her head allegedly being sent to the royal court on the decree of her father, the king. Cleopatra was now, at age 14, put as joint regent and deputy of her father, although her power was likely to have been severely limited.
Ptolemy XII died in March 51 BC, thus by his will making the 18-year-old Cleopatra and her brother, the 12-year-old Ptolemy XIII joint monarchs. The first three years of their reign were difficult, due to economic difficulties, famine, deficient floods of the Nile, and political conflicts. Although Cleopatra was married to her young brother, she quickly made it clear that she had no intention of sharing power with him.
In August 51 BC, relations between Cleopatra and Ptolemy completely broke down. Cleopatra dropped Ptolemy's name from official documents and her face appeared alone on coins, which went against Ptolemaic tradition of female rulers being subordinate to male co-rulers. In 50 BC Cleopatra came into a serious conflict with the Gabiniani, powerful Roman troops of Aulus Gabinius who had left them in Egypt to protect Ptolemy XII after his restoration to the throne in 55 BC. This conflict was one of the main causes for Cleopatra's soon following loss of power.
The sole reign of Cleopatra was finally ended by a cabal of courtiers, led by the eunuch Pothinus, removing Cleopatra from power and making Ptolemy sole ruler in circa 48 BC (or possibly earlier, as a decree exists from 51 BC with Ptolemy's name alone). She tried to raise a rebellion around Pelusium, but she was soon forced to flee with her only remaining sister, Arsinoë.[10]
Akhenaten - Alien Origin
Akhenaten
Short Biography, Information & Facts about Akhenaten, the famous pharaoh and heretic king of Egypt
Biography, Facts and information about the life of a Pharaoh
The term pharaoh was the title of an ancient Egyptian king who was considered to be a living god and worshipped as a deity. The pharaoh was an absolute ruler of Egypt, both the political and religious leader.
Short Biography of the life of Akhenaten - The Heretic King
The history, facts and information about Akhenaten, a famous pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. The following biography information provides basic facts about the life Akhenaten:
Akhenaten was first known as first known as Amenhotep meaning "Amun is content"
Alternative spellings of the name: Akenaten, Arkhenaten
He changed his name to Akhenaten, meaning "Effective for Aten" when he forced the change from a polytheistic religion, with many gods, to monotheism, the worship of one god - the Aten
Egyptian Period / Kingdom: New Kingdom
Dynasty: Akhenaten ruled in the Eighteenth Egyptian Dynasty
Name of Previous Pharaoh: Amenhotep III r1389 BC -1351 BC
Years of Reign: 1351 BC -1337 BC
Succeeded by: Smenkhkare (1336 BC -1334 BC) and then Tutankhamun (1334 BC -1325 BC)
There is some speculation that the Pharaoh referred to as Smenkhkare Ankhetkheperure was in fact a woman due to the feminine spelling of the name. Further speculation questions whether Smenkhkare Ankhetkheperure could have been Nefertiti, Akhenaten's Chief Wife and the mother-in-law and stepmother of Tutankhamun
Family
Father: His father was Amenhotep III
Mother: His mother was Queen Tiye
His brother, Prince Tuthmose, the eldest son of pharaoh Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye and heir to the throne, mysteriously disappeared from all records and Amenhotep (later Akhenaten)
Chief Wife: His chief wife and consort was Nefertiti and other wives included Kiya (the mother of Tutankhamun)
Children: Meritaten, Meketaten, Ankhesenpaaten, Neferneferuaten Tasherit, Neferneferure and Tutankhamun
His Master of Horses was Ay, who later became Pharaoh
Year of Death: 1337 BC
Location of the Burial Site: The Royal Wadi in Amarna
Name of Egyptologist who discovered the burial site, or tomb, of Akhenaten in Armana: Alessandro Barsanti in 1893. The mummy of Akhenaten was moved from his tomb in Amarna to the Thebes Necropolis in the Valley of the Kings
Why Akhenaten was famous: The Heretic Pharaoh who change radically changed Ancient Egypt from a polytheistic religion, with many gods, to monotheism (the worship of one god). Akhenaten used the might of the army and its powerful military commanders to destroy the old religion and its priesthood. He also instigated a radical artistic movement focussing on realism.
Biography and accomplishments of Akhenaten: Akhenaten was originally called Amenhotep meaning "Amun is content", the second son of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye. His elder brother Crown Prince Tuthmose mysteriously disappeared and the young Amenhotep (Akhenaten) became heir to the throne of Egypt. His father had brought peace and prosperity to Egypt but his authority was threatened by the growing power of the priests of the Temple of Amun at Karnak. The polytheistic religion of Ancient Egypt had been followed since at least 3050 BC. The Egyptians worshipped almost 2000 different gods, and had done so for literally thousands of years.
The main centre of worship for their main god Amun was located at Karnak which was located on the East Bank of Thebes (modern day Luxor). Once he was established as Pharaoh Amenhotep and about 4 years into his reign, (Akhenaten) declared that all the old gods should be abandoned and replaced by a sole god - the Aten. In year 5 of his reign he changed his name from Amenhotep to Akhenaten. He started to build a new city called Amarna which was located on the banks of the Nile about midway between Thebes and Memphis.
In year 7 of his reign the population of Thebes, totalling over 20,000 were forced to move to the new city of Amarna abandoning their businesses, homes and religion. The priests of Amun were expected to worship the sole god Aten. Akhenaten ordered that all images of all other gods were ordered to be destroyed. The role of the priest in the new religion was decreased as only the Pharaoh, who had changed his name to Akhenaten, and his chief wife Nefertiti were allowed to directly worship the Aten.
Akhenaten became increasingly autocratic. All of his energy was focussed on the new religion. Other home and foreign affairs of Egypt were virtually ignored. The traditional temple based economy, run by priests of Amun, had been replaced by the new regime which was run by local administrators and military commanders. The new economy became subject to the greed and corruption of the new officials.
Hittites and Assyrians were threatening Egypt and Akhenaten did nothing. After a reign of 17 years it is believed that Akhenaten was forced to abdicate and soon after died.
Akhenaten not only championed a religious revolution he also instigated also radical changes in art and how people were portrayed. Gone were the stylised images of Pharaohs, who were only depicted as perfect, dignified young men, to be replaced with a far more realistic approach with everyday scenes and images.
Akhenaten was succeeded by Smenkhkare (1336 BC -1334 BC). There is some speculation that this Pharaoh referred to Smenkhkare Ankhetkheperure was in fact a woman due to the feminine spelling of the name. Further speculation questions whether Smenkhkare Ankhetkheperure could have been Nefertiti, the Chief Wife of Akhenaten and the mother-in-law and stepmother of Tutankhamun. The reign of Smenkhkare was short lived and Tutankhamun became Pharaoh.
Tutankhamun was succeeded by Ay who took numerous steps to ensure that Ancient Egypt completely reverted back to their old religion and attempts were made to totally eradicate the name of Akhenaten, the Heretic Pharaoh from the history of Egypt.
Akhenaten
Each section of this Ancient Egyptian website addresses all topics and provides interesting facts and information about the Golden Age of Pharaohs and of Akhenaten. The Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts provided about the fascinating subject of the Ancient Egyptian Kings - their life, family, reign, dynasty, important dates and events and accomplishments.
Short Biography, Information & Facts about Akhenaten, the famous pharaoh and heretic king of Egypt
Biography, Facts and information about the life of a Pharaoh
The term pharaoh was the title of an ancient Egyptian king who was considered to be a living god and worshipped as a deity. The pharaoh was an absolute ruler of Egypt, both the political and religious leader.
Short Biography of the life of Akhenaten - The Heretic King
The history, facts and information about Akhenaten, a famous pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. The following biography information provides basic facts about the life Akhenaten:
Akhenaten was first known as first known as Amenhotep meaning "Amun is content"
Alternative spellings of the name: Akenaten, Arkhenaten
He changed his name to Akhenaten, meaning "Effective for Aten" when he forced the change from a polytheistic religion, with many gods, to monotheism, the worship of one god - the Aten
Egyptian Period / Kingdom: New Kingdom
Dynasty: Akhenaten ruled in the Eighteenth Egyptian Dynasty
Name of Previous Pharaoh: Amenhotep III r1389 BC -1351 BC
Years of Reign: 1351 BC -1337 BC
Succeeded by: Smenkhkare (1336 BC -1334 BC) and then Tutankhamun (1334 BC -1325 BC)
There is some speculation that the Pharaoh referred to as Smenkhkare Ankhetkheperure was in fact a woman due to the feminine spelling of the name. Further speculation questions whether Smenkhkare Ankhetkheperure could have been Nefertiti, Akhenaten's Chief Wife and the mother-in-law and stepmother of Tutankhamun
Family
Father: His father was Amenhotep III
Mother: His mother was Queen Tiye
His brother, Prince Tuthmose, the eldest son of pharaoh Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye and heir to the throne, mysteriously disappeared from all records and Amenhotep (later Akhenaten)
Chief Wife: His chief wife and consort was Nefertiti and other wives included Kiya (the mother of Tutankhamun)
Children: Meritaten, Meketaten, Ankhesenpaaten, Neferneferuaten Tasherit, Neferneferure and Tutankhamun
His Master of Horses was Ay, who later became Pharaoh
Year of Death: 1337 BC
Location of the Burial Site: The Royal Wadi in Amarna
Name of Egyptologist who discovered the burial site, or tomb, of Akhenaten in Armana: Alessandro Barsanti in 1893. The mummy of Akhenaten was moved from his tomb in Amarna to the Thebes Necropolis in the Valley of the Kings
Why Akhenaten was famous: The Heretic Pharaoh who change radically changed Ancient Egypt from a polytheistic religion, with many gods, to monotheism (the worship of one god). Akhenaten used the might of the army and its powerful military commanders to destroy the old religion and its priesthood. He also instigated a radical artistic movement focussing on realism.
Biography and accomplishments of Akhenaten: Akhenaten was originally called Amenhotep meaning "Amun is content", the second son of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and Queen Tiye. His elder brother Crown Prince Tuthmose mysteriously disappeared and the young Amenhotep (Akhenaten) became heir to the throne of Egypt. His father had brought peace and prosperity to Egypt but his authority was threatened by the growing power of the priests of the Temple of Amun at Karnak. The polytheistic religion of Ancient Egypt had been followed since at least 3050 BC. The Egyptians worshipped almost 2000 different gods, and had done so for literally thousands of years.
The main centre of worship for their main god Amun was located at Karnak which was located on the East Bank of Thebes (modern day Luxor). Once he was established as Pharaoh Amenhotep and about 4 years into his reign, (Akhenaten) declared that all the old gods should be abandoned and replaced by a sole god - the Aten. In year 5 of his reign he changed his name from Amenhotep to Akhenaten. He started to build a new city called Amarna which was located on the banks of the Nile about midway between Thebes and Memphis.
In year 7 of his reign the population of Thebes, totalling over 20,000 were forced to move to the new city of Amarna abandoning their businesses, homes and religion. The priests of Amun were expected to worship the sole god Aten. Akhenaten ordered that all images of all other gods were ordered to be destroyed. The role of the priest in the new religion was decreased as only the Pharaoh, who had changed his name to Akhenaten, and his chief wife Nefertiti were allowed to directly worship the Aten.
Akhenaten became increasingly autocratic. All of his energy was focussed on the new religion. Other home and foreign affairs of Egypt were virtually ignored. The traditional temple based economy, run by priests of Amun, had been replaced by the new regime which was run by local administrators and military commanders. The new economy became subject to the greed and corruption of the new officials.
Hittites and Assyrians were threatening Egypt and Akhenaten did nothing. After a reign of 17 years it is believed that Akhenaten was forced to abdicate and soon after died.
Akhenaten not only championed a religious revolution he also instigated also radical changes in art and how people were portrayed. Gone were the stylised images of Pharaohs, who were only depicted as perfect, dignified young men, to be replaced with a far more realistic approach with everyday scenes and images.
Akhenaten was succeeded by Smenkhkare (1336 BC -1334 BC). There is some speculation that this Pharaoh referred to Smenkhkare Ankhetkheperure was in fact a woman due to the feminine spelling of the name. Further speculation questions whether Smenkhkare Ankhetkheperure could have been Nefertiti, the Chief Wife of Akhenaten and the mother-in-law and stepmother of Tutankhamun. The reign of Smenkhkare was short lived and Tutankhamun became Pharaoh.
Tutankhamun was succeeded by Ay who took numerous steps to ensure that Ancient Egypt completely reverted back to their old religion and attempts were made to totally eradicate the name of Akhenaten, the Heretic Pharaoh from the history of Egypt.
Akhenaten
Each section of this Ancient Egyptian website addresses all topics and provides interesting facts and information about the Golden Age of Pharaohs and of Akhenaten. The Sitemap provides full details of all of the information and facts provided about the fascinating subject of the Ancient Egyptian Kings - their life, family, reign, dynasty, important dates and events and accomplishments.
Nefertiti
Short Biography of the life of Nefertiti
The history, facts and information about Nefertiti, the wife of Akhenaten the famous pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. The following biography information provides basic facts about the life Nefertiti:
Nefertiti meant "the beautiful (or perfect) woman has come"
The famous bust of Nefertiti has lead to her being described as 'The Most Beautiful Woman in the World.'
Alternative spellings of the name: Nefrertiti
Egyptian Period / Kingdom: New Kingdom
Dynasty: Nefertiti was queen in the Eighteenth Egyptian Dynasty
Name of Pharaoh husband: Akhenaten (first known as Amenhotep) 1351 BC -1337 BC
Period as the Chief wife Queen Nefertiti: r1351 – 1337 BC
Akhenaten was succeeded by: Smenkhkare* 1336 BC -1334 BC and Tutankhamun 1334 BC -1325 BC
Family
Anubis god of death
Anubis(Yinepu, Anpu)
Symbols: jackal, ox-hide hanging from a pole, embalming equipment, flail, flags
Cult Center: Heliopolis, Cynopolis
The jackal-god of mummification, he assisted in the rites by which a dead man was admitted to the underworld. Anubis was worshipped as the inventor of embalming and who embalmed the dead Osiris and thereby helping to preserve him that he might live again.
Anubis is portrayed as a man with the head of a jackal holding the divine sceptre carried by kings and gods; as simply a black jackal or as a dog accompanying Isis. His symbol was a black and white ox-hide splattered with blood and hanging from a pole. It's meaning is unknown.
Anubis had three important functions. He supervised the embalming of bodies. He received the mummy into the tomb and performed the Opening of the Mouth ceremony and then conducted the soul in the Field of Celestial Offerings. Most importantly though, Anubis monitored the Scales of Truth to protect the dead from deception and eternal death.
Early in Egyptian history, Anubis was a god of the dead. This role was usurped by Osiris as he rose in popularity.
The god of embalming is probably associated with the jackal due to the habits of jackals to lurk about tombs and graves. One of the reasons the early Egyptians sought to make their tombs more elaborate was to keep the bodies safe from the jackals lingering about the graves. It is only natural therefore that a god of mummification would be connected with them. By worshipping Anubis, the Egyptians hoped to invoke him to protect their deceased from jackals, and later, the natural decay that unprotected bodies endure.
Anubis was the son of Nephthys, and his father was Osiris. One myth says that Nephthys got Osiris drunk and the resultant seduction brought forth Anubis. Yet another says she disguised herself as Isis and seduced Osiris and subsequently gave birth to Anubis
Symbols: jackal, ox-hide hanging from a pole, embalming equipment, flail, flags
Cult Center: Heliopolis, Cynopolis
The jackal-god of mummification, he assisted in the rites by which a dead man was admitted to the underworld. Anubis was worshipped as the inventor of embalming and who embalmed the dead Osiris and thereby helping to preserve him that he might live again.
Anubis is portrayed as a man with the head of a jackal holding the divine sceptre carried by kings and gods; as simply a black jackal or as a dog accompanying Isis. His symbol was a black and white ox-hide splattered with blood and hanging from a pole. It's meaning is unknown.
Anubis had three important functions. He supervised the embalming of bodies. He received the mummy into the tomb and performed the Opening of the Mouth ceremony and then conducted the soul in the Field of Celestial Offerings. Most importantly though, Anubis monitored the Scales of Truth to protect the dead from deception and eternal death.
Early in Egyptian history, Anubis was a god of the dead. This role was usurped by Osiris as he rose in popularity.
The god of embalming is probably associated with the jackal due to the habits of jackals to lurk about tombs and graves. One of the reasons the early Egyptians sought to make their tombs more elaborate was to keep the bodies safe from the jackals lingering about the graves. It is only natural therefore that a god of mummification would be connected with them. By worshipping Anubis, the Egyptians hoped to invoke him to protect their deceased from jackals, and later, the natural decay that unprotected bodies endure.
Anubis was the son of Nephthys, and his father was Osiris. One myth says that Nephthys got Osiris drunk and the resultant seduction brought forth Anubis. Yet another says she disguised herself as Isis and seduced Osiris and subsequently gave birth to Anubis
Isis god of Magic, wife of Osiris
A Biography of the
Egyptian Goddess Isis
The Egyptian goddess Isis was worshipped throughout Egypt, even from very early dates. Isis was considered to the patron saint of women, mothers and children. Additionally, ancient Egyptians referred to her as Isis the goddess of magic. It is told that she managed to trick Re into revealing his secret name to her and in doing so, Isis obtained many magical powers.
Unlike many Egyptian gods and goddesses, she remained in the same form from the beginning of her history to current dates. The Egyptian goddess Isis achieved much fame throughout history and many temples were dedicated to her honor and for the purpose of worshipping her.
Egyptian Goddess Isis
The Egyptian goddess Isis was worshipped throughout Egypt, even from very early dates. Isis was considered to the patron saint of women, mothers and children. Additionally, ancient Egyptians referred to her as Isis the goddess of magic. It is told that she managed to trick Re into revealing his secret name to her and in doing so, Isis obtained many magical powers.
Unlike many Egyptian gods and goddesses, she remained in the same form from the beginning of her history to current dates. The Egyptian goddess Isis achieved much fame throughout history and many temples were dedicated to her honor and for the purpose of worshipping her.
Osiris Myth
Indirect evidence for Osiris
The main basis for an early Osiris is the so called "Myth of Osiris". This describes the birth of the main gods of Egypt and their not very peaceful coexistence. The god Horus plays an important role in our understanding of the early Egyptian pantheon, and the many symbolisms in this myth, like the Djed pillar and Osiris tombs, are important for dating the possible age of the cult. But let's start from the beginning.
The Myth of Osiris
The surviving legend of Osiris tells us about the life of Osiris as king of Egypt, and how he brought prosperity and happiness to the country. We are told that he brought the knowledge of agriculture and livestock farming to the Egyptians, and how he loved his sister Isis. They even had a child, Horus, together.
Seth, the brother of Osiris, was jealous about the success of his brother as he longed to be king himself and planned to overthrow him. He made a chest covered with gold and gemstones and during a celebration promised to give it to the person it fitted exactly. Nobody knew that Seth had constructed the chest using Osiris' measurements, and when it was Osiris' turn to try the chest it fitted perfectly. At that moment Seth and 72 conspirators jumped out, nailed the chest shut, and threw it into the Nile where it sank to the bottom.
When Isis heard about this she started a long search for the body of her beloved husband and after many years she found the chest inside a large tree at Byblos (which is probably not the city in Lebanon, but another name for a city in the Nile delta [1]).
The king of this country felled the tree and used it to make the first Djed pillar which he used to support the roof of his palace. The chest containing the body of Osiris was given to Isis who returned with it to the court of Horus.
Seth discovered it there and became furious. He tore the body of Osiris into 14 pieces and scattered them around the country. Isis again embarked on a quest to find these pieces, and built a special tomb for every piece found. After all the pieces were buried Osiris returned from the dead to teach Horus how to fight and so revenge him...
These are the basic concepts of the Osiris myth. But the full story is a mess. We learn, for example, that Osiris had an affair with Seth's wife Nephtys, and that they even had a son, Anubis, together - and that Seth knew about it. Well could THIS, for example, be the source of Seth's anger?
The number of Greek gods in the Osiris myth is also disturbing. Strange.
But it's not so strange when we learn the context of the myth: The only complete version comes from a Greek. It was written by the well known philosopher Plutarch, who lived between 46 and 125 AD![2]. Of course this doesn't mean that the Osiris myth didn't exist much earlier as even the oldest religious texts, the Pyramid Texts, refer to parts of it. But the details are frequently very different from Plutarch's version as he collected the surviving portions after 3000 years of changes. But which parts of the myth have an early origin, and which parts were added later? This is of great importance for the Orion theory.
We know for example that the part of the story about tearing Osiris' body into 14 pieces is most probably an addition from the Late Period, some 2000 years after the pyramid era when the myth originated[3] - and that is the quick and unspectacular end of Bauval's "nice to have" number of pyramids = number of bodyparts.
The story of the procreation of Horus also shows influence from different periods as there are several collected in the myth. Plutarch wrote that Horus was the product of an affair that Isis and Osiris had inside the womb of their mother, Nut. Other versions of the story move this to the time of the resurrection of Osiris by Isis and Nephytis, some even to the time of the reassembly of Osiris' body (although some parts of the myth do not even have the tearing-apart-part but have the individual Osiris tombs instead).
These few examples show that there is no "Osiris myth", only a collection of totally different parts from different periods and different regions that don't fit together. It is not a nice, simple, straightforward piece of literature - and that goes for most parts of Egyptian religion!
The main basis for an early Osiris is the so called "Myth of Osiris". This describes the birth of the main gods of Egypt and their not very peaceful coexistence. The god Horus plays an important role in our understanding of the early Egyptian pantheon, and the many symbolisms in this myth, like the Djed pillar and Osiris tombs, are important for dating the possible age of the cult. But let's start from the beginning.
The Myth of Osiris
The surviving legend of Osiris tells us about the life of Osiris as king of Egypt, and how he brought prosperity and happiness to the country. We are told that he brought the knowledge of agriculture and livestock farming to the Egyptians, and how he loved his sister Isis. They even had a child, Horus, together.
Seth, the brother of Osiris, was jealous about the success of his brother as he longed to be king himself and planned to overthrow him. He made a chest covered with gold and gemstones and during a celebration promised to give it to the person it fitted exactly. Nobody knew that Seth had constructed the chest using Osiris' measurements, and when it was Osiris' turn to try the chest it fitted perfectly. At that moment Seth and 72 conspirators jumped out, nailed the chest shut, and threw it into the Nile where it sank to the bottom.
When Isis heard about this she started a long search for the body of her beloved husband and after many years she found the chest inside a large tree at Byblos (which is probably not the city in Lebanon, but another name for a city in the Nile delta [1]).
The king of this country felled the tree and used it to make the first Djed pillar which he used to support the roof of his palace. The chest containing the body of Osiris was given to Isis who returned with it to the court of Horus.
Seth discovered it there and became furious. He tore the body of Osiris into 14 pieces and scattered them around the country. Isis again embarked on a quest to find these pieces, and built a special tomb for every piece found. After all the pieces were buried Osiris returned from the dead to teach Horus how to fight and so revenge him...
These are the basic concepts of the Osiris myth. But the full story is a mess. We learn, for example, that Osiris had an affair with Seth's wife Nephtys, and that they even had a son, Anubis, together - and that Seth knew about it. Well could THIS, for example, be the source of Seth's anger?
The number of Greek gods in the Osiris myth is also disturbing. Strange.
But it's not so strange when we learn the context of the myth: The only complete version comes from a Greek. It was written by the well known philosopher Plutarch, who lived between 46 and 125 AD![2]. Of course this doesn't mean that the Osiris myth didn't exist much earlier as even the oldest religious texts, the Pyramid Texts, refer to parts of it. But the details are frequently very different from Plutarch's version as he collected the surviving portions after 3000 years of changes. But which parts of the myth have an early origin, and which parts were added later? This is of great importance for the Orion theory.
We know for example that the part of the story about tearing Osiris' body into 14 pieces is most probably an addition from the Late Period, some 2000 years after the pyramid era when the myth originated[3] - and that is the quick and unspectacular end of Bauval's "nice to have" number of pyramids = number of bodyparts.
The story of the procreation of Horus also shows influence from different periods as there are several collected in the myth. Plutarch wrote that Horus was the product of an affair that Isis and Osiris had inside the womb of their mother, Nut. Other versions of the story move this to the time of the resurrection of Osiris by Isis and Nephytis, some even to the time of the reassembly of Osiris' body (although some parts of the myth do not even have the tearing-apart-part but have the individual Osiris tombs instead).
These few examples show that there is no "Osiris myth", only a collection of totally different parts from different periods and different regions that don't fit together. It is not a nice, simple, straightforward piece of literature - and that goes for most parts of Egyptian religion!
The Orion-Theory
In 1994 the book The Orion Mystery by Robert Bauval and Adrian Gilbert caused an uproar in the Egyptological world like no single book before. No wonder, it states on its cover "After more than 4000 years the secrets of the pyramids had been solved" (German paperback edition). The thesis, which purports to have done this, is now called the Orion Correlation Theory or, in short, the OCT.
Although published by two authors the thesis is essentially the work of Robert Bauval. He claims to have found the answer to a questions which has been hotly debated for decades:
Is pyramid placement coincidental? Or is there a wider plan? For many decades this has been discussed. Most of it centres around - oh wonder - the Giza-pyramids (in short Gizamids ;-) ). Some scientists say the distribution is pure coincidence, others say that it is because of the available terrain, others think they have discovered an underlying geometrical pattern to explain the locations. Some examples are listed in the pyramid section of this site. Nearly all "pattern"-theories have one major fault: to explain them the Egyptians needed a knowledge of mathematics and geometry which they never had. Those ideas are therefore pure speculation.
Bauval and Gilbert argue using a mythology-derived distribution. As a result of their investigations they concluded that the Egyptian World of the Dead was located in the sky and that the placement of the pyramids represented the most important stars for them.
The dead kings, and ordinary people later, became the god Osiris after their death. This god had a stellar representation, the constellation Sah which is, according to Bauval, identical to our modern Orion. Since each person had one star soul, each dead king could become one star of Orion, thus the pyramids were placed in a way to represent the specific star the king became.
In later times a new solar cult replaced the older stellar religion, the pyramids of the late 5th and 6th dynasty do not therefore match any stars in the sky.
The best evidence for the Orion cult is the comparison between the 3 largest pyramids at Giza with the so called belt-stars of Orion.
Star brightness and pyramid size: Giza consists of two almost equally tall pyramids and a smaller one which is only 53% of the height of the other two. The belt of Orion consists of two almost similarly bright stars, and one with only 50% of the brightness of the other two. The smallest pyramid is the one which deviates from the diagonal, as does the dimmest star!
Ohter pyramids: More pyramids in Egypt fit the picture of the sky: the two large pyramids at Dahshur are a match for the brightest two stars in the open cluster "Hyades", two more pyramids near Giza are bright stars of Orion, and the pyramids of Abusir are exactly where the head of Orion should be.
Therefore the following analysis of the OCT will consist of two parts. I will start with a discussion of the cultural link addressing the following points:
Osiris in the history of Ancient Egypt
Underworld beliefs and funerary ceremonies
Contents of the Pyramid Texts
The second part deals with the "normal" OCT critique including:
Direction and location problems of the pyramids
Targets and dates of the star shafts
Problems with the look and feel
The second part is an expanded version of my old home page with some new points (eg. Milky Way).
But I will give an advanced warning: the first part is very difficult material!!!
In 1994 the book The Orion Mystery by Robert Bauval and Adrian Gilbert caused an uproar in the Egyptological world like no single book before. No wonder, it states on its cover "After more than 4000 years the secrets of the pyramids had been solved" (German paperback edition). The thesis, which purports to have done this, is now called the Orion Correlation Theory or, in short, the OCT.
Although published by two authors the thesis is essentially the work of Robert Bauval. He claims to have found the answer to a questions which has been hotly debated for decades:
Is pyramid placement coincidental? Or is there a wider plan? For many decades this has been discussed. Most of it centres around - oh wonder - the Giza-pyramids (in short Gizamids ;-) ). Some scientists say the distribution is pure coincidence, others say that it is because of the available terrain, others think they have discovered an underlying geometrical pattern to explain the locations. Some examples are listed in the pyramid section of this site. Nearly all "pattern"-theories have one major fault: to explain them the Egyptians needed a knowledge of mathematics and geometry which they never had. Those ideas are therefore pure speculation.
Bauval and Gilbert argue using a mythology-derived distribution. As a result of their investigations they concluded that the Egyptian World of the Dead was located in the sky and that the placement of the pyramids represented the most important stars for them.
The dead kings, and ordinary people later, became the god Osiris after their death. This god had a stellar representation, the constellation Sah which is, according to Bauval, identical to our modern Orion. Since each person had one star soul, each dead king could become one star of Orion, thus the pyramids were placed in a way to represent the specific star the king became.
In later times a new solar cult replaced the older stellar religion, the pyramids of the late 5th and 6th dynasty do not therefore match any stars in the sky.
The best evidence for the Orion cult is the comparison between the 3 largest pyramids at Giza with the so called belt-stars of Orion.
Star brightness and pyramid size: Giza consists of two almost equally tall pyramids and a smaller one which is only 53% of the height of the other two. The belt of Orion consists of two almost similarly bright stars, and one with only 50% of the brightness of the other two. The smallest pyramid is the one which deviates from the diagonal, as does the dimmest star!
Ohter pyramids: More pyramids in Egypt fit the picture of the sky: the two large pyramids at Dahshur are a match for the brightest two stars in the open cluster "Hyades", two more pyramids near Giza are bright stars of Orion, and the pyramids of Abusir are exactly where the head of Orion should be.
Therefore the following analysis of the OCT will consist of two parts. I will start with a discussion of the cultural link addressing the following points:
Osiris in the history of Ancient Egypt
Underworld beliefs and funerary ceremonies
Contents of the Pyramid Texts
The second part deals with the "normal" OCT critique including:
Direction and location problems of the pyramids
Targets and dates of the star shafts
Problems with the look and feel
The second part is an expanded version of my old home page with some new points (eg. Milky Way).
But I will give an advanced warning: the first part is very difficult material!!!
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