Historical archaeological finds not only unlock the answers of the past but also are rooted in intrigue, backstory and in this case… mystery. Keith R. Amery, Archaeological Finds and Remains Auctioneer at Catawiki, came across a fascinating item which is currently up for auction: a blue faience ring which belonged to the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Horemheb. What might first seem like quite a humble artefact, this simple piece of jewellery links us to a little-known military leader of the ancient world and alludes to a very dark history…
Tutankhamun
Tutankhamun, an Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, was only about 9 years old when he came to the throne. His short life and reign were clearly manipulated by senior and seasoned statesmen and politicians. He achieved little as a ruler, however his advisers were able to turn over the religious powers set in place by his father and grandfather, and restore the rule of the old gods under Amun of Thebes. One of these advisers was the general of Tutankhamun’s armies, a man born of common background named Horemheb.
The Rise of a New Pharaoh
Seemingly without an obvious cause or explanation, Tutankhamun died mysteriously when he was just 18. He was buried in a tomb in the Valley of the Kings and is now known as the ‘boy king’, one of the most well-preserved Ancient Egyptians in history. But following Tutankhamun’s death, it was time for a new era. And the former Pharaoh's advisers would not select a new leader easily. Although Horemheb had been officially designated the heir to Tutankhamun’s throne, the chief statesman named Aye somehow overthrew Horemhab’s power and became the successive Pharaoh. But he did not hold this title for long.
Pharaoh Horemheb
Aye’s reign last only 4 years, ending with Horemhab, who had continued to serve under Aye, managing to reinstate himself as the rightful ruler. Scorned by being pushed aside, Horemheb sought revenge on Aye’s tomb. He had the former Pharaoh's sarcophagus smashed into several pieces and his name chiselled out of the tomb walls. It’s very likely that Aye's mummy was destroyed as well. It is unknown for exactly how long Horemheb ruled, but we do know he was the last Pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty.
Statue of Horemheb as a Seated Scribe in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
Faience Ring
Pharaoh Horemheb’s blue faience ring can be identified by the cartouche carving of Horemheb’s name on the surface. The inscription translates as: ‘HR-m-hb mry-Imn, or: Horemheb, mery Amun = Horus is at the feast, beloved by Amun’ which was this Pharaoh’s full birth name. This ring is a reminder of such a bloody dynasty worthy of the Borgia’s or the decadent reign of the Roman Emperors.
The ring is up for auction alongside a number of other special objects in our Ancient Egyptian Archaeology auction which runs from November 10 - November 16 (2017). Make the most of this exclusive opportunity to own an object which belonged to an ancient ruler and discover the auction now.
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