![]() Where Hatshepsut and Elizabeth most compare is in their devout service to their respective gods – and their love of their fathers. This extraordinary woman ruled Egypt for about 20 years during the 15 th century BCE, adopting the full panoply of kingship. Perhaps the ancient Egyptian ruler that most exemplifies the spirit of Elizabeth II is Queen Hatshepsut. Hatshepsut’s Coronation – a relief from her Red Chapel of Amun Karnak – with Amun and God Uret Hekau Image: Queen Hatshepsut (1479-1458 BCE): A life of service to god Amenhotep III had his revolutionary son Akhenaten who would abandon the cult of Amun and Egypt’s capital (Waset -Thebes) for Amarna (Akhetaten), while Elizabeth II’s grandson Harry, of course, renounced his place in the monarchy and left for a life in California. Both the courts behind Elizabeth II and Amenhotep III really knew how to throw a big party to celebrate their venerable monarchs.Īnd when it comes to rebel offspring, both Monarchs could relate. There is also a parallel between Amenhotep III and Queen Elizabeth II when it comes to “dazzling jubilees”: festivals celebrating many years on the throne, which in ancient Egypt were called “Heb Seds”. Glittering jubilees and rebellious offspring From the Amarna letters – cuneiform correspondence between Amenhotep and Kings of the near east – we can see how deeply he was revered and respected by leaders throughout the ancient world: the Mittani, Babylonians, Assyrians, and the Hatti.Įlizabeth the II shares this in common – stellar diplomacy and a desire to secure and support peaceful relations with world leaders. With his trusted consort Queen Tiye at his side (like Elizabeth’s trusted Phillip), he used diplomacy to reach Egypt’s foreign policy objectives. He is remembered in history as the great diplomat the father of the nation who brokered powerful relationships and trade agreements with so many important leaders across the Mediterranean and near east. ![]() Unlike Thutmosis III or Ramses the Great, Amenhotep, however, was no soldier king. No king created greater or more abundant statuary (some appropriated by Ramses) – or iconic funerary monuments, with his mortuary temple of Kom el Hettan being the largest temple of all, built in one go for one god. He was the golden king – the Pharaoh who ruled during the apex of Egypt’s power and prosperity. The only other comparison between Ramses II and Queen Elizabeth II besides longevity and greatness of impact is this: Ramses also brokered the world’s first peace treaty with the Hittites in the mid 13 th century BCE, an act that would have no doubt have solicited a hearty nod of approval by our Queen.įamous statues of Amenhotep III, Hatsheput and Ramses the Great All images: Wikipedia King Amenhotep III (ruled 1388-1351 BCE) – father of diplomacy Diverting family scandals was one of the most difficult aspects of her life and rule for such a private person. She was self-effacing, modest, and fully devoted to doing her duty: supporting humanitarian causes and helping her people – never taking sides or promoting herself or her family. A larger than life, unforgettable leader nevertheless from whom we have some of the greatest monuments and statuary of antiquity.Įlizabeth of course, though she served in World War II, was the farthest thing from a warrior. A promoter, an extrovert, you could say braggart, Ramses appropriated whichever statues served his end from past kings,Ramses was all about Ramses – and his Egypt - securing his legacy as the greatest king of the greatest nation. His battle with the Hittites may well have been a historic “draw”, with losses on both sides, but as a brilliant PR strategist, he spins the story as a complete Egyptian victory, with himself as a central hero. Ramses came from a family of bold warriors he was a soldier king who led his troops into battle, both north, south and east of the Egyptian border, and depicted his military victories with unabashed pride on many of his temple walls. ![]() But there the comparisons pretty much end. In terms of long rule and impact on many generations, there is a parallel with our Queen Elizabeth II. It was Merenptah, 13 th son, who finally succeeded him. Ramses, in fact, outlived 12 of his roughly 50 sons (and he had 50 daughters). As with Elizabeth, the people had only known one king for several generations. What we are feeling today may be akin to what the Ancient Egyptians felt in 1213 BCE when they lost King Ramses after an incredible 66 years of rule. ![]() Statue Of Queen Eizabeth II in Elizabeth Gardens, Gravesend, Kent, Image: Wikipedia Ramses II- The Great (ruled 1279-1213 BCE): the self-promoting warrior & great builder.
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