Bakhtan Stela (Upper Part)

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Illustration

Jan van der Crabben
by
published on 16 August 2019
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Bakhtan Stela (Upper Part) Download Full Size Image

This stela shows two symmetrical scenes. On the left, we see a priest offers incense to a barque carrying a statue of "Khonsou-Spellcaster-of-Thebes-and-Chaser-of-Demons". On the right, Ramesses II presents incense to a similar barque named "Khonsou-in-Thebes-Neferhotep".

The inscription beneath tells the tale of how Ramesses II saves his sister in law, Bentrech, princess of Bakhtan, from sickness. He does so by sending her the statue of Khonsou the demon-chaser. Bakhtan corresponds to the Hittite lands. This story mentions the Egyptian-Hittite peace treaty and the marriage of Ramesses II with a daughter of Hattusili II.

This work dates to the 21st dynasty, probably during the reign of Herihor (1073-1064 BCE). Thus this stela tells a tale of the past.

Karnak, Egypt, 21st Dynasty. Paris, Musee du Louvre, C 284.

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About the Author

Jan van der Crabben
Jan is the Founder and CEO of World History Encyclopedia. He holds an MA War Studies from King's College, and he has worked in the field of history-related digital media since 2006.

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APA Style

Crabben, J. v. d. (2019, August 16). Bakhtan Stela (Upper Part). World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/11064/bakhtan-stela-upper-part/

Chicago Style

Crabben, Jan van der. "Bakhtan Stela (Upper Part)." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified August 16, 2019. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/11064/bakhtan-stela-upper-part/.

MLA Style

Crabben, Jan van der. "Bakhtan Stela (Upper Part)." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 16 Aug 2019. Web. 13 Dec 2024.

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