This stela tells a compelling political and spiritual story from the early reign of King Ramesses IV, son of Ramesses III. Following his father's assassination in a palace conspiracy, the throne of Egypt stood on shaky ground. Ramesses IV, facing rivalry from his brothers, needed divine and legal legitimacy to solidify his rule.
This limestone stela, carved during the 20th Dynasty around 1153–1147 BCE, was found at Abydos—one of the most sacred sites in Egypt, associated with the cult of Osiris, god of the afterlife and rebirth. The stela is dedicated to Osiris and other local gods and depicts Ramesses IV performing offerings. His message is clear: he had restored Ma’at—truth, justice, and divine balance—after a time of disorder and betrayal.
One inscription even declares, “He has returned Ma’at to the earth after it had been abandoned.” By publicly aligning himself with divine order and reverence to the gods of Abydos, Ramesses IV was not only seeking spiritual favor but making a bold political statement: that he was the rightful, divinely chosen king.
This artifact offers more than an artistic display—it’s a window into the turbulence of royal succession, the power of divine endorsement, and the central role of religion in legitimizing rule in ancient Egypt.This stela tells a compelling political and spiritual story from the early reign of King Ramesses IV, son of Ramesses III. Following his father's assassination in a palace conspiracy, the throne of Egypt stood on shaky ground. Ramesses IV, facing rivalry from his brothers, needed divine and legal legitimacy to solidify his rule.
This limestone stela, carved during the 20th Dynasty around 1153–1147 BCE, was found at Abydos—one of the most sacred sites in Egypt, associated with the cult of Osiris, god of the ... Discover more with Premium!
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