Symbols of Ancient Egypt: Crowns
Contrast of the red (left) and white (right) crowns in an image of a lintel from the Medamud temple currently in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Image credits: Hirmer Fotoarchiv, Munich Crowns are among the most significant and recognizable symbols of the Kemet rulers. The tradition of using crowns to signify authority extends deep into prehistory. To visibly distinguish authority, the head was chosen as it is the most visible part of the body even from afar. From the moment the first leader donned a crown to assert power over a group, crowns have been emblematic of monarchy, as well as military and religious leadership. In Ancient Egypt, crowns symbolized the king's power, who, alongside the gods, was entitled to wear it. Various crowns have been utilized throughout the nation's history. This brief overview will cover the most renowned and emblematic crowns, alongside an analysis and examination of numerous other crowns referenced in The Pyramid Texts that merit attentio...