Civilization Bio: During the years 2487-2475 BC, the Old Kingdom was ruled by a named King Sahure. His reign was a peaceful successful and he was also known as an energetic ruler, and very intelligent military leader establishing the first Egyptian Navy. He launched campaigns against the Libyans in the Western Desert, just to make sure he captured control of the valuable stone quarries in Egypt. King Sahure was a smart man, successfully increasing the trading opportunities by investing in building new boats for the Egyptian navy and sending trading missions to Canaan and the Land of Punt. He received items like dogs, monkeys and myrrh trees in those trades. The government was run differently than the previous dynasties, as the kingdom of Egypt was governed by priests, courtiers, and the Chief Chancellor. In previous dynasties all the important positions were given to members of the royal family. When he died his brother took over the throne, even though some sources say that King Sahure was married to Queen Neferetnebty and had at least two sons, but others say that he was not married and had no heirs. Sahure was known for the construction of the best preserved of the 5th Dynasty pyramid at Abusir.

Visual Analysis: This three dimensional statue displays a King sitting at a high court, with a Nome god standing slightly below him. Made with gneiss, it was made quite small, but was a detailed piece. It was also a relief piece, meaning that it’s still a part of the back piece, instead of being freestanding where you can see every angle. The Nome standard (double-falcon emblem) was carved above the Nome’s head and in he is offering an ankh with his left hand which is a hieroglyph meaning life. Sahure is wearing a headscarf and a fake beard of a living pharaoh. The flaring hood of the uraeus, the cobra goddess who protected Egyptian kings, is visible on his brow. The Nome god wears the archaic wig and curling beard of a deity.

Summary: King Sahure was an Egyptian King who probably had visions of becoming a powerful conqueror when he developed the Egyptian navy. However, this came to an end quickly as he never engaged in too many battles or conquered many lands. He was more of a collector of trees and animals. The statue was a royal decree that he lived a great life and even thought everything that he had planned had not gone as well as he had suspected he was still a successful and well looked at King.