Mummies: dark secrets of the Egyptian pharaohs (6 photos). Mummies: dark secrets of the Egyptian pharaohs (6 photos) Crossword puzzle Egyptian pharaoh from 6 letters
In popular culture, the ritual of mummification is associated exclusively with ancient Egypt. This is explained by the fact that it was Egyptian mummies that became known to our distant ancestors. But modern historians have also discovered a more ancient culture that practiced mummification. This is the South American culture of the Andean Indians Chinchorro: mummies dating back to the 9th millennium BC were found here. But still, the attention of modern historians is focused specifically on Egyptian mummies - who knows what secrets these well-preserved dead may hide.
In Egypt, mummification began only in 4500 BC. Such an exact date was revealed by excavations by an English expedition carried out in 1997. Egyptologists attribute the earliest burials of mummies to the so-called Baddari archaeological culture: at that time, the Egyptians wrapped the limbs and heads of the dead in flax and matting, impregnated with a special composition.
Ancient evidence
Historians have still not been able to recreate the process of classical mummification of antiquity. The fact is that the only evidence preserved today about the stages of mummification belongs to ancient authors, including such great philosophers as Herodotus, Plutarch and Diodorus. At the time of these travelers, the classical process of mummification of the New Kingdom had already deteriorated.
Storage vessels
All organs removed from the corpse were carefully preserved. They were washed with a special composition and then placed in vessels with balm, canopic jars. There were 4 canopic jars per mummy - their lids were decorated with the heads of the gods: Hapi (baboon), Dumautef (jackal), Quebehsenuf (falcon), Imset (man).
Honey and shell
There were other, more sophisticated ways to embalm the deceased. For example, the body of Alexander the Great was mummified in an unusual “white honey” that never melted. In the early dynastic period, on the contrary, embalmers resorted to a simpler method: the bodies were covered with plaster, on top of which there was oil painting. This left a shell with dust inside.
Inca mummies
In late 1550, a Spanish official accidentally stumbled upon Inca mummies hidden in a secret cave near Peru. Further research revealed other caves: the Indians had a whole warehouse of mummies - 1365 people who were once the founders of the most important clans of culture.
The sixth pharaoh of Ancient Egypt of the 6th dynasty Merenra II (Nemtiemsaaf), reigned from 2219 to 2184. BC.
Family connections of Pharaoh Merenre II
Father of the 6th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt.
Mother - Queen of the 6th Dynasty Neith.
His wife is the sister of Queen Nitocris, who later ruled Ancient Egypt.
Grandfather - pharaoh of the 6th dynasty Piopi I.
In the Abydos list, Pharaoh Merenra II is recorded under number 39.
Economic situation of Egypt under Merenra II
The economy during the reign of Pharaoh Merenre II was based on the order established during the rule of Ancient Egypt by father Piopi II, who was in power for more than 50 years and transferred rule of the kingdom to the already young son Merenre II from his wife Knight.
Like all relatives of the same dynasty, the son and daughter of Nitocris helped maintain the state of affairs in Egypt.
Possible illnesses and work stress after taking over the leadership of the country led Pharaoh Merenra II to an untimely death. The circumstances of Queen Nitocris's reign as regent point to a longer reign for Merenre II.
The cause of death could have been influenced by the rulers of the nomes and priests, who by this time were increasingly trying to seize power in Egypt in order to enrich themselves.
Tomb of Pharaoh Merenra
The pyramid of Pharaoh Menenre II was built under the father of Piopi II and is located in the Saqqara necropolis, in which in the 18th century French researchers discovered a sarcophagus and the remains of a mummy.
The pyramid was built according to a single design with a separate entrance on the north side, a long corridor reaching the vestibule in front of the entrance to the burial chamber.
Additional rooms opposite the burial chamber served as storage for food and items needed in the afterlife. The ascending road to the Lower Temple has not yet been dug up, it is a matter of time.
Queen of Ancient Egypt of the 6th dynasty Nitocris, 2184-2181 BC. According to some historians, Nitocris, the wife of Pharaoh Merenra II, took the title of pharaoh after the death of her husband and brother.
The first woman in Egypt to take the title of pharaoh. The last pharaoh of the sixth dynasty of Ancient Egypt. According to other sources, Mitocris is the mother of the young Menenre II, who rules the country as a regent. Since the reign of the pharaoh was relatively short, after his death his wife, Queen Nitocris, came to power, who reigned for 3-5 years, but was unable to restore the power of the cult of the sun Ra in the governance of Egypt. And according to some sources, she committed suicide; according to others, she was executed by the opposition of Menenra II during a palace coup.
Around ten o'clock in the evening, Hiram appeared to Pharaoh, dressed in a dark dress, like the ones worn by Memphis merchants.
Why are you hiding like that? - asked the unpleasantly offended pharaoh. - Is my palace a prison or a house of lepers?
Oh, lord!.. - the old Phoenician sighed. - Since you became the ruler of Egypt, those who dare to speak to you without giving an account to someone are considered criminals...
And to whom should you convey my words?.. - asked the pharaoh.
Hiram raised his eyes and hands to the sky.
You, sir, know your enemies!.. - he answered.
“You shouldn’t remember them,” said the pharaoh. - Do you know why I called you? I want to borrow several thousand talents.
Hiram groaned and could barely stay on his feet. Pharaoh allowed him to sit in his presence, which was the highest honor.
Having settled down comfortably and rested, Hiram said:
Why borrow when you can otherwise get enormous wealth?
When will I conquer Nineveh? - Pharaoh interrupted. - But this is not soon, and I need money now.
“I’m not talking about war,” Hiram replied, “I’m talking about something that will immediately bring large sums of money to the treasury and a constant annual income.”
How?
Allow us and help us dig a canal that would connect the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea.
Pharaoh jumped up from his chair.
You're kidding, old man! - he cried. -Who can take on such a task and who would want to expose Egypt to danger? After all, the sea will flood us...
What sea?.. In any case, not the Red or the Mediterranean,” Hiram answered calmly. - I know that Egyptian priests and engineers studied this issue and calculated that this was a very profitable enterprise. It’s hard to think of anything more profitable... But... they want to do everything themselves, or rather, they don’t want the pharaoh to take it on.
Where's your evidence? - asked Ramses.
I have no evidence, but I will send a priest who will explain everything to you with drawings and calculations.
Who is this priest?
Hiram hesitated and, after a pause, said:
Can I expect this to stay between us? He, sir, will render you greater services than I myself. He knows many secrets and many... meannesses of the priests...
“I promise,” answered the pharaoh.
This priest is Samontu. He serves in the Temple of Set near Memphis. This is a great sage, but he needs money, and he is very ambitious... And since the priests do not allow him to rise, he told me that if your Holiness wishes, he... will overthrow the priestly caste. He knows many of their secrets... Oh, many!..
Ramses was deep in thought. He realized that this priest was the greatest traitor. But at the same time, he knew what valuable services Samontu could provide him.
“Okay,” said Pharaoh, “I’ll think about it for Samon.” Now let's assume for a moment that it is possible to build such a channel. What good will this do to me?
Hiram began counting on the fingers of his left hand.
First, he said, Phenicia will give Egypt five thousand talents of unpaid tribute. Secondly, Phenicia will pay five thousand talents for the right to carry out the work. Thirdly, when the work begins, we will pay Egypt a thousand talents a year in tax and, in addition, as many talents as there are dozens of workers he will provide us with. Fourthly, for every Egyptian engineer we will give your Holiness a talent per year. Fifthly, when the work is completed, Your Holiness will lease the canal to us for a hundred years, and we will pay for it a thousand talents a year. Is this a small profit? - asked Hiram.
And now... today, - said Pharaoh, - will you give me this five thousand tribute?..
As soon as the agreement is concluded, we will give ten thousand and add another three thousand towards the tax for three years in advance.
Ramses XIII thought about it. This was not the first time that the Phoenicians proposed to the Egyptian pharaohs to build this canal, but they always encountered stubborn resistance from the priests. Egyptian priests told the pharaoh that Egypt could be flooded by both the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. But Hiram claims that nothing like this will happen and that the priests know it.
“You promise,” said Pharaoh after long thought, “to pay a thousand talents a year for a hundred years.” You say that this canal dug in the sands is a business more profitable than which it is difficult to imagine... I don’t understand this, and, I confess, Hiram, I suspect...
The Phoenician's eyes sparkled.
“Sir,” he said, “I will tell you everything.” But I conjure you with your crown, with the shadow of your father, not to reveal this secret to anyone. This is the greatest secret of the Chaldean and Egyptian priests and even of all Phenicia. The future of the world depends on it!
Well, well, Hiram!.. - Pharaoh smiled.
“You, sir,” continued the Phoenician, “the gods gave you wisdom, energy and nobility, so you are ours. You are the only earthly ruler who can be initiated into this, because only you are capable of accomplishing great things. And you will achieve such power that no other person has ever achieved...
Pharaoh felt pleasant pride in his soul, but did not show it.
“Don’t praise me,” he stopped Hiram, “for something I haven’t done yet, but tell me better, what benefits will Phenicia and my state receive from this canal?”
Hiram sat more comfortably in the chair and began to speak in a whisper:
Know, lord, that to the east, south and north of Assyria and Babylon there is neither desert nor swamps inhabited by monsters, but vast countries and states lie. These countries are so large that your Holiness’s infantry, famous for its marches, would have to march towards the east for two years before it reached their borders.
Ramses raised his eyebrows ironically, like a man who allows another to lie, although he understands that it is a lie.
Hiram shrugged slightly and continued:
To the east and south of Babylon, by the great sea, live up to one hundred million people; they have powerful kings, they have priests wiser than the Egyptians, they have ancient books, experienced craftsmen... These peoples know how to make not only fabrics, furniture and dishes as skillfully as the Egyptians, but from time immemorial they have been building on the ground and underground temples more majestic and richer than those in Egypt...
Continue!.. Continue!.. - Pharaoh encouraged him. But it was difficult to understand from his face whether he was interested in the Phoenician’s story or outraged by his lies.
In these countries there are pearls, precious stones, gold, copper... The most amazing varieties of bread, flowers and fruits grow there... There, finally, there are forests through which you can wander for months among trees thicker than the columns of your temples, and more taller than palm trees... The population of these countries is simple-minded and meek... and if you sent two of your regiments there on ships, you could conquer lands more extensive than all of Egypt, richer than the treasuries of the Labyrinth... Tomorrow, if you allow, I will send you samples of local fabrics, wood and bronze items. In addition, I will send two grains of wonderful balms that have such a property that as soon as a person swallows them, the gates of eternity open before him and he experiences happiness, available only to the gods...
Send me samples of fabrics and products,” the pharaoh noted, “but as for balms... perhaps it’s not worth it!.. We’ll have time to amuse ourselves with eternity and the gods after death...
You handle millions easily! - Pharaoh smiled.
Hiram put his hand to his heart.
I swear,” he said, “by the spirits of my ancestors and by my honor that I am telling the truth!”
Pharaoh made a movement, he was amazed by such a solemn oath.
Continue!.. Continue!.. - he said.
These countries,” the Phoenician began again, “are very amazing.” They are inhabited by peoples with slanted eyes and yellow skin. They have a king who is called the son of heaven and rules them with the help of wise men, but these are not priests, and they do not enjoy such power as in Egypt. The customs of these peoples are similar to those of Egypt. They honor dead ancestors and take care of their bodies. They use writing reminiscent of the writing of your priests, but they wear long clothes made of fabrics completely unknown to us, wear sandals in the form of benches, and cover their heads with pointed boxes... The roofs of their houses are also pointed and curved upward at the edges. These extraordinary peoples grow a grain more fruitful than Egyptian wheat, and prepare from it a drink stronger than wine. They also have a plant whose leaves give a person strength, cheerfulness and even help fight sleep. They know how to make paper and paint it with colorful pictures, they have clay, which after firing shines through like glass and rings like metal... Tomorrow, if Your Holiness allows, I will send you samples of the products of this people.
You tell miracles, Hiram!.. - responded the Pharaoh. - But I don’t see a connection between these wonders and the channel you want to dig...
I'll explain briefly now. When there is a canal, the entire Phoenician and Egyptian fleet will go out into the Red Sea, and from there further and in a few months will sail to these rich countries, where it is almost impossible to reach by land. “But don’t you, your Holiness,” continued Hiram, whose eyes lit up, “don’t you see before you all the treasures that can be obtained there: gold, precious stones, cereals, wood? I swear, sir,” he continued with enthusiasm, “that you will then have more gold than copper now, a tree will not be more expensive than straw, and a slave will be cheaper than a cow... Just allow, sir, to dig a canal and give us fifty thousand of yours for payment soldier.
Ramses also caught fire.
“Fifty thousand soldiers,” he repeated. - How much will you give me for this?..
I have already said: a thousand talents a year for the right to carry out work and five thousand for the workers, whom we ourselves will feed and pay.
And you torture them with work?..
May the gods protect us! - Hiram exclaimed. - What good is it when workers die? Your Holiness's soldiers will not work on the canal any more than they do now on the fortifications or roads. And what glory for you, sir! What income to the treasury!.. What benefit to Egypt!.. The poorest peasant will have a wooden house, several heads of cattle and, perhaps, even a slave... Not a single pharaoh raised the state to such a height and accomplished such a great deed!.. What is this? dead and useless pyramids compared to a canal that would facilitate the transport of goods from all over the world?
And most importantly,” the pharaoh added on his own behalf, “I will have fifty thousand soldiers on the eastern border?..
Of course!.. - Hiram exclaimed. - In the presence of this power, the maintenance of which will cost your Holiness nothing, Assyria will not dare to extend its hand to Phenicia.
The plan was so brilliant and promised such benefits that Ramesses XIII was intoxicated. But he didn’t show it.
Hiram,” he said, “you paint tempting prospects... So tempting that I’m afraid that there might be some less pleasant consequences hidden behind them.” Therefore, I must think carefully myself and consult with the priests...
They will never agree in kind! - exclaimed the Phoenician. - Although - may the gods forgive me for my blasphemy! - I am sure that if now the supreme power in the state passed into the hands of the priests, then in two or three months they would invite us to begin this construction...
Ramesses looked at him with cold contempt.
Leave the care of the priests to me,” he said, “and better prove that everything you said is true.” I would be a very bad king if I had not been able to remove the obstacles standing between my will and the interests of the state.
“Truly you are a great ruler, sir,” Hiram whispered, bowing to the ground.
It was already late at night. The Phoenician said goodbye to the pharaoh and left the palace with Thutmose. And the next day he sent through Dagon a casket with samples of treasures from unknown countries. Pharaoh found in it figurines of gods, Indian fabrics and rings, grains of opium, and in the second compartment a handful of rice, tea leaves, several porcelain cups decorated with paintings, and several drawings made with paints and ink on paper.
Pharaoh examined it all with the greatest attention and had to admit that he had never seen anything like it: no rice, no paper, no images of people in pointed hats, with slanted eyes.
He no longer doubted the existence of some new country, where everything was different than in Egypt: mountains, trees, houses, bridges, ships...
“And this country must have existed for many centuries,” he thought. - Our priests know about her, they know about her wealth, but they are silent... Insidious traitors!.. They want to limit the power of the pharaohs, make them beggars, and then overthrow them from the throne. O my ancestors and heirs! - he exclaimed mentally. “I call you to witness that I will put an end to this.” I will exalt wisdom; but I will destroy hypocrisy and give Egypt many years of peace.”
So thinking, the pharaoh raised his eyes and saw Dagon, awaiting orders.
Your chest is very curious,” he turned to the moneylender. - But... that's not what I wanted from you...
The Phoenician approached on tiptoe and, kneeling before the Pharaoh, whispered:
When you deign to sign a treaty with the worthy Hiram, Tire and Sidon will throw all their wealth at your feet.
Ramesses knitted his eyebrows. He was outraged by the impudence of the Phoenicians, who dared to set conditions for him. He answered coldly:
I'll think about it some more and then I'll give Hiram an answer. You can go, Dagon.
After the Phoenician left, Ramses began to think again. Discontent grew in his soul.
“These traders,” he thought, “consider me one of their own. Hmm!.. They are trying to seduce me with a bag of gold to force me to sign a contract!.. No pharaoh would allow such impudence. Enough! People who prostrate themselves before Assar’s envoys cannot tell me: “Sign, then you will receive...” Stupid Phoenician rats who, having sneaked into the royal palace, consider it their hole!..”
The longer he thought, the more he recalled the behavior of Hiram and Dagon, the stronger his indignation became.
“How dare they!.. How dare they set conditions for me!”
Hey... Thutmose!.. - he called.
The favorite appeared immediately.
What do you order, sir?
Send one of the lower officers to inform Dagon that he will no longer be my banker. He is too stupid to occupy such a high position!
Who will you give this honor to?
I don't know yet. We will need to find someone from among the Egyptian or Greek merchants... As a last resort, we will turn to the priests.
The news of this spread throughout all the royal palaces, and not even an hour passed before it reached Memphis. Throughout the city it was said that the Phoenicians were already out of favor with the pharaoh, and by evening the mob began to destroy the shops of the hated foreigners. The priests breathed a sigh of relief. Herihor even appeared to Saint Mephres and said to him:
My heart had a presentiment that our lord would turn away from these pagans who were sucking the blood of the people. I think we need to express our gratitude to him in some form.
And maybe open the doors of our treasuries to him? - Saint Mephres asked sarcastically. - Take your time, worthy... I have already figured out this young man, and woe to us if we even once allow him to get the better of us.
What if he breaks with the Phoenicians?
He will only benefit from this, because he will not pay them the debt,” Mefres answered.
“In my opinion,” Herihor began after some thought, “now the moment has come when we can regain the favor of the young Pharaoh.” Hot-tempered in anger, he knows how to be grateful. I experienced this myself.
Whatever the word is, it’s a fallacy! - the stubborn Mefres interrupted him. - Firstly, this prince is not yet a pharaoh, since he was not crowned in the temple. Secondly, he will never be a real pharaoh, because he disdains the initiation into the rank of high priest. And, finally, it is not we who need his mercy, but he needs the mercy of the gods, whom he insults at every step!..
Mephres was choking with anger, but, having caught his breath, continued:
He spent a month in the temple of Hathor, where he studied the highest wisdom, and suddenly, immediately after that, he began to associate with the Phoenicians. Moreover, he visited the temple of Ashtoret and took a priestess from there, which is contrary to the laws of all religions... Then he publicly mocked my piety... He contacted troublemakers like himself and, with the help of the Phoenicians, found out state secrets... And as soon as he sat on the throne... or rather, on the first step of the throne, he is already dishonoring the priests, stirring up peasants and soldiers and renewing close ties with his Phoenician friends... Have you forgotten about all this, most worthy Herihor?.. And if you remember, then don’t you understand what a danger it poses for us this sucker?.. After all, he stands at the helm of the ship of state, sailing among the whirlpools. Who can guarantee that the madman who yesterday called the Phoenicians to him and today quarreled with them will not do something tomorrow that will threaten the destruction of the state?
Well, what follows from this? - Herihor asked, looking intently into the eyes of the high priest.
And the fact that we have no reason to express gratitude to him, since this would mean our weakness. He wants to get money at any cost, but we won’t give it!
And... what if his hungry army begins to plunder temples? - Herihor continued to ask.
Ha-ha-ha!.. - Mefres burst out laughing.
Suddenly he assumed a serious look and, making a low bow, said in a mocking tone:
This is your business, sir. A man who ruled the state for so many years should have prepared for such a danger.
Suppose,” Herihor began cautiously, “suppose that I found a remedy against the danger threatening the state.” But you yourself, Holy Father, will you, as the oldest high priest, be ready to repel those who insult the priestly caste and shrines?
They looked into each other's eyes for a moment.
Are you asking me if I'm ready? - Mefres repeated. - Are you ready?.. I don’t need to prepare for this. The gods gave me heavenly fire, which will destroy every blasphemer.
Shhh... - Herihor whispered. - Let it be so.
With or without the consent of the Supreme College of Priests,” Mefres added. - When a ship goes down, it’s not time to explain things to the rowers.
Both parted in a gloomy mood.
That same evening Pharaoh called them to him.
They appeared separately at the appointed hour, bowed low to Pharaoh and stood in the corners, without looking at each other.
“Did they really quarrel? - Ramses thought to himself. “Well, that’s not bad.”
A little later Saint Sam and the prophet Pentower entered.
Ramesses sat down on a dais and, pointing to the four priests at the low stools opposite him, addressed them:
Holy Fathers!.. I have not invited you to the council until now, because all my orders related exclusively to military issues.
“This is your right, sir,” Herihor interrupted him.
I did what I could in such a short time to strengthen the state. I opened two new schools for officers and restored five regiments.
“This is your right, sir,” said Mefres.
I’m not talking about other military reforms, because you, holy fathers, cannot be interested in these matters...
“You’re right, sir,” Mephres and Herihor confirmed in one voice.
But another matter is next in line,” said the pharaoh, pleased with the accommodating dignitaries, from whom he expected objections. - The day of the funeral of my divine father is approaching, and the treasury does not have sufficient funds...
Mefres stood up from the stool.
Osiris-Meri-Amon-Ramesses, he said, was a just king. He ensured long-term peace for his people and increased the glory of the gods. Permit, Your Holiness, that the funeral of this pious pharaoh be carried out at the expense of the temples.
Ramesses XIII was surprised and touched by the honor shown to his father. He was silent for a minute, as if unable to find an answer, and finally said:
I am very grateful, most worthy fathers, for the honor shown to my God-equal father. I give you my consent and thank you again...
He stopped, bowed his head in his hands and sat there for a minute, as if struggling in his soul with himself. Suddenly he raised his head, his face became animated, his eyes sparkled.
“I am touched,” he said, “by the proof of your affection for me, holy fathers.” If the memory of my father is so dear to you, then I think you won’t wish me harm either...
Do you really doubt this? - asked High Priest Sam.
“You’re right,” Pharaoh continued, “I unfairly suspected you of being prejudiced against me.” But I want to fix this and I will be honest with you.
“May the gods bless you, sir,” said Herihor.
I'll tell you straight. My divine father, due to his advanced age and illness, could not devote as much energy and time to the affairs of the state as I can. I am young, healthy, free, and therefore I want and will rule myself. Just as a commander must command an army according to his own understanding and guided by his plan, so I will govern the state. This is my immutable will, and I will not deviate from this. But I understand that even if I had deep experience, I cannot do without faithful servants and wise advisers. Therefore, I will sometimes ask your opinion on various issues...
That is why we exist as the supreme collegium under the person of the sovereign,” Herihor said.
“Okay,” the Pharaoh continued with the same animation, “I will resort to your services, and without even delay, now, from now on...
Order, sir... - said Herihor.
I want to improve the lives of the Egyptian people. But since in such matters too hasty actions can only bring harm, then to begin with I will not give him much: after six days of labor, a seventh day of rest...
This was the case during eighteen dynasties. This is a law as ancient as Egypt itself,” Pentuer noted.
Rest on every seventh day will give fifty days a year for each worker, that is, deprive his master of fifty drachmas. And with a million workers, the state will lose about ten thousand talents a year,” Mefres said. “We have already calculated this in churches,” he added.
Yes,” Pentuer confirmed, “there will be losses, but only the first year, because when the people strengthen their strength with rest, they will work it out with interest in subsequent years.”
“You are right in what you say,” replied Mephres, “but, in any case, it is necessary to have these ten thousand talents for the first year.” But I think that even twenty thousand is not enough...
“You are right, worthy Mefres,” the pharaoh intervened, “with the reforms that I want to carry out in my state, twenty and even thirty thousand talents will not be too much of a sum... And therefore,” he added immediately, “I will need your help.” , holy men...
We are ready to support your every desire with prayers and processions,” Mefres said.
Please! Pray and encourage people to pray. But, in addition, give the state thirty thousand talents,” answered the pharaoh.
The high priests were silent.
Pharaoh waited and then turned to Herihor:
Are you silent?..
You yourself said, lord, that the treasury does not even have the funds for the funeral of Osiris-Meri-Amon-Ramesses. Where to get thirty thousand talents?..
And the treasures of the Labyrinth?..
This is the property of the gods, which can only be touched at the moment of greatest need of the state,” Mefres answered.
Ramesses XIII boiled.
If not for the peasants,” he cried, hitting the handrail of the throne with his hand, “then I need this amount!”
“You can,” Mephres answered, “in a year you can receive more than thirty thousand talents, and Egypt - double.”
How?
Very simple. Order, lord, to expel the Phoenicians from the state,” said Mephres.
It seemed that the pharaoh was about to rush at the daring priest. He turned pale, his lips trembled, his eyes rolled out of their sockets. But he restrained himself and said in a surprisingly calm tone:
Well, that's enough. If you can’t give me the best advice, then I can do without it... After all, we gave the Phoenicians an obligation to pay them the money they borrowed!.. Haven’t you thought about this, Mefres?
Forgive me, sir, at that moment I was thinking about something else. Your ancestors recorded not on papyri, but on bronze and stones, that the gifts they brought to the gods and the temple belong and will forever belong to the gods and the temple.
And to you... - the pharaoh remarked mockingly.
“To the same extent as the state belongs to you, lord,” the high priest answered boldly. - We protect these treasures and increase them, and we have no right to waste them...
Choking with anger, Pharaoh left the meeting and went to his office. His situation presented itself to him with merciless clarity.
He no longer doubted that the priests hated him. These were the same dignitaries, blinded by pride, who last year did not give him the body of Menfi and made him governor only because they took his departure from the palace as an act of submission, the same ones who watched his every move, wrote denunciations against him and he, the heir to the throne, was not told a word about the treaty with Assyria by the same ones who deceived him in the temple of Hathor, and at the Soda Lakes they killed the captives to whom he promised pardon.
Pharaoh recalled Herihor's bows, Mephres's glances, and the tone of both. Behind the outward respectfulness, arrogance and disdain for him were constantly visible. He needs money, and they promise him prayers. Moreover, they dare to hint to him that he is not the sole ruler of Egypt...
The young pharaoh smiled involuntarily; he imagined hired shepherds telling the owner that he was not free to dispose of his flock. But in reality he was not laughing. Some thousand talents remained in the treasury, which could be enough for seven, at most ten days. And then what?.. What will officials, servants, and most importantly, soldiers say, who will not only not receive a salary, but will simply starve?..
The high priests, of course, know this state of affairs and if they are not in a hurry to help him, it means they want to destroy him... and destroy him in the coming days, even before his father’s funeral...
Ramesses remembered an incident from his childhood.
He was still in priestly school when, at a festival in honor of the goddess Mut, one of the performers was a comedian famous throughout Egypt. He played the failed hero. The hero ordered - they did not obey him. His anger was responded to with laughter. When, in order to punish the mockers, he grabbed an ax, the ax handle broke in his hand. Finally a lion was released on him. The defenseless hero began to run away, but it turned out that he was being chased not by a lion, but by a pig in a lion's skin. The students and teachers laughed until they cried over these misadventures, and the little prince sat gloomy; he felt sorry for the man who strives for great deeds and perishes, showered with ridicule.
This scene and the feelings he felt then came to life in his memory now.
“They want to make me like this,” he said to himself.
He was overcome with despair. He realized that as soon as his last talent was spent, his power would come to an end, and with it his life.
But then his thoughts took a different direction. Pharaoh stopped in the middle of the room.
“What can await me?.. Only death... I will go to my glorious ancestors, to Ramesses the Great... But I cannot tell them that I died without defending myself... Otherwise, after the disasters of earthly life, eternal shame will befall me...”
How? He, the conqueror of the Libyans, will be forced to retreat before a bunch of hypocrites, with whom one Asian regiment would have nothing to do?.. So, because Mephres and Herihor want to rule Egypt and the pharaoh, his troops must starve, and a million peasants will not receive a blessed rest ?.. Didn’t his ancestors build these temples?.. Didn’t they fill them with spoils of war? Who won the battles - the priests or the soldiers? So who has the right to the treasure? Priests or Pharaoh and his army.
The young pharaoh shrugged his shoulders and ordered to call Thutmose.
Despite the night time, the royal favorite appeared immediately.
You know,” said the pharaoh, “the priests refused me a loan, and yet the treasury is empty...
Thutmose straightened up.
Will you order them to be taken to prison?.. - he asked.
Would you dare to do this?
There is not an officer in Egypt who would not carry out the orders of our lord and leader.
“In that case,” the pharaoh said slowly, “in that case... there is no need to take anyone to prison... I have enough faith in myself and contempt for them. The carrion that a person sees on the road, he will not hide in a forged chest, but will simply go around it.
“But the hyena is put in a cage,” Thutmose objected.
It’s still early,” Ramses replied. “I have to be lenient with these people, at least until my father’s funeral, otherwise they are capable of insulting his sacred mummy and disturbing the peace of his soul... And now this is what: go to Hiram tomorrow and tell him to send me that priest , which we talked about.
Will be done. But I must bring to your attention, sir, information that today the people destroyed the houses of the Memphis Phoenicians.
How's that? Well, it’s in vain!
And it also seems to me,” Thutmose continued, “that since you ordered Pentuer to study the situation of the peasants and workers, the priests have been inciting the nomarchs and the nobility... They are instilling in them, sir, that you want to ruin the nobility in favor of the peasants.
And the nobles believe this?
There are those who believe, but others say directly that these are intrigues of the priests against you.
And if I really wanted to improve the lives of the peasants?.. - asked the pharaoh.
You will do, sir, whatever you find necessary,” replied Thutmose.
This is the answer I understand!.. - Ramses XIII exclaimed joyfully. “Be calm and tell the nobility that not only will she not lose anything by following my orders, but, on the contrary, her position will improve and her importance will increase.” The wealth of Egypt must finally be wrested from the hands of the unworthy and given to faithful servants.
Pharaoh said goodbye to his favorite and, satisfied, went to rest. His momentary despair seemed funny to him now.
The next day, around noon, His Holiness was informed that a deputation of Phoenician merchants had arrived.
They're probably going to complain about the destruction of their houses? - asked the pharaoh.
No,” replied the adjutant, “they want to give you gifts.”
Indeed, about twelve Phoenicians, led by Rabsun, appeared with gifts. When the pharaoh came out to them, they fell on their faces, after which Rabsun declared that, according to the ancient custom, they dare to lay down their humble gifts at the feet of the ruler, who would give them life and their property security.
And they began to place golden bowls, chains and goblets filled with precious stones on the tables. Rabsun placed a tray with papyrus on the steps of the throne, in which the Phoenicians pledged in writing to give the army all kinds of equipment worth two thousand talents.
This was a large gift, amounting in total to about three thousand talents.
Pharaoh graciously thanked the loyal merchants and promised them his protection. They left him happy.
Ramesses XIII breathed a sigh of relief. The bankruptcy of the treasury, and with it the need to resort to violent means against the priests, was postponed by ten days. In the evening, again under the protection of Thutmose, Hiram appeared in the office of His Holiness. This time he did not complain of fatigue, but fell on his face and began to curse the fool Dagon in a whiny voice.
“I learned that this brat,” he began, “dared to remind your Holiness about our agreement regarding the canal to the Red Sea... So that he disappears... so that leprosy eats him up... Let his children herd pigs, and his grandchildren be born Jews. All you have to do, lord, is to order, and no matter how much wealth there is in Phenicia, she will throw everything at your feet, without requiring any contracts or receipts. Are we Assyrians or... priests,” he added in a whisper, “and one word from such a powerful ruler is not enough for us?”
What if I, Hiram, actually demanded a large sum? - asked the pharaoh.
For example, thirty thousand talents?
Now? Straightaway?
No - throughout the year.
You will have it,” Hiram answered without hesitation.
Pharaoh was amazed by his generosity.
But I have to give you something as collateral...
“Only for form,” answered the Phoenician. “Your Holiness will give us the mines as collateral so as not to arouse suspicion among the priests.” If not for this, Phenicia would have surrendered to you entirely without pledges or receipts.
What about the channel?.. Should I sign the contract right now? - asked the pharaoh.
Not at all. You will enter into a contract with us whenever you wish.
Ramses was overjoyed. Only now did he feel the charm of royal power - and that was thanks to the Phoenicians.
Hiram,” he said, no longer able to control himself from excitement, “today I give you, the Phoenicians, permission to build a canal that will connect the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea...
The old man fell at the feet of the pharaoh.
You are the greatest king the world has ever known! - he exclaimed.
For now, you must not talk about this to anyone, for the enemies of my glory do not sleep. And to confirm this, I give you this royal ring of mine... - He took off from his finger a ring decorated with a magic stone on which the name of Horus was engraved, and put it on the Phoenician’s finger.
The wealth of all Phenicia is at your service! - Hiram repeated deeply worried. - You will accomplish a feat that will glorify your name until the sun goes out.
Pharaoh hugged his gray head and told him to sit down.
So, it means that we are allies,” the pharaoh said after a moment of silence, “and I hope that this alliance will bring prosperity to Egypt and Phenicia...
To the whole world! - Hiram exclaimed.
Tell me, however, prince, where do you have so much faith in me?
I know your noble character... If you, lord, were not a pharaoh, in a few years you would have become the richest Phoenician merchant and the head of our Council...
Let’s say,” Ramses replied, “but in order to keep my promise to you, I must first crush the priests.” This is a struggle, and the outcome of the struggle is unknown.
Hiram smiled.
“Sire,” he said, “if we are so base as to abandon you when the treasury is empty and the enemy has raised his head, you will lose the fight!” A man without means easily loses his courage, and his army, his subjects, and his nobles turn away from the impoverished king... Since you, sir, have our gold and our agents, and your army with its commanders, then you will have the same with the priests little hassle, like an elephant with a scorpion. You step on them and they will be crushed... However, that is none of my business. The high priest Samontu, whom you, Your Holiness, ordered to come, awaits in the garden. I'm out. Now is his time... But I will try to get thirty thousand talents, let only your Holiness order...
Hiram fell on his face again and left, promising to send Samonta.
Soon the high priest appeared. As befitted a servant of Set, he did not shave his beard or thick, disheveled hair. His face was stern, and his eyes shone with deep intelligence. He bowed without undue humility and calmly withstood the Pharaoh's piercing gaze.
“Sit down,” said the bishop.
The priest sat down on the floor.
“I like you,” said Ramses. “You have the posture and face of a Hyksos, and they are the bravest soldiers in my army.”
And suddenly he asked:
Was it you who told Hiram about the agreement between our priests and the Assyrians?..
“I,” answered Samontu, without lowering his eyes.
Did you also participate in this meanness?
No, I overheard this agreement... In the temples, as in the palaces of your Holiness, the walls are pierced by channels through which even from the tops of the pylons you can hear what is said in the dungeons.
And from the dungeons you can talk to people living in the upper chambers... - noted the pharaoh.
Pharaoh smiled. This means that the assumption that it was not the spirit of his father who spoke to him and his mother was correct.
Why did you entrust such an important state secret to the Phoenicians? - asked Ramses.
Because I wanted to prevent a shameful treaty that would harm both us and the Phoenicians.
You could have warned some of the noble Egyptians.
Whom? - asked the priest. - Those who are powerless against Herihor, or those who would denounce me to him, condemning me to martyrdom? I told Hiram because he knows our nobles, whom I never meet.
Why did Herihor and Mefres enter into such an agreement? - Pharaoh asked.
These, in my opinion, are narrow-minded people. They were frightened by Beroes, the great Chaldean priest. He told them that an evil fate would weigh over Egypt for ten years and that if during this time we started a war with Assyria, we would be defeated...
And they believed it?
Apparently Beroes showed them miracles. He even rose into the air... This, of course, is an amazing thing, but I just don’t understand why we should lose Phenicia if Beroes can rise above the ground.
So you don’t believe in miracles either?..
“I believe something,” Samontu answered. - Beroes really seems to be doing extraordinary things. And our priests only deceive both the people and the ruler.
Do you hate the priestly caste?
Samontu spread his hands.
They don’t tolerate me either and, what’s worse, they mock me supposedly because I serve Seth. Meanwhile, what kind of gods are these who have to turn their heads and hands with the help of strings? Or what kind of priests are these who, pretending to be pious and temperate, have ten women each, spend ten or even twenty talents a year, steal the sacrifices placed on the altars, and are not much smarter than the students of the high school?
But you receive offerings from the Phoenicians?
And from whom should I receive it?.. Only the Phoenicians truly honor Set, fearing that he would sink their ships. But among us only the poor honor him, and if I were content with their sacrifices, I would die of hunger along with my children.
The pharaoh thought that this priest was still a good person, although he was revealing the secrets of the temples. Plus he's apparently smart and tells it like it is.
“Have you heard anything,” the sovereign asked again, “about the canal that should connect the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea?”
I know this matter. Several hundred years ago our engineers developed this project.
Why hasn't it been implemented yet?
The priests are afraid that foreigners will flood into Egypt, who could undermine our faith, and with it their income.
Is it true what Hiram said about the tribes living in the far east?
All this is absolutely true. We have known about them for a long time, and not a dozen years go by without us receiving some precious stone, design or craftsmanship from those countries.
Pharaoh thought again and suddenly asked:
Will you serve me faithfully if I make you my advisor?
I will serve you for life and death... But... if I become an adviser to the pharaoh, the priests who hate me will be indignant.
Don't you think they can be broken?
And even very easy! - answered Samontu.
What's your plan if I decide to get rid of them?
It would be necessary to take possession of the treasury of the Labyrinth,” the priest announced.
Could you reach her?
I already have some instructions. I'll find the rest because I know where to look.
Well, then what? - asked the pharaoh.
It is necessary to initiate a case against Herihor and Mephres on charges of high treason and secret relations with Assyria...
Where is the evidence?..
“We will find them with the help of the Phoenicians,” answered the priest.
Doesn't this pose any danger to Egypt?
No. Four hundred years ago, Pharaoh Amenhotep the Fourth overthrew the power of the priests, establishing faith in a single god, Ra-Gormakhis Ra-Gormakhis (ancient Egyptian: Ra-Gorahuti). Ra is the sun god, worshiped initially in Heliopolis (On), and then throughout the country. Horus, who was initially considered the sky deity in Behdet (Delta), later also became the sun god; he was worshiped as the Horus of “Both Horizons” (ahuti). The fusion of the cults of these solar gods occurred during the era of the New Kingdom (XVI century BC). Amenhotep IV (Akhenaton), who tried to undermine the influence of the priesthood and, for this purpose, reform the ancient religion and introduce the cult of the single god Aten, ruled c. 1424-1400 BC. Therefore, the date given in the novel is incorrect.
. At the same time, of course, he seized treasures from the temples of other gods. And even then, neither the people, nor the army, nor the nobility stood up for the priests... What can we say about our time, when the former faith has long fallen!
And who helped Amenhotep?
A simple priest of Ey.
The same one who, after the death of Amenhotep, took his throne,” said Ramses, looking intently into the eyes of the priest.
But Samontu answered calmly:
This incident proves that Amenhotep was a worthless ruler who cared more about the glory of Ra than about the state.
You are truly a real sage! - Ramses cried.
Glad to serve you, sir!
“I appoint you as my adviser,” said the pharaoh, “but you should not visit me secretly, but will settle in my palace.”
Forgive me, sir, but until the members of the Supreme College go to prison for negotiating with enemies of the state, my presence in the palace will do more harm than good. I will serve and advise Your Holiness, but in secret.
And will you find your way to the treasury of the Labyrinth?
I hope that while you return, sir, from Thebes, I will be able to do this. When we transfer the treasures to the palace and when the court condemns Herihor and Mephres, whom your Holiness can then pardon, then I, with the permission of the Pharaoh, will come out openly and will no longer serve Seth, which only scares people away from me.
And you think that everything will turn out well?
“I guarantee my life,” answered the priest. - The people love you, and it is not difficult to raise them against high-ranking traitors... The soldiers are obedient to you, like no other pharaoh since the time of Ramses the Great... Who can resist these forces?.. And in addition to all this, the Phoenicians and money will be at your service - the greatest power in the world.
When Samontu was about to leave, the pharaoh allowed him to fall at his feet and presented him with a heavy gold chain and a wrist decorated with sapphires.
The visit to Samontu and his promises filled the Pharaoh’s heart with new hopes.
“If only we could get the treasures of the Labyrinth!..”
An insignificant part of them would be enough to free the nobility from debts to the Phoenicians, improve the lives of the peasants and redeem the mortgaged estates of the pharaoh.
And what kind of buildings the state would be enriched with!.. Yes, the riches of the Labyrinth could eliminate all worries. For what good was it that the Phoenicians were going to give Ramesses a large loan? The loan will have to be repaid someday with interest, or sooner or later the rest of the royal estates will have to be pledged as collateral. This could only delay ruin, but not prevent it.
