Propaganda in Ancient Egypt: From Divine Birth to Mythical Victories

The use of propaganda in ancient societies was a powerful tool for reinforcing the authority and legitimacy of rulers. In ancient Egypt, this practice was no exception, with both Queen Hatshepsut and Ramses II utilizing it to great effect. This article explores the methods and impact of propaganda in ancient Egypt through their unique approaches to divine birth and military victories.

Divine Birth and Ruling Legitimacy: Queen Hatshepsut's Propaganda

Queen Hatshepsut, who reigned for approximately 20 years (1479–1458 BCE), employed sophisticated propaganda techniques to establish her divine legitimacy and strengthen her claim to kingship. She leveraged the influence of the high priest of Amun to create a narrative that elevated her status from her mother and father, targeting both the public and her political rivals.

The High Priest of Amun and the Divine Birth Narrative

The temple of Deir El-Bahri in Luxor serves as a testament to this propaganda. Inside, there are detailed hieroglyphic texts and reliefs that depict Hatshepsut's divine birth. The story, as crafted by the high priest, is intricately presented, emphasizing the miraculous conception. It portrays Amun, the chief deity, visiting the queen's mother, Ahmose, and impregnating her.

This narrative was crucial for establishing her legitimacy and divine identity. By linking her ancestry directly to the god Amun, Hatshepsut effectively portrayed herself as a goddess-king, which was essential for her successful reign. The temple of Deir El-Bahri was a center where this divine narrative was perpetuated, creating a visual and verbal feast that cemented her divine status.

Mythical Victories: Ramses II's Propaganda

Contrasting with Queen Hatshepsut's divine birth narrative, Ramses II (ruled 1279–1213 BCE) utilized propaganda to overcome a significant mythologizing of military success. His campaigns against the Hittites, particularly the Battle of Kadesh, were not as triumphant as the propaganda suggested, but the message he presented to both his subjects and contemporaries was one of heroic victory.

The Propaganda Battle of Kadesh

Ramses II's reign was marked by the extensive use of propaganda through the construction of numerous temples and monuments in which the Battle of Kadesh is depicted. These depictions glorified his military prowess and the valor of his troops. One of the most well-known depictions can be found in the temple of Abu Simbel, where Ramses II is shown triumphantly stepping over fallen enemies.

Notably, the reliefs at the temple of Kadesh detail his feats in battle, including an imaginative portrayal of his hand-stabbing 4000 enemies (1000 by right hand, 1000 by left, 1000 by right foot, and 1000 by the left). This hyperbolic and militaristic narrative was not only intended to boost morale and inspire confidence but also to ensure his reign was remembered for its prestige and strength.

The Role of Temples and Priests in Ancient Egyptian Propaganda

The temples and priests acted as key conduits in spreading and preserving these narratives. They were not just symbols of religious devotion but also served as state institutions, reinforcing the ruling class's control over information and public perception. The priests were adept at crafting and maintaining these stories, ensuring that the divine justifications for rule and the triumphant rhetoric of victory were perpetuated.

For example, the high priest of Amun in Hatshepsut's time and administrators in Ramses II's court were instrumental in developing and disseminating these narratives. Temples themselves were converted into schools and centers of propaganda, where the young rulers and nobles were indoctrinated with the appropriate myths and historical narratives that served to justify and maintain the power structure.

Concluding Thoughts on Propaganda in Ancient Egypt

The use of propaganda in ancient Egypt was a multifaceted and effective strategy employed by rulers to legitimize their reigns and bolster their authority. Through the creation of divine birth narratives for Hatshepsut and mythologizing military victories for Ramses II, the temples and priests played a central role in shaping the public perception and reinforcing the status quo.

The legacy of these propagandistic efforts can still be seen in the architectural and textual records that have survived over the centuries. These structures and texts serve as invaluable resources for modern historiographers, providing a window into the power dynamics and public relations strategies of ancient Egyptian society.

Keywords

propaganda in ancient egypt divine birth mythical victories ancient egyptian temples