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Researchers Find Earliest Depiction of Egyptian Pharaoh

Bible and archaeology news

Yale University researchers studying a long forgotten rock art panel northwest of Aswan in Egypt believe they may have discovered the earliest known depiction of an Egyptian ruler. At the center of a panel with several well-executed drawings of crescent-shaped royal flotillas hovers a figure wearing the typical “White Crown” of Upper Egypt and carrying a long staff or scepter in his hand. Standing behind him is a fan bearer, while in front are two attendants who carry royal standards.

Originally spotted in the late 19th century but only recently rediscovered, the panel is believed to date between 3200 and 3100 B.C.E. and most likely depicts the Egyptian king’s royal tour and procession along the Nile River (the so-called “Following of Horus”) that occurred every two years.