Sacred Landscapes in Ramesside Egypt

This exploration of the holy landscapes of Egypt, both the natural world and the built landscape, shows how the ancient Egyptians reacted to the presence of the divine around them.

The ancient Egyptians were skilled creators of impressive monuments which connected them to the gods, including royal tombs and temples. Over time the accumulation of these monuments in particular locations created extensive and complex sacred landscapes where the natural world and the built environment complemented each other. Major centres such as Abydos, Thebes, Memphis and Heliopolis each developed their own distinctive character based on their natural landscape, their particular gods, and the specific buildings constructed there.

Taking the Egypt of Ramesses II as his focal point, Steven Snape explores some of the most important monumental landscapes of ancient Egypt. This was a period when some of the most spectacular and sophisticated royal monuments were created, while more ancient monuments were being restored and reinterpreted. It was also a period when private individuals were able to interact with royal temples, tombs and colossal statues both past and present.