A Perfect King: Aspects of Ancient Egyptian Royal Ideology of the New Kingdom

In the present study of Ancient Egyptian royal ideology based on temple iconography, the author shows that this source can substantially contribute to our understanding of Egyptian kingship, provided that a method of analysis based on its specifics is used. Taking as an object of analysis two groups of ritual scenes decorating Karnak Temples Great Hypostyle Hall from the reign of Seti I (c.1290-1279 BC), such a method is applied. The analysis of these scenes enables a new approach to Egyptian kingship to be put forward, resulting in a reappraisal of the kings inherent qualities, placed within an historical perspective. Issues such as his status as a priest is addressed, whilst a new interpretation of his relationship to the gods is proposed, one that can be defined as a contractual relationship.