Mask of Tutankhamun. The treasures of Tutankhamun and the curse of his tomb

History of papyrus

Once upon a time, wise Egyptians learned the secret of making papyrus on which they could write. This made them famous almost as much as the construction of the pyramids. They kept their secret deeply secret and did not tell anyone that the unusual material was obtained from the fibers of a plant that was found in the Nile Valley. The Egyptians used this plant in other areas. Ropes were woven from its fibers, shoes and ordinary baskets were made. Even hippos loved to gnaw on tasty greens that reached 4 - 5 m in height.

As papyrus began to be replaced by parchment, interest in it waned. IN Egypt drawings on papyrus for a long time were exclusively the property of museums, and the plant practically disappeared. Only in the 60s did the cultivation of these plants begin again, and Dr. Hassan Ragab investigated the technology for making papyrus, which the Egyptians did not transfer to anyone. Thanks to his collaboration with artists, a museum was created that displayed contemporary works done on papyrus.

Paintings on papyrus

Each artist tries to execute in his own way drawings on papyrus. He will definitely complement his skill with his own signature, which is easy to spot in the very corner. They do not create subjects for their paintings from their heads, but write them referring to historical facts. Having collected a collection of such drawings, any tourist will have the opportunity to contemplate the history of the country at home.

Everyone who visited Egypt, drawings on papyrus amaze with their specificity and beauty. Just a small touch, and this is a reflection of national culture, stories from history, the mood of the artist. Real paintings on papyrus are done by hand by a master craftsman. Every product is unique, and every scene is a milestone in history. All drawings are made in accordance with the strict canons of painting, which was developed back in Ancient Egypt. It is impossible to list all the stories that come to life thanks to the talent of artists. The most favorite themes of local brush artists:

• The life of Pharaoh Tutankhamun and his family
• Image of Tutankhamun's mask
• Profile of Queen Cleopatra - the femme fatale of antiquity
• The story of Isis, who has magical powers
• The story of Nefertiti - one of the most famous queens and the most beautiful woman of Ancient Egypt
• The majestic Ramses II, rushing to battle, on his chariot with bows and arrows in his hands
• Map of Egypt and image of the Nile River
• The key of life, which is an ankh - a circle at the top of the symbol, representing infinity
• The tree of life, on which birds sit looking to the future, and only one looks back to the past
• The hieroglyphic alphabet and its translation into English and Arabic

All these scenes are the history of a wonderful country. You can see them not only in papyrus paintings, but also in Egyptian tombs and temples. Having visited this country at least once, you definitely need to return home with papyrus. Each drawing on it is filled with a special meaning. Such images bring harmony and unity to the home. Buy papyrus from Egypt You can do it for 3 dollars or for several hundred. It all depends on the size of the work and the price set by the seller. Egyptians love to bargain, so prices may vary from place to place.

Today we have already read Tutankhamun, and now let’s get acquainted with the traditional one.

Lord Carnarvon, a typical English aristocrat, was a passionate man. A passionate hunter, then a derby lover, then a sports car driver, a fan of aeronautics, finding himself deprived of all his previous hobbies due to illness, he turned to his friend, the director of the Egyptian department at the British Museum, W. Budge, with a request to recommend some interesting activity, where no physical effort is required. Half-jokingly, W. Budge drew Lord Carnarvon's attention to Egyptology. And at the same time he suggested the name of Howard Carter, a young professional archaeologist who worked with famous scientists Petrie and Davis. G. Maspero, director of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, gave him the same name...

An amazing coincidence of circumstances and a brilliant coincidence of two recommendations begins this story, full of mysteries and secrets. A story that still excites people's minds.

History of the opening of the tomb

Theodore Davis, who discovered many royal tombs, had a concession to excavate in the Valley of the Kings. In 1914, believing that the entire Valley had already been dug up and any significant discovery was unlikely, Davis abandoned the concession in favor of Carnarvon. And Maspero warned the lord that digging in the Valley of the Kings was a hopeless and expensive task. But the English madman believed in G. Carter's obsession! He wanted to dig up the tomb of Tutankhamun at all costs. He had almost figured out her location! The fact is that at different times, while working with Davis, Carter found a faience cup from the tomb, a broken wooden casket with gold leaves on which the name of Tutankhamun was inscribed, and a clay vessel with the remains of linen bandages - they had been forgotten by the priests who embalmed the pharaoh’s corpse. All three finds indicated that the tomb was nearby, that it had not been plundered, like many, many tombs of Egyptian kings.

The sight of the Valley of the Kings made a depressing impression on Lord Carnarvon. The bottom of the pit was littered with gigantic piles of rubble and debris and gaped with black gaps of opened and robbed graves carved into the base of the rocks. Where to start? Is it really possible to stir up all this rubble?..

But Carter knew where to start. He drew three lines along the plan of the pit, connecting the points of the three finds, and thus designated the triangle of searches. It turned out to be not very large and was located between three graves - Seti II, Merneptha and Ramses VI. The archaeologist turned out to be so accurate that the first blow of the pickaxe fell just above the place where the first step of the stairs leading to the tomb of Tutankhamun was located! But Howard Carter learned about this only after six long years—or rather, six archaeological seasons, during which the rubble rubble was cleared.

In the first year, Carter came across the remains of unknown walls. It turned out that these were the ruins of houses where carvers, stonemasons and artists lived, working on the royal tomb. The walls were not built on rock, but on rubble removed from the rock during the construction of the tomb of Ramses VI. Respecting the latter. Carter decided to push back his fame by six years: he moved the excavation of the rubble, leaving the ruins of the walls untouched. He was prompted to do this by the desire not to interfere with numerous excursions, because excavations would have cluttered the already narrow passage to the already open and examined tomb of Ramses. Finally, the triangle scheduled for clearing was completely cleared of rubble. However, the archaeologist did not find a trace of the desired grave. Carnarvon, who had invested a lot of money in this risky undertaking, was inclined to abandon his plan. It took a lot of effort for the desperate archaeologist to persuade the lord to continue his search - “just one season.” Carter, who knows how to persuade, convinced the aristocrat.

In this undated photo, Howard Carter - the archaeologist who discovered Tutankhamun's tomb - examines his sarcophagus. The famous Egyptian pharaoh suffered from cleft palate and club feet, so he most likely walked using a cane. (AP Photo/File)

Here are entries from his diary:

“Our last winter in the Valley began. For six seasons in a row we carried out archaeological work here, and season after season passed without bringing any results. We excavated for months, worked with utmost effort and found nothing. Only an archaeologist knows this feeling of hopeless depression. We had already begun to come to terms with their defeat and were preparing to leave the Valley..."

On November 3, 1922, workers began to demolish the walls of the barracks left by Carter in 1917. While demolishing the walls, they also removed the meter-long layer of rubble that was underneath them.

Early in the morning of November 4, an intriguing silence suddenly settled over the Valley. Carter immediately rushed to where the workers were crowded around the fresh pit. And he couldn’t believe his eyes: the first step, carved into the rock, appeared from under the rubble.

Their enthusiasm returned and the work accelerated. Step by step the group moved towards the base of the stairs. Finally, the entire staircase was clear, and a door appeared, blocked with stones, walled up and equipped with a double seal. Looking at the seal impressions, Carter was very happy to discover its royal belongings: a necropolis with an image of a jackal and nine prisoners. This alone gave hope that the robbers did not reach the tomb. Its very location and the circumstances of the excavations indicated that, apparently, everyone had forgotten about it long ago: the stonecutters were too lazy to take away the rubble knocked out of the rock from someone else’s tomb, and dumped it first at the entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun, and later on top of it. This turned out to be beneficial for the priests, who vigilantly guarded the entrances, since there was less chance that the robbers would remember the rich tomb. And even if they do remember, you wouldn’t wish it on your enemy to shovel enough rubble to get into a grave. Then the priests themselves forgot about the tomb... And later, houses were built over this tomb for the workers who worked in the Valley, thereby finally burying and “classifying” the place of the tomb of the young pharaoh.

Carter made a small hole at the top of the masonry and, shining a light into it, looked inside. He saw nothing but rocks and rubble. The piles rose to the ceiling. Lord Carnarvon, who had lost faith, was not only absent from the Valley of the Kings, but also from Egypt. Carter sent him a telegram to England. “Finally,” it said, “you have made a wonderful discovery in the Valley: a magnificent tomb with intact seals has been closed again until your arrival. Congratulations.”

“It was an exciting moment for an archaeologist,” Carter wrote. “All alone except for local workers, after years of careful effort, I stood on the threshold of what could be a magnificent discovery. Anything, literally anything, could be behind this entrance, and it took all my self-control not to break open the masonry and begin immediate research."

In order not to tempt himself and for greater safety, Howard Carter filled up the stairs again, placed a guard at the top and began to wait for Carnarvon. Lord Carnarvon and his daughter Lady Evelyn Herbert arrived in Luxor on 23 November. Dr. Alan Gardiner, whom Carnarvon invited with him on the trip, promised to arrive early in the new year. Dr. Gardiner is an expert on papyri, and his knowledge could be useful in opening the tomb, for the discoverers hoped to find many inscriptions in it, and possibly scrolls. When the stairs were cleared again, archaeologists finally took a closer look at the seals. Undoubtedly, one of them was royal, and the other priestly: an impression of the seal of the guards of the necropolis. This means that the thieves did visit the tomb. However, if the tomb had been completely robbed, there would be no point in resealing it. But this circumstance greatly dampened Carter's mood while the 27-foot-long corridor running from east to west was cleared. On November 26, archaeologists discovered a second walled up doorway.

Carter wrote:

"Finally, we saw a completely cleared door. The decisive moment had arrived. With trembling hands, I made a narrow gap in the upper left corner of the masonry. Behind it there was emptiness, as far as I could determine with an iron probe... they tested the air on a candle flame, for the accumulation of dangerous gases, and then I widened the hole a little, stuck a candle into it and looked inside. Lord Carnarvon, Lady Evelyn Herbert and the Egyptologist Callender stood nearby and anxiously awaited my verdict. At first I could not see anything, because the stream of hot air from the tomb blew out the candle But gradually my eyes got used to the flickering light, and strange animals, statues and... gold began to appear in front of me from the twilight - gold sparkled everywhere! For a moment - to those who stood next to me, it seemed like an eternity! - I was speechless with amazement. Finally Lord Carnarvon asked with excitement:

- Do you see anything?

“Yes,” I answered. - Wonderful things... "

Seal on the door of the tomb

Treasures of the Tomb

Hundreds of objects were in what was later called the Front Room, in complete disarray, “like unnecessary furniture in a closet,” as Sir Alan Gardiner aptly put it. And only two full-length figures, symmetrically mutually directed, stood on both sides of the walled and sealed doorway that was located on the right wall. The figures were made of wood, impregnated with something like asphalt, painted with black and gold paints, on their foreheads were royal uraei, and in their hands were golden staffs. Each of the figures rested on a long staff. After inspecting the contents of the Front Room, Carter and Carnarvon realized the significance of the walled-up entrance:

“Behind the sealed door there were other chambers, perhaps a whole suite, without a doubt... we should have seen the remains of the pharaoh.”

One of Carter's colleagues wrote no less excitedly:

“We saw something incredible, a scene from a fairy tale, a magnificent treasury of opera scenery, the embodiment of the dreams of a creative composer. Opposite us stood three royal boxes, and around them chests, caskets, alabaster vases, armchairs and chairs upholstered in gold - a heap of treasures of the pharaoh, who died... even before Crete reached its peak, long before the birth of Greece and the conception of Rome - more than half the history of civilization has passed since then... "

Gradually, other details emerged: most likely, the robbers were caught at the crime scene, and they, having abandoned everything they had grabbed, fled in a hurry and randomly, without having time to cause much harm. But the priests acted no less erratically: hastily stuffing the royal clothes and objects back into the chests, from which the small ones were poured into the same place, although they were clearly kept in other caskets, the guards of the necropolis just as hastily left the tomb and walled up the entrance to it. For the first time in the history of excavations, Howard Carter was faced with the possibility of discovering an intact royal tomb. The temptation was great to immediately open the sealed second door, but the archaeologist acted according to his scientific duty: he announced that he would begin to remove objects from the tomb only after all measures had been taken to preserve them! Preparatory work lasted two months.

Meanwhile, in Cairo, a special separate wing began to be added to the Egyptian Museum for the work and storage of the new exhibition. Carter received special permission from the Antiquities Service to use the tomb of Pharaoh Seti II as a laboratory and workshop. Objects from the tomb were transferred into it one by one, pre-processed and sent to Cairo. Other archaeologists were brought in: Lithgow, curator of the Egyptian Department of the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Burton is a photographer; Winlock and Mace, also from the Metropolitan Museum of Art; draftsmen Hall and Hauser, Lucas - Director of the Egyptian Department of Chemistry. Alan Gardiner arrived to decipher the inscriptions, botanist Professor Percy Newberry - to identify flowers, wreaths and other plants found in the tomb.

More than six hundred objects were discovered in the Front Room, all of which were carefully described and sketched by Carter himself.

Much of what G. Carter encountered was for the first time. The first untouched royal coffin, the first collection in terms of the number of items, the first... the excitement around the excavations was truly worldwide! Archaeologists have never faced this problem: hundreds of reporters, crowds of visitors, interfering with their work. The world press published its conclusions on this or that topic - to the point that “Tutankhamun is the very pharaoh under whom the exodus of the Jews from Egypt took place.” V. Vikentyev, who wrote from the scene of events to Moscow, also allowed himself far-reaching conclusions. Having interpreted the tightness of the tomb premises in his own way, he decided that Tutankhamun was reburied, and more than once - following the example of the restless Ramses III, whom the priests moved from place to place three times! He even found like-minded people allegedly in Borchardt, Ranke and Benedit. And at the same time he was confused about the names of the pharaohs and the wife of Tutankhamun Ankhesenpaamon...

Finally, Carter cleared the Front Room and was ready to unwall the entrance to the Golden Chamber. Of all those who wished to be present at this event, only the Times correspondent was allowed inside.

Detailed photo of the tomb of Tutankhamun, who ruled Egypt from 1358 to 1350 BC. (AP Photo)

Sir Alan Gardiner spoke about the opening of the “Golden Chamber”:

“When Carter removed the top row of masonry, we saw behind it a wall of solid zealot, or so it seemed to us at first glance. But when all the masonry was removed, we realized that we were seeing one side of the huge outer Ark. We knew about such arks according to descriptions in ancient papyri, but here it was in front of us. In all its blue and gold splendor, it filled the entire space of the second room. In height, it almost reached the ceiling, and there was no more than two feet between its walls and the walls of the room. At first. Carter and Carnarvon came in, squeezing through the narrow space, and we waited for them to return. When they came out, they both clasped their hands in amazement, unable to describe what they saw. They were followed by others, pair by pair. I remember how the professor Lako told me with a grin: “You better not try: you are too ... respectable." However, when my turn came, I entered the inner room with Professor Brasted. We squeezed between the walls and the ark, turned left and We found ourselves in front of the entrance to the ark with a large double door. Carter pulled back the bolt and opened these doors, so that we could see inside a large outer ark, which reached 12 feet in length and 11 in width, another, inner ark with the same double doors, with the seals still intact. Only later did we learn that there were four gilded arks, inserted one into the other, like in a set of Chinese carved boxes, and only the last, fourth, contained a sarcophagus. But we were able to see him only a year later."

Here's how Howard Carter himself talked about it:

“At that moment we lost all desire to open these seals, for we suddenly felt that we were intruding into forbidden possessions; this oppressive feeling was further intensified by the linen covers falling from the inner ark. It seemed to us that the ghost of the deceased Pharaoh had appeared before us, and we must bow before him."

When all the preparatory work was completed, Carter began to open the ark itself. As already mentioned, another one was inserted inside, in no way inferior in decoration to the outside, and, having torn off the royal seals, the archaeologist found two more arks, one inside the other, and they were no less beautiful than the first two. Having opened them too, Carter touched the royal sarcophagus. The sarcophagus was made of yellow quartzite and stood on an alabaster pedestal. The lid of the sarcophagus was made of pink granite. The stone cutters did their best: the high reliefs on four sides depicted goddesses guarding the sarcophagus, hugging it with their arms and wings.

It took three months to dismantle the four arks. Craftsmen connected their parts using hooks and eyes. To remove the arks, Carter had to destroy the entire wall that separated the “Golden Chamber” from the Front Room. The coffin rested under a linen shroud, which had turned brown with age. A system of pulleys lifted the heavy lid of the sarcophagus, and the shroud was also removed. Those present witnessed a dazzling spectacle: a gilded coffin, carved from wood, was shaped like the mummy and sparkled as if it had just been made. Tutankhamun's head and hands were made of thick sheets of gold. Eyes made of volcanic glass, eyebrows and eyelids made of glass mass of turquoise color - everything looked “like life”. An eagle and an asp were marked on the forehead of the mask - symbols of Upper and Lower Egypt. The most important detail, which we will let the archaeologist himself speak about:

“What, however, among this dazzling wealth made the greatest impression was the heart-grabbing wreath of wild flowers that the young widow placed on the lid of the coffin. All the royal splendor, all the royal splendor paled in front of the modest, enticing flowers, which still retained traces of their ancient fresh colors. They eloquently reminded us how fleeting a moment millennia are."

To the surprise of the scientists, inside, under the lid of the coffin, there was another coffin, depicting the pharaoh as the god Osiris. Its artistic value is invaluable, decorated with jasper, lapis lazuli and turquoise glass, as well as gilded. And lifting the second lid. Carter discovered a third coffin made of thick gold sheet, completely copying the figure of the mummy. The coffin was strewn with semi-precious stones, and necklaces and beads of different colors sparkled around the figure’s neck.

The mummy was filled with aromatic resin, and a golden mask covered its head and shoulders; the pharaoh's face was sad and somewhat pensive. The arms, made of gold leaf, were crossed over the chest.

Taking off the mask, the archaeologists looked into the mummy's face. It turned out to be surprisingly similar to all the masks and images of Tutankhamun found. The masters who portrayed the deceased were the most “inveterate” realists.

Dr. Derry, unwinding the mummy's bandages, discovered 143 items: bracelets, necklaces, rings, amulets and daggers made of meteoric iron. The fingers and toes were in gold cases. At the same time, the carvers did not forget to mark the nails.

Behind the tomb, the searchers discovered the entrance to another room. And it was full of miracles... Archaeologists called it the Treasury. There stood the pharaoh's canopic ark, guarded by four goddesses made of gold, golden chariots, a statue of the god Anubis with the head of a jackal, and a huge number of caskets with jewelry. In one of them, opened by Carter, on top lay a fan of ostrich feathers, which looked as if it had been placed there yesterday... After a few days, the feathers suddenly began to dry out quickly, they barely had time to be preserved.

“However,” recalled Alan Gardiner, “when I saw them for the first time, they were fresh and perfect and made such a deep impression on me that I had never experienced and probably never will.”

In addition to the ark-chapel, where the brains, heart and entrails of the deceased were kept, taken from him during embalming, and the jackal god Anubis lying on a gilded stretcher, there were many caskets made of ivory, alabaster and wood, inlaid with gold and blue faience, along the walls. The caskets contained household items and several golden figurines of Tutankhamun himself. They were still standing here. one chariot and models of sailing canoes. The main thing that Howard Carter discovered in the treasury was that it had not been touched by a robber. Everything was in the places where the priests of Amon had placed it.

For archaeology, the value of this discovery lies not only in the treasures found, but in the high art and care with which all these beautiful things were described and preserved.

Barbara Hall of the University of Chicago and Yale Niland recover the treasure of Tutankhamun in New Orleans on September 6, 1977. (AP Photo)

The mystery of the curse

Sir Alan Gardiner mentioned one very important thing: the construction of the later tomb of Ramses VI. The stonemasons, as if without thinking, threw the rubble not just to the foot of the rock in which they carved the tomb. It seems as if the entrance to Tutankhamun’s tomb was blocked on purpose. For what? What made the workers and work managers do this? Why, despite the strong security of the necropolis, almost all the tombs were looted, and the tomb of Tutankhamun, which stood untouched for several decades, was subjected to only one robbery attempt, which ended in failure?..

Oh, how right he was!.. Unfortunately, when opening a burial, archaeologists took samples only for the flame of a candle, that is, for dangerous gases... How often fate haunts seekers of antiquities, especially in Egypt! The mummy, which has lain in its chamber, in its coffin for more than three thousand years, guards its treasures as if alive.

Then followed events that were not so directly related to archaeologists. A problem arose with the monopoly on newspaper information, which Lord Carnarvon gave to the famous Times. The flow of visitors has increased incredibly. Finally, a threateningly absurd and fundamentally dirty quarrel between the lord and Carter over the “division” of the spoils from the tomb. The aristocrat became like an ancient robber, demanding “his share.” It was as if a demon had possessed Lord Carnarvon, who was well aware that Davis had publicly renounced his “share” in favor of the Egyptian Museum. And to dismember a unique find, which to this day is the only one of its kind. it would be unforgivable and even criminal. At least in relation to us, our descendants, and those who will come after us.

Archaeologists remove an object from the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Pharaohs in Luxor, Egypt, 1923. (AP Photo)

We say "definitely a demon." Or maybe someone possessed the lord in those moments that he spent in the ark?.. Here, of course, a certain secret is hidden. Much has ceased to be the same after twenty people visited the “Golden Hall” in pairs.

“They exchanged the most caustic words,” Brasted wrote of Carter and Lord Carnarvon, “and Carter, in a rage, asked his old friend to leave and never return. Soon after, Lord Carnarvon fell ill with a fever due to an inflamed wound. He continued to struggle for some time. But pneumonia set in, and on April 5, 1924, he died at the age of 57. Newspapers attributed his death to the ancient curse of the pharaohs and fanned this superstitious tale until it became a legend."

However, let us remember the following. Count Eamon, a famous mystic of his time, was not too lazy to write to the lord:

"Let Lord Carnarvon not enter the tomb. He will be in danger if he does not listen. He will fall ill and not recover."

A deadly fever overtook the lord just a few days after the event that was warned about. Statements from relatives and doctors are also contradictory. Brasted writes about “an inflamed wound,” while others write about “the bite of an infectious mosquito,” which the lord allegedly always feared. A man who feared nothing in life! Death found him in his room at the Continental Hotel in Cairo. The American Arthur Mace soon died in the same hotel. He complained of fatigue, then fell into a coma and died before he could convey his feelings to the doctors. They couldn't make a diagnosis! Radiologist Archibald Reed, who examined Tutankhamun's body using X-rays, was sent home, where he soon died “of fever.”

Of course, not all Egyptologists died immediately after opening the ark. Lady Evelyn, Sir Alan Gardiner, Dr. Derry, Engelbach, Burton and Winlock all lived happily long lives. Professor Percy Newberry died aged 80 in August 1949, as did Derry and Gardiner. Carter himself lived until 1939 and died at the age of 66.

We will probably find the cause of the deaths if we accept the unexpected deaths in Carter's group, including the death of Lord Carnarvon, as events of one chain. Apparently, a group of thieves, caught by the priests in the act, suffered the same fate. No one can guarantee that the priests of the necropolis themselves did not soon go to their forefathers, sealing the entrance to the tomb for the second time, where they hastily threw the objects taken from the robbers. Apparently, the “curse” hanging over the tomb of young Tutankhamun is not the delirium of journalists, but reality. The thieves no longer touched Pharaoh's gold, no matter how much they wanted to. The priests also did not dare to rob!.. It is known for certain that the priests participated in many thefts from the royal graves... No one dared to encroach on the tomb of Tutankhamun: in the minds of the robbers for many centuries there was a clear ban on touching the things of the deceased ruler. And the blockage of rubble undertaken by the stonemasons of the late tomb of Ramses VI does not look like hiding from anyone the traces of Tutankhamun’s burial - what do the stonemasons care about his treasures! - and eliminating the reasons for the temptation to climb into the tomb. Apparently, the legend of the “curse”, of mysterious deaths and illnesses, was passed on from mouth to mouth for many centuries. A robber always takes risks, but hopes to outwit fate, security, circumstances, etc. Here, any madman was doomed, that is, he would have gone to certain death in advance. As a result, Carter opened only two seals on the walled up front door. The third (not to mention the fourth, etc.) seal never appeared on it, since there were no more robbery attempts. And V. Vikentyev is completely wrong, who put forward in his “Letters” to the magazine “New East” in 1923-1924 the assumption that Tutankhamun was allegedly reburied under the tomb of Ramses VI: the walled-up entrance to the tomb of the young king was sealed with the original seal of the pharaoh, which no longer existed during the time of the late king. Another circumstance indicating the authenticity of the burial is the same bouquet of wildflowers identified by Professor Newberry: only a loving woman could have left it. Or... Here we come to a complex scheme of mystery, many links of which are still not known and are unlikely to ever become known. What was the “curse”, by whom and why was it placed on the grave of an insignificant young pharaoh who didn’t even have time to really live? Hymns were sung to every king and “feats” were composed, which he did not perform, but here there is a clear absence of any lifetime merits, except, of course, for the return of the cult of Amun, to which, for some reasons, Tutankhamun still had little involvement.

Tutankhamun's tomb. The photo was taken in the 1920s. (AP Photo)

The abundance of chariots and images of a boy-pharaoh racing on a chariot speaks not so much of his divine origin, which was established for the pharaohs since the times of the Old Kingdom (2880-2110 BC) and the construction of the pyramids: it is also a circumstance very realistically depicted by artists over 1350 BC e., speaks... about the boyhood of the king, who adored driving fast. The image on the back of the throne, inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones, where Tutankhamun and his wife Ankhesenpaamun are courteous to each other, and she probably anoints him with incense, is also very realistic, even moreover: Tutankhamun is swinging on the throne! What is this if not a manifestation of boyishness, youth, restlessness? Moreover, it has been proven: the portrait resemblance of the pharaoh is amazing! The right hand casually thrown onto the back of the throne with an elbow, while the left rests on the knees, the back legs of the throne torn off the floor... The masters seem to have completely forgotten the canons in which the personification of Amun-Ra should have been depicted. Is it only the half-turn of the body that hints at the canon? However, here the artist brilliantly came out of the situation by making the pose natural, resting the boy’s figure with his elbow on the back. What does he, a boy, care about the kingdom?.. A complete love idyll. And the fact that there was love between Akhenaten’s daughter and Tutankhamun is evidenced by at least those two stillborn babies that Sir Alan Gardiner spoke about. Even if there was no love initially, parental grief should have brought Tutankhamun and Ankhesenpaamon closer together.

Archaeologists remove ancient artifacts during excavations in Cairo. (AP Photo)

In the early 20s of the twentieth century, a British archaeological expedition uncovered the tomb of one of the pharaohs of the New Kingdom. Until this time, the place of the last resting place remained safe and sound for more than 33 centuries. The peace of the pharaoh was not disturbed by either medieval robbers or numerous tomb robbers. A large number of decorations, jewels, and magnificent examples of art were discovered in the tomb, which were famous for being in a magnificent sarcophagus, and the face of the ancient ruler was covered with the golden mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

Howard Carter

An amazing discovery occurred in 1922; an archaeological expedition was led by Howard Carter. This Egyptologist devoted himself to the history of the Ancient World from his youth. Since 1899, Carter has taken part in archaeological expeditions. His success was brought by the discovery of the burial place of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut west of Thebes.

Working with Lord Carnarvon

An acquaintance with the amateur archaeologist Lord Carnarvon helped to find funds to achieve his cherished goal - finding the untouched tomb of one of the many Egyptian rulers. Since 1914, a team led by a tandem of a professional scientist and an amateur aristocrat began active excavations in the Valley of the Kings. Numerous failures and modest discoveries in the ruined tombs of ancient kings cooled the aristocrat’s enthusiasm, and the scientific community of that time was skeptical about the likelihood of finding an intact burial.

In total, Carter spent 22 years searching for the untouched tomb of the Egyptian rulers, but in the end his search was rewarded. On November 4, 1922, an undestroyed tomb was found containing the remains of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. The archaeological find attracted the attention of scientists from all over the world, as many even questioned the existence of this ruler.

The Tsar's Youth

Tutankhamun ascended the throne at the age of 8 or 9. The name of the ancient ruler first sounded like Tutankhaten, which meant “Image of Aten.” He was the successor of the famous rebel pharaoh Akhenaten. The famous heretic pharaoh forced the Egyptians to exalt the new god - Aten. Fans of ancient beliefs were deprived of donations and forgotten.

The entire upbringing of the young pharaoh was based on the worship of the image of the sun god - Aten. His teachers were Meye and Horemkhba. Meie was the high priest under the reign of the previous pharaoh, and Horemkhba was a retired military commander. Both were dissatisfied with the previous ruler of Egypt, both pursued their own goals by training the young king. Having assumed power over all of Egypt, Tutankhamun did not forget the lessons of his teachers and resolutely took up change.

Reign of Tutankhamun

The history of Tutankhamun as the ruler of Egypt begins after his accession to the throne in 1333 BC. e. The pharaoh radically changes the direction of the country's religious and political life. From now on, his supreme god is Amon, the same as his ancestors had before Akhenaten; and his name sounds like Tutankhamun. The city of the priests Akhetaten, the place of worship of the overthrown deity, was destroyed and forgotten. Formally, the capital of Egypt, where the Egyptian pharaohs traditionally ruled, was Thebes, but Tutankhamun spent most of his short life in Memphis. Naturally, court nobles, military leaders, architects and priests tried to live closer to the pharaoh.

Necropolis of Tutankhamun

Even after their death, the powerful of the world wanted to be closer to the messenger of the god Amun - this is how one of the necropolises of that time arose - Saqqara. It was here that military leaders, priests and former teachers of the young pharaoh wished to build their tombs. Tutankhamun preserved and restored ancient sanctuaries and left behind many architectural monuments. In the Luxor sanctuary, the design of the colonnade built in honor of Amenhotep III was completed, and the Nubian temple glorifying this ruler was completed. A number of military campaigns were also carried out in Nubia and Lower Egypt, some of them were successfully completed.

Perhaps Tutankhamun would have become famous throughout the centuries as the greatest ruler, but fate gave him less than ten years of reign. Ultimately, his reign was no different from the activities of other pharaohs. Even a radical change in the supreme god was not something out of the ordinary. The pharaoh died at a very young age; at the time of his death he was less than 19 years old. As befits a true ruler of Egypt, the king took care of his tomb in advance - the pyramid of Tutankhamun was erected during his lifetime.

Tutankhamun's tomb

During the existence of the Valley, architects built 65 tombs for their pharaohs. The pyramid of Tutankhamun was also built there. The technology for constructing tombs has not changed for 500 years. Steps were hollowed out in the thickness of the rock, going underground to a depth of 200 m, which led to the burial chamber. A sarcophagus was installed in the middle of the central grotto, in which three coffins were placed one inside the other. The body of the pharaoh was placed in the latter. The outer coffin was made of gilded wood, on which there were images of a kite and a cobra. These symbols represented the North and South of Egypt. Animal images still amaze with their fine workmanship and rich decoration. Every feather on the wings of a kite, every scale on the hood of a cobra was given great importance, all the details were carefully made by unknown craftsmen.

The second coffin was decorated with colored glass. He played an intermediate role between the world of the living and the world of the dead. The third coffin, in which Tutankhamun's body rested, was made of a whole sheet of pure gold.

The remains of the ruler were placed in the finest linen, and his face was covered with the funeral mask of Tutankhamun. Many things that were in the “Golden Hall” remained timeless and have survived to this day almost completely intact. The objects from the tomb of Tutankhamun surrounding the body of the deceased surprised with their luxury and wealth; each of these works of art was supposed to make the life of the ruler easier in the kingdom of the dead.

The mystery of death

However, it was not the life and reign of the ruler of Egypt that interested scientists at that time. It was much more exciting to find the cause of such an early death. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain the posthumous secrets of Tutankhamun. His death was beneficial to the regent Aya, who reigned over Egypt after the death of the 19-year-old ruler. Tutankhamun was not loved by the priests of the overthrown Aten, who lost their cities and temples. Possible causes of death included strangulation or poisoning. But research in 2005 showed that the head injury was inflicted on the pharaoh after his death, most likely, it was obtained as a result of mummification of the ruler's body. One by one, the hypotheses of violent death were rejected, and new details of the short life of the young pharaoh were revealed.

Research data

The great ruler of Egypt, according to scientists, was a chronically ill young man who had a history of several genetic abnormalities that also affected other Egyptian pharaohs of this dynasty. Tutankhamun could not move normally; this was hampered by congenital lameness and an incomplete number of toes on his right foot. Finally, a team of researchers has revealed the true cause of death of the ruler of Egypt. It turned out to be the microscopic bacillus plasmodium falciparum, which causes severe forms of malaria. The infection turned out to be fatal for the king, whose body was weakened by congenital ailments and trauma caused by a blow or fall from a horse.

Opening of the tomb

Notes by Howard Carter speak of many years of searching for the slightest mention of the Valley of the Kings. After all, over three millennia, the pyramids were covered with sand, the countries changed their outlines, even the terrain of the ancient country called Egypt changed. Tutankhamun disappeared behind the veil of history, so much so that many scientists even doubted his existence. Only many years after the start of excavations in the Valley of the Kings, under the house of one of the workers, did Carter notice the steps leading down. Excavations found it undisturbed by either plunderers or natural disasters. Apparently, the builders who erected the tomb for the pharaoh of a later time carefully covered the entrance to the tomb of Tutankhamun. On February 16, 1923, Carter opened the “Golden Chamber” - the immediate resting place of the pharaoh.

The tomb of the ancient ruler contained more than three thousand pieces of jewelry and works of art created by ancient Egyptian craftsmen. Among the objects found were beds upholstered with sheets of pure gold, gilded models of ships and chests with numerous decorations.

Pharaoh mummy

The ruler's body was found only in the third coffin. Through the efforts of ancient burial workers, the mummy was wrapped in shrouds of the finest linen. The topmost cover was decorated with an embroidered appliqué depicting golden hands. The pharaoh seemed to be holding a rod and a whip in his hands - the ancient symbols of the ruler. Between the shrouds were many jewels and personal items of the pharaoh, as well as transverse bands of pure gold, embossed with ancient prayers and images from the book of the dead. When swaddling, now-lost compositions of aromatic resins were used, which over thirty centuries firmly glued the burial cloths to the body of the mummy.

Amazing find

But the most amazing discovery was the mask of Tutankhamun that covered his face. An amazing creation of ancient masters appeared before the eyes of archaeologists. This item rightly deserves a separate description. The masks of the rulers of Egypt were quite typical for that time. But not a single funeral mask was seen by our contemporaries. The grave thieves who have been plundering ancient graves for thousands of years are to blame for this. It is thanks to black archaeologists that modern Egyptology tests its hypotheses and assumptions, based on just a few unlooted ancient tombs. And all the more significant was Carter’s discovery of an untouched ancient burial site.

Description of the pharaoh mask

Tutankhamun's golden mask covered the ruler's head and upper body. Its total weight was 11.26 kg. This decoration was attached with perfect precision to the upper body and face of the ruler of Egypt. The mask depicts the face of the pharaoh himself with large open eyes, lined with antimony; the eyes themselves are made of obsidian. This amazing piece of art is made from thick gold leaf and finished with unique embellishments. The scarf, eyebrows and eyelids are skillfully painted with dark blue glass, and the necklace resting on the mummy's chest was decorated with semi-precious stones. Thanks to special aromatic resins, Tutankhamun's golden mask was firmly glued to the mummy's face. It took long and painstaking work to separate this unique piece without spoiling its beauty. And thanks to the art of ancient masters, modern anthropologists were able to determine with sufficient confidence the facial features of the ancient pharaoh.

Egypt symbol

The amazing archaeological find was widely covered in the press and gave rise to various discussions and pseudo-scientific assumptions. The name of Tutankhamun became widely known and caused a surge of interest in the study of the past of Egypt and the Ancient World in general.

The golden mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamun still does not have a specific market value. This ancient decoration has enormous historical, cultural and jewelry value. In a certain sense, the mask of Tutankhamun is a symbol of both ancient and modern Egypt, the main exhibit of the National Museum of Cairo. They tried to kidnap her several times, the last attempt was made in 2011 during the so-called Egyptian spring. Modern residents of Egypt treat the mask as a talisman, the ancient powers of which have protected the secrets of Tutankhamun for over thirty centuries. The Egyptians hope that their ancient country will soon again become one of the greatest countries in the world, and Tutankhamun's mask will certainly help them with this.

Drought Period

Month of Tibi

The priests told me that Pharaoh Tutankhamun died young. That's what they think, but I've found that it's not entirely wrong. Tutankhamun, or Tutankhaten as he was first called, ruled the country for 13 years and died at the age of 29. But it was beneficial for someone to attribute his early death and attribute part of his years to other pharaohs.

Moreover, he was made a sluggish and inactive ruler of Egypt, who failed to show himself in anything special. But that's not true. Or rather, not quite like that. Nehezi also, at first, thought that Pharaoh Tutankhaten was a simple weakling who became a tool in the hands of the ambitious Ey. But then Nehezi changed his mind.

And everyone noticed this, not only the scribe of the official Ey, but also the majority of the powerful people in the country of Kemet. Although I do not want to say that Tutankhaten became completely independent from outside influence. Of course, he depended on Aye. Nefertiti's father was too experienced a courtier. But completely controlling Tutankhamun also turned out to be difficult for him.

Tutankhaten at first sharply refused to completely ban the cult of Aten, as Ey promised the priests of Amun in Thebes. Pharaoh and his wife Ankheseaten stood confidently in their position, although they loosened the grip imposed on the country by Akhenaten. The enormous costs of building temples in honor of the Aten stopped and repair work began to update the general irrigation system, which led in a couple of years to a sharp increase in productivity. The army also began to quickly recover under the leadership of the experienced commander Horemheb.

In the 4th year of his reign, under pressure from the priests of Amun-Ra, Tutankhaton abandoned the city of the great Akhenaten and returned to Thebes. The priests of Amun-Ra rejoiced, but their joy was premature. The pharaoh categorically refused to live in Thebes in the old palace of the pharaohs.

Eya's words and persuasion did not help. The ruler was adamant. He named the new city, which from now on would become the residence of the kings. And the priests of Amun-Ra had to make a compromise with the pharaoh.

The Bishop moved to the ancient capital of Upper and Lower Egypt, the city of Memphis. The whole yard moved with him. And the priests gave their go-ahead to move the capital. The pharaoh, in exchange for this concession on the part of the cult of Amon-Ra, changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun, which in Greek means “Amon fit for life.” And thus the god Amon appeared again in the name of the pharaoh!

His wife, daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti, Princess Ankhesenaton, was also forced to change her name to Ankhesenamun, which translated means “She lives for Amun.”

So much for the weak pharaoh! No! Tutankhamun was not weak, and if fate had given him a chance, he would have become one of the significant rulers of Egypt. And maybe he would even become great. And the transfer of the capital is a clear confirmation of this. If not Akhetaten, then not Thebes! Let there be an ancient capital!

I myself have been to Memphis more than once in my life and I can say that it is one of the greatest cities in Egypt. It combines both ancient grandeur and new features that the city acquired later...

Among the majestic columns of the large and ancient temple, Ptah Nehesi was waiting for a messenger from his master Ey.

There was no one around, and in the morning not a single sound disturbed the majestic silence of the abode of the god of Wisdom with the head of Ibis.

"I had no intention of looking for you, Omnipresent. Have you come on behalf of my lord Aye?"

“Yes. But don’t think that your master can command me. Our interests simply coincide. The priests of the cults of Amun and Ra fiercely took up the fight against us and your master is our only support. The secret guard of the world of the dead actively took up our cause.”

“It’s strange to me that he didn’t tell me anything himself yesterday in the palace, but sent me here.”

“This speaks of the wisdom of Ey. He never forgets that walls have ears. And especially the walls of the old palace of the pharaoh. Your master wants you to go on an errand to the city of Sais.”

"There you will meet a certain man named Nefertu."

"For what?" - Nehezi didn’t like that the Omnipresent One didn’t say everything.

"You are only your master's servant, Nehezi. And for a servant you are too curious. Even though you serve a great man."

“Okay, I won’t get involved in matters that they don’t want to involve me in. But what after I meet this person? And most importantly, where should I meet him? You didn’t tell me.”

"Merani will tell you that."

"She will come?" - this message made Nehezi happy.

“Yes. Have you forgotten this woman yet? I doubted that your feelings for her would stand the test of time. After all, you had women and beautiful women.”

“Merani is special. And there is no other like her. I have been convinced of this for a long time.”

“So you will meet this special woman in Sais. She will be waiting for you there. And you will become her husband. This is the official explanation for your trip there. Many at court know about your passion for this woman and therefore everything will work out quite naturally.”

"She will become my wife? I find it hard to believe."

"And yet it is so. Merani will be with you."

A procession of priests in white robes emerged from the temple. They sang a ritual hymn to the god Ptah, and Nehezi hastened to hide. There was no need for anyone to recognize him.

1338 BC. Thirteenth year of the reign of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Memphis

Pharaoh's Palace

Drought Period

Month of Tibi

The young pharaoh entered the chambers of his wife Ankhesenamun. She was already dressed by her maids in bright kalasiris made of soft silk fabric. It fit tightly around her slender figure. Around her neck the queen wore a precious necklace in several rows; her head was adorned with a tall black wig, tied with a gold hoop topped with a royal vulture.

The maids carefully fastened their mistress's sandals, intertwining golden threads. When they saw Pharaoh, they stopped their work and fell on their faces. Tutankhamun ordered them not to stand on ceremony, but to finish the queen’s toilet.

The pharaoh himself was also dressed in kalasiris, which came into fashion during the New Kingdom and among men, intercepted on the chest by two stripes forming a stylized triangle. On Tutankhamun's head was a traditional everyday crown topped with a golden uraeus.

“You look beautiful today,” said the pharaoh. - And the new necklace that I gave you a week ago? Don't you want to wear it?

Why, my lord? If you wish, I will have it brought right away.

No no. I'm not insisting that you wear it at all.

It just doesn't fit this kalasiris. But I like it. And I will wear it again. How did you sleep, my lord?

Not all so good. I've been having bad dreams for several nights now.

What did you dream about?

I don't want to upset you, my love. But I had a dream interpreter from the Temple of Ptah and he advised me to be very careful in the coming month. The priest said that dreams should not be neglected. In them, the gods sometimes want to warn us of danger.

And you? - Ankhesenamon was alarmed. -And you took precautions?

Not yet. But in the palace, Ey and I will talk to him about this.

Hey? I told you not to trust him! But you ignored my words again. How careless you are, my lord and pharaoh of Egypt.

I understand that you do not like your grandfather, Ankhesenamon. But I can't understand why? He has proven his loyalty to us many times. And we shouldn’t forget that it was to him that I owe the crown of Egypt.

It was beneficial for him then, my lord. But now he himself dreams of power. After all, he is a relative of the ruling dynasty. And if you are my husband, then he is my grandfather! He has no attachment to anyone. Remember how easily he abandoned the cause of my father, the great Akhenaten?

Well, everyone abandoned his case, Ankhesenamon. And not only Ey. He is a sober politician and courtier. And for the good of Egypt it was beneficial. After all, you and I abandoned Aten and removed his names from our names. Is not it?

So. But Eye did it much earlier than us. You are blind, my husband. And this blindness will cost you your life.

No, you're the one who's blind, wife. Ey is the counterweight to Horemheb, whom your father Akhenaten so imprudently elevated. And now, after victories in Syria, this military leader himself dreams of a new dynasty. And this is where you should expect trouble.

And I think that Horemheb is not as dangerous as Ey.

You say this, Ankhesenamon, because you don’t know much. Horemheb allows himself many liberties among his officers. They constantly remember the times of Pharaoh Thutmose III. And in his circle, some talk about the revival of the glorious traditions of Egypt under the military pharaoh.

Was it Ey who gave you this information? - Ankhesenamon grinned sarcastically.

No. Nebra's spies reported this. And Nebra is a master at obtaining information and serves only me and no one else. I personally promoted him, and he leads my spy service.

Here's another personality that I don't like. Was this fat Nubian brought to the court by Nehezi? Is not it?

Yes, but don't you trust Nehezi too? The title Friend of the Pharaoh was bestowed upon him by your father. No, Ankhesenamon, without faithful people I cannot cope with the kingdom of Egypt. You understand how difficult it is to understand the current situation.

You are doing a great job with this, my lord and husband. Your decisions are wise and always fair!

Yes, but Aye helps me a lot. He is excellent at maneuvering between priestly factions. And now that the priests of Ra from the great temple in Heliopolis have clashed with the priests of Amun-Ra in Thebes, I need him more than ever.

Sovereign! - Ankhesenamon hugged her husband. - I can recommend you new officials and priests who will serve you faithfully and honestly.

You know, wife, that I don’t like it when you interfere in the affairs of governing the country so rudely. What makes you think that these protégés of yours will be more faithful than Ey?

It's simple, my lord. They are still standing below and if you lift them up, then they, knowing who they owe it to, will stand for you! And Eye was great before you, and he considers himself the one who gave you the crown. And this is harmful!

There is truth in your words, wife. But Eye understands how to most effectively manage such a complex state organism as Egypt. He is well versed in the struggle of priestly factions. And where is the guarantee that those whom you recommend will be able to do it just as well? But it's time for us to show ourselves to our courtiers. They are waiting at your chambers!

As you command, my lord.

The pharaoh clapped his hands and at his call, the master of ceremonies Den appeared in the queen’s chambers, replacing Meritense in this high government post.

The master of ceremonies was dressed with all the pomp befitting his rank. His long colored cone-shaped skirt, decorated with a triangular striped apron, was tied with a golden belt. On his chest was a necklace much more luxurious than the queen herself. The wrists were decorated with massive bracelets, and the head was crowned with a precious calaf.

He waved his staff and said:

The courtiers await the morning appearance of His Holiness the Pharaoh of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Is my main chati also among them? - asked the pharaoh.

Yes, oh great sir. The great Mr. Eye is waiting among the courtiers.

Pharaoh smiled smugly and looked triumphantly at his wife, as if telling her: “I told you, wife, that Aye is the most humble of my servants. This is not Horemheb at all.”

In the large hall, where the pharaoh arrived accompanied by his retinue, hundreds of courtiers and envoys from other states had already gathered in the hope of seeing the ruler of Egypt.

When the pharaoh appeared, the master of ceremonies Den exclaimed:

His sacred majesty, ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt, divine son of Ra, son of the Sun, favorite of Amun, and chosen one of the gods, Pharaoh Tutankhamun!

Everyone heard this and exclaimed loudly:

Life! Blood! Force! Pharaoh! Pharaoh! Pharaoh!

And they fell on their faces, welcoming earthly greatness.

The pharaoh proceeded to his throne and majestically sank into it, and only after that the courtiers were allowed to rise to their feet. Aye approached the throne. Lately he had been dressing quite simply, and his skirt was not richly colored like most courtiers. And besides gilded sandals, he had no valuables. Aye's upper body was naked, and her head was covered by a new wig, tied with a simple silver hoop.

“I’m not too keen on receiving foreign ambassadors today,” the pharaoh whispered.

But, lord, they wish to see the lord himself. And so there is talk that I am pushing you away from government affairs. And this is harmful to your greatness. Moreover, these are ambassadors from the peoples brought under your hand by Horemheb,” Ey answered, also in a whisper so that only the Pharaoh could hear.

And who is the messenger of Horemheb himself?

Corps commander Ra Rahotep.

Rahotep? - Tutankhaten winced with displeasure. - Is this the same one who once intrigued against Akhenaten in Thebes? And whom Merira wanted to execute?

Yes. Nothing escapes your divine memory, lord. But he proved his loyalty to you. And he is the cousin of your faithful Nehezi. Are you going to let him in?

Yes. Although I don't like this officer. Anyone who once plotted against his Pharaoh is not worthy of trust.

One word from you will be enough, and he will disappear, oh lord, whispered Ey.

Let him live for now. Call him!

Ey called one of the officers of the guard and ordered him to bring Rahotep to the throne of the pharaoh. He hastened to carry out the order and soon Rahotep approached.

He was strong and muscular, despite all the hardships he had endured in life. He was dressed like a warrior in a short white skirt with bronze overlays and a leather breastplate with gold embossing. At his side was a beautiful broad sword. At the very throne he fell on his face and kissed the ashes at the feet of the ruler.

Pharaoh allowed him to rise.

His Holiness the Pharaoh of Upper and Lower Egypt is listening to you, Rahotep, servant of the Pharaoh! - Aye ordered him to speak.

The divine son of the Sun, lord and master, your faithful servant Horemheb, the great military leader and great commander, falls at your feet as a loyal subject and informs! Syria has been pacified! And the princes send the prescribed gifts to your majesty, in the amount determined by Pharaoh Amenhotep III.

At a sign from Rahotep, two scribes came forward and fell prostrate before the pharaoh. Then they received permission to rise and unrolled the papyrus scrolls. There was a long list of gifts sent to the pharaoh of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Pharaoh listened to the list with complete indifference. But his wife, seeing her husband’s coldness, praised the military leader:

Pharaoh was very pleased with your message,” she said. - And the military leader of Pharaoh Horemheb and none of his officers and soldiers will be forgotten by us.

Your words fill my heart with joy, O Lady of both lands. And we are ready to sacrifice our lives in the name and glory of Pharaoh - the ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt!

Aye leaned towards the Pharaoh's ear and whispered:

Horemheb asks your permission to take the army back to Egypt. He says that it is worth leaving strong garrisons there and that will be enough. You must answer Horemheb's messenger.

Return? - Pharaoh looked at Ey in surprise. “I wouldn’t like to see Horemheb here now.” What do you advise me?

You are right, oh lord. We need to keep him away from here for now. Who knows what he's capable of? He has at his disposal 15 thousand excellent soldiers who are personally loyal to him.

But we have the Libyan Guard.

And among the Libyans there are many who praise Horemheb. But it's time for you to give your answer, oh lord.

Pharaoh Tutankhamun looked at Rahotep and said:

I am pleased with Horemheb's actions and hope for the loyalty of his troops in the future. Let him be ready for a new campaign.

Is the Emperor ordering us to stay in Syria? - asked Rahotep.

Yes. Let the army stand and wait for my order. A new war is brewing with a powerful enemy.

A noise echoed through the hall. Foreign envoys became worried. This attack could apply to both the Hittites and the Assyrians. The ambassador of the king of Assyria, the high-born prince Ashur, a thick stocky man, asked permission to approach the throne.

Eye gave the order to admit the Assyrian.

The ambassador was dressed in Assyrian fashion in a long cloak with short sleeves reaching to the elbows, tied with a gold belt. His hair and beard were carefully curled and pomaded. The head was crowned with a pointed hat trimmed with fur.

Prince Ashur first fell on his face before the pharaoh and, rising, said:

Can I regard the statement of the ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt, Pharaoh Tutankhamun, as the appearance of displeasure with my king?

No,” Ey answered loudly for Pharaoh. - His sacred majesty, the ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt, Pharaoh Tutankhamun, has no reason to be angry with the king of Assyria.

But the presence of the 15 thousand army of the Pharaoh of Egypt in pacified Syria cannot but alarm us. The ambassador of the king of the Hittites can say the same thing,” the Assyrian continued.

Aye realized how out of place it was that the pharaoh started this conversation. He knew that the Assyrians at the court in Nineveh were extremely worried about Horemheb's successes in Syria. And in Hattustas they are preparing an army against the Egyptians if the Pharaoh’s soldiers dare to approach the borders of the Hittite kingdom.

Let our friends in Assyria and Hettia not burden themselves with needless anxiety,” he said loudly, “about the army of Pharaoh in Syria.” His sacred Majesty would not at all intend to threaten our friends and allies. Egypt is faithful to its treaties and its pharaoh maintains peace and friendship. And our troops stand only within the boundaries of the possessions of His Sacred Majesty the Pharaoh of Upper and Lower Egypt in Syria and Palestine. And Pharaoh punishes there only those of his subjects, the princes, who owe tribute to our ruler and at one time violated their obligations.

Ey understood that his words would do little to convince the Assyrians and Hittites, but for now it was necessary to quickly calm the tension. And then he will be able to appease the ambassadors with rich gifts...

After a large reception, the pharaoh retired to his chambers, where he retired with his wife. But Eye secured an immediate audience.

He dares to demand, my husband! - Ankhesenamon was indignant. - Demand from you from the Pharaoh!

But he is my friend and he is burdened with government concerns that may not tolerate delay.

No one could demand anything from my father, the great Akhenaten.

Eye entered the chamber and prostrated himself before the pharaoh. He immediately noticed the dissatisfied look of his granddaughter-queen.

Get up, Aye. And quickly state what you need. “I would like to be alone with the queen now,” said Tutankhamun.

Sovereign! The ambassadors of Assyria and Hettia are beside themselves. Under a plausible pretext, I managed to detain them in the palace for now. But the situation must be resolved quickly.

But you told them everything! What else?

I am afraid, my lord, that they are not satisfied with such explanations. And if they leave here in such a mood, then messengers will be sent to the great kings with such messages that...

But should the great pharaoh be afraid of the kings of Hettia and Assyria? - Ankhesenamon grinned contemptuously. - The Kingdom of Egypt did not bow its head to these sovereigns who are our tributaries.

It's worth it, madam. It's still worth it. The king of the Hittites is now strong and capable of moving up to a thousand war chariots and an army of 15 thousand people to the borders of Egypt! And if he and the king of Assyria unite, they will attack Horemheb from two sides and can crush his army. And where will the chariots of the Hittites and Assyrians be after this, lady? I'll tell you - at the walls of the holy city of Memphis.

Are we that weak? - asked the pharaoh.

No, sir. But we cannot yet get involved in a fight with two powerful kings. We need time to strengthen the army. And therefore the ambassadors should be given gifts and reassurance. I need your command for this!

Fine! Do as you please in my name! - the pharaoh reluctantly yielded to Aya and made it clear that the audience was over...

1338 BC. Thirteenth year of the reign of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Around Memphis

Drought Period

Month of Tibi

Aye himself drove the chariot and rode next to Nehezi's chariot. Tutankhamun's chat was silent, but his secretary understood perfectly well that his master had something to say.

Were you surprised by what you heard from Omnipresent? - Aye finally spoke.

No, sir. You are careful and I understand that.

You have become a wise man, Nehezi. I remember you as a boy, when you arrived at the court from the venerable Yuya. But now you are a mature husband.

Time flows, my lord.

In Sais you have an important task to complete. Important and dangerous. For if someone finds out that you are lucky, then your life will be of little value. I will have to abandon you if something happens and recognize you as a traitor. Now my position at court is precarious.

How's that? - Nehezi became wary. Finally, at least something began to become clearer. - And what will it be? Well, what will I take?

You will find out about this in due time. But don't worry too much. You have a reliable legend and the main thing is not to spill the beans yourself. You are my trusted person and many will hang on every word that comes out of your mouth.

Tell me the truth, sir, is Pharaoh bothering you? And you really decided to remove it? Some people are whispering about this.

You are wise, Nehezi. So tell me, what would you do in my place?

I would not raise my hand against the young lord. He believes you in everything and it is you, Mr., who is the most influential person in Egypt. You exaggerate the power and strength of your opponents.

As long as this is so, Nehezi, and I am strong,” Eiye answered. - Bye. But the forces that intrigue against me are too powerful. Your friend Horemheb has become too strong. In his hands is an army of 15 thousand, which he himself created and led to victories. His one order is enough to overthrow the current dynasty.

But troops are not everything. There are priests.

And on his side are the great priests of the Heliopolis cult of Ra. And lately they have been competing quite a lot with the Theban cult of Amun-Ra. And tomorrow the priests from Heliopolis will invent a new legend about the divine origin of Horemheb or come up with something else. And while dissatisfaction with Pharaoh Tutankhamun is growing, these are not empty fears. And there are many of my enemies surrounded by the queen. My granddaughter really, really doesn't like me. Although, to be honest, I pay her the same. I didn’t really love my daughter, her mother Nefertiti.

Sir, does he believe that he can be pushed away from the throne?

That's right, Nehezi. The ups and downs at court became unpredictable. And I'm starting to lose supporters. The priests of Amun in Thebes demand decisive action from me. Tutankhamun struggles poorly with the consequences of Akhenaten's religious reform. The priesthood is unhappy with him. The temples destroyed under Akhenaten are practically not being restored and many seriously fear that he himself will return to the veneration of the Aten. And if I don’t lead the coup, they will quickly find another.

If so, then you are right, sir. I am not yet so well versed in the intricacies of palace intrigue.

This is because you did not go through the school that I went through. As a young boy, I came to the court of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, father of Akhenaten. And this was a great ruler. No match for the current ones. This was a pharaoh, and not just a man wearing the crown of a pharaoh. Akhenaten himself was not fit to tie his sandals. I didn’t understand this before, but now I understand it perfectly. Then your patron Yuya was not yet the old man you knew him to be. He told me a lot then and taught me a lot. And when my second wife gave birth to Nefertiti, he prophesied a great future for her. She was the daughter of a great nobleman, my wife, not just a concubine, and therefore managed to become not just the mistress of the young Prince Amenhotep, but a wife!

Didn't the master love this wife very much? I can hear it in your tone.

You're right, Nehezi. This marriage of mine was purely political for a career at court. I had to kill her afterwards.

What? - Nehezi didn’t believe it. He never expected such revelations from Aye. - Kill? Did I hear right, sir?

No, Nehezi. In a court career, this is not a crime at all. Murder is a normal thing. Because if not you, then you. And she became entangled with my enemies and became the mistress of the keeper of the royal chest of incense. No, I wasn't jealous of her at all. And let her flesh please herself, but she began to plot against my life. Or rather, she became the blind instrument of her lover. And I killed her. Hers and his!

Killed? And no one found out about this?

No. You are the first person I told about this. I walked into their bedroom and in one motion broke the woman's neck and tore out the man's Adam's apple.

And an investigation was not ordered on behalf of the pharaoh? The position of the keeper of the royal casket is not a small one at court.

Was. How it wasn't. But Pharaoh Amenhotep III entrusted this work to me, and I found the killers. They appointed two Semitic slaves. They confessed everything and were executed for murder. By the way, Queen Tii, Akhenaten’s mother, found a new wife for me after this incident. She became the nurse of Prince Amenhotep and subsequently his children from my daughter Nefertiti. Oh, how long ago it was! The people who shone at the court in Thebes are long gone. And what a yard it was! Not at all like here.

I saw the court of Pharaoh Akhenaten in Thebes just before he moved to Akhetaten.

It wasn't the same anymore, Nezhezi. The greatness of the Eighteenth Dynasty ended with the death of Amenhotep III. Then the mouse fuss began.

Do you call the great reforms a mouse fuss, sir?

Great ones? - Aye looked at Nehezi. - At your age they still seem great. But from the height of my years, I now do not see any greatness in them. But I’m trying to save the dynasty and Egypt from destruction. These reforms have brought our country to the brink of chaos. The same thing may happen that happened after the fall of the 12th dynasty.

Do you think we are threatened by a new invasion, sir? - Nehezi was amazed.

All misfortunes in the life of great states stem from the fact that those in power cannot foresee the consequences of their actions. They see nothing but their own benefit, and it pulls the veil over their eyes. And many generations of Egyptians have to pay. This has already happened and this can happen. But I see and know what needs to be done. However, I can't do anything on my own. I need faithful helpers. Those who believe me. But enough memories, Nehezi. Always think about business. I can't accompany you anymore. Download. Good luck awaits you. I believe in it.

After this, Aye's chariot and his attendants separated from Nehezi's cortege and returned to Memphis. The secretary of the great palace of the pharaoh of Upper and Lower Egypt continued his journey, accompanied by only three chariots. After all, his trip to Sais was private and therefore the state should not bear the costs of it.

Pantoer drove up to him and his chariot rolled next to the official’s chariot.

You look sad, Nehezi. Did he say something bad to you?

We are walking along a very dangerous path, Pantoer. That's exactly what he said. And if I take just one wrong step, I'm done. And you too. Being near the throne is very dangerous.

Is this news? I've been walking down this slippery slope for a long time now. And still alive. Although many sharpen swords on my neck.

But now things are much more serious, Pantoer. And I don’t know if I can even trust those who are traveling with me. Although this does not apply to you. Even Aye believes you, although he is very, very suspicious.

Ever since I cut off Merir's head, he believes me. So you can be frank with me. Did he decide to launch a coup?

Nehezi looked at the officer and nodded in response. Pantoer was not a fool at all.

It is high time. He should quickly grab the crown and place it on his head. If he does not do this, Horemheb will. Many people advise him to do this.

Why do you think so? Nebra reported?

And I don’t need Nebra for this. I have my own eyes and ears. Your brother Rahotep was a very influential figure under Horemheb. He has a very intemperate tongue and talks everywhere about how Egypt needs a new pharaoh...

Rahotep is not so simple, Pantoer. And if he dares to loosen his tongue, he does it not out of stupidity, but on purpose. He checks the reaction of the military in Memphis to such statements. His master Horemheb wants to test his position.

But he is not yet strong enough to become a contender for power. I wouldn't bet on him. Although he has supporters.

And many supporters. I'm afraid the times of military pharaohs await us in the future.

And this is good? What do you think, Nehezi?

It's hard to answer so clearly...

Drought Period

Month of Mehir

The ancient city of Sais was at that time the center where many cultures intertwined. There were many visitors from Phenicia, Crete, Mycenae, Athens and other places. There were always at least 100 merchant ships docked in the large port.

The port drinking establishments were crowded with sailors and merchants and a monstrous decline in morals was observed. In the temples of alien cults brought here from other nations, religious prostitution was elevated to the rank of serving various depraved goddesses, and attracted many women who were looking for a place in the sun and opportunities for easy money.

Uncle Bata also told Nehezi a lot about Sais. He said that such cities are the misfortune of Egypt, for from them come harmful teachings alien to the spirit of the country of Kemet.

Divine services were held in numerous temples of Sais and the priests collected rich donations. Here and during the time of Akhenaten, the temples lived much better at the expense of visitors than in other cities, and especially the temples of non-Egyptian gods, founded by visiting merchants.

The nobility of Sais lived in luxurious palaces, and the most striking thing was the palace of the nomarch himself. They suffered much less from Akhenaten’s reforms and did not experience such repressions that they fell on the heads of the inhabitants of Thebes, Crocodilopolis, and Memphis.

Nehezi, who did not arrive as an official, was not greeted by anyone and he stayed in the house of his old friend, the second scribe of the Sai nomarch Menes. Nehesi met him five years ago in Memphis and managed to quickly become friends. He even rendered several services to Mens and he owed him, if not his life, then at least his position.

I knew that you would come, my friend, and I was waiting for you,” Menes warmly greeted Nezezi.

Did you know? This is news to me. I arrived on a private visit, and no one knew that I was coming here.

A week ago I received a message for you. This is papyrus and it is in my library. That's how I learned about your arrival, my friend. Will you look at the papyrus right away, or will you share a meal with me first?

Of course a meal, Menes. You are a great glutton and the fame of your tables has spread beyond Sais.

Don't flatter me, Nehezi. If you had seen the tables of our nomarch, you would not have spoken about mine. Just yesterday he had a feast in his palace. There was all the nobility of the city and all the officials. The luxury is fabulous. There were at least two hundred beautiful slaves alone. They served wine and beer to the guests. What kind of bodies do they have, Nehezi.

Well, lead me to the refectory! You know how to persuade. I think your slaves are no worse?

There are a few decent ones, but not as many as Pharaoh's viceroy.

Is it really all ready for you? It’s as if you guessed the hour of my arrival.

Let's go. I have many questions for you. Who is this with you?

My friend, an officer in the army of Pharaoh Pantoer.

Then I ask him to come to my table. And your people will be fed separately. I'll give the order. Today everyone should be well-fed and drunk and get pretty women.

In the dining room, painted with extraordinary brightness on carved tables, everything was already ready for the meal. On the table there was fried meat of bulls and wild goats, fried fish, stuffed ducks. Nearby there were dishes with vegetables with fresh cucumbers and onions. A little further away there were dishes with fruit.

“Everything is silver,” the owner boasted of luxurious dishes. - By the grace of the governor, my well-being has increased in recent years.

I see! - Nehezi appreciated the luxury of the surroundings.

And what wines! They were only delivered to me by Phoenician merchants.

The slaves seated the guests and served them the first courses. Tall Phoenician glass glasses were filled with wine from expensive porcelain jugs. After this, Menes ordered them to leave.

We don't need extra ears.

Are you going to talk to us about secrets? - Nehezi asked.

Don't talk, Nehezi. And listen. I'm interested in what's going on in Memphis. Otherwise, we only feed on rumors here. But this, of course, if your trust in me has not been exhausted.

At the pharaoh's court everything is as usual, Menes. Palace factions squabble for power, priestly corporations are ready to go at each other's throats. Everyone wants to take advantageous places under the pharaoh. Nothing changes in the country of Kemet.

Let's have a drink! - Menes raised his glass and Nehezi and Pantoer supported him.

Great wine! - Pantoer praised.

What else! - Nehezi supported him. “My master Ey doesn’t have that either.”

With your permission, I will no longer call slaves. We will serve ourselves. Otherwise, in our time, slaves should not be trusted.

Don't you trust your slaves? - Nehezi looked at his friend.

I trust no one. For I am going to talk about secret things. But if a slave knows the dangerous secrets of his master, then this is bad. Then he is no longer a slave and a master.

Good point, Menes. A slave must be a slave.

You are servants of Aye and people interested in the rise of your master. I'm interested in you getting up. You are my friend Nehezi. I am not a spy or an informer. And my master nomarch Sais has no time for politics. Our venerable hereditary nomarch is more interested in women and wine than politics. We have a constant holiday here. But people from Memphis periodically appear here and sniff out and look for something.

People from Memphis? - Pantoer became interested.

They are the best. Tutankhamun, with the help of your protégé Nebra, wants to know the mood in the country. And there's nothing wrong with that. The ruler must know what is happening in the nomes.

It has always been this way, Menes. All the pharaohs from Ahmose the Great sinned with this. And Nebra is a great master of such matters. He knows how to recruit associates and find out news. I myself once picked up this Nubian and was the first to appreciate his abilities.

Nehezi, today you are making excuses with hints and omissions. You don't want to be frank with an old friend. Meanwhile, I have news for you.

The owner himself poured wine for everyone again, and they drank together.

News? - Nehezi put his glass on the table. - What are you talking about, Menes?

A certain man named Rahotep recently appeared here. And, as far as I know, you know him very well, Nehezi. I immediately recognized him thanks to the scars on his body, although he was dressed not like an officer in the army of the pharaoh, but like a simple artisan.

Exactly. And I was not mistaken. But I was quite surprised to see him here and in this form. My servants followed him and found out where he was staying.

And where? - Nehezi asked.

Are you waiting for my frankness? But you yourself do not want to be frank with me.

Okay, frankness for frankness. But you are the first. Tell me, did you find out where Rahotep was staying?

He constantly changes his overnight sites. And he lives in the most seedy places, full of walking women and such rabble that it is dangerous for a normal person to go there.

What is Rahotep doing here?

He came here to a warlord named Zaru. And this same Zaru commands all the troops of the nome. And he is the protege of Horemheb the military commander over the military leaders of the Lord of both Countries. But Zaru keeps his distance from Rahotep. For now he is being careful and waiting. After all, the pharaoh has been hanging around Horemheb lately, hasn’t he?

For the second scribe of the Sai nomarch, you are too knowledgeable, Menes. But your information about Rahotep’s visit is of no value. This means Horemheb is slowly recruiting supporters! Can you smell what Pantoer smells like here?

Still would! Treason! Rahotep has great connections from the previous struggle against Akhenaten. He knows both the military and the priests! And he shouldn't be here. In reality, he must go to Syria to Horemheb. This is what Tutankhamun's officials think.

But we are lucky that Menes has a keen eye!

And Menes expects frankness for frankness,” the owner again poured wine for the guests.

What are you interested in knowing, Menes? - Nehezi asked.

When can we expect a new pharaoh? - the second scribe asked frankly.

New pharaoh? - Nehezi smiled. Menes hit right on target. He was not interested in trifles. - This is dangerous information. Aren't you afraid to learn secrets that could cost you your head?

It depends on how to take advantage of such secrets, Nehezi. We talk a lot here about Queen Ankhesenamun. They say that she will soon become the new Hatshepsut and rule all of Egypt. Will her husband Tutankhamun cede power to her? And how will Aye look at this? Would he want such a rise for his granddaughter?

After the feast, the guests were taken to the rooms reserved for them.

The official's secretary, Eye, wanted to go to bed, but he received his papyrus and decided to look into it. It was a message from Merani! The dream was blown away! She made an appointment for him at the Balu Temple! And this meeting was scheduled for tonight.

He quickly went to Menes and asked to be taken to the meeting place.

And will you go there at night? - Menes was surprised.

But she's calling me. You understand? - Nezhezi cried. - I haven't seen her for so long! Can I not go? Yes, I'm counting the minutes until we meet.

Why would your friend choose such a place and such a time to meet? Looks like a trap, Nehezi. At the Bala temple, good dalas are not made at night.

No, she wrote it! There is a sign here that only she and I know. So will you guide me?

If you want! But I don't like all this. It will be necessary to capture the servants.

No! She warns against this. No servants needed. Otherwise, she won’t come to the meeting and who knows when I’ll be able to see her.

Nehezi! This is too much. If your head is not dear to you, then mine is very dear to me. What if her appearance here and Rahotep’s appearance are connected? Haven't you thought about that?

No, Menes. Merani does not work for Horemheb. They cannot be allies.

The Temple of Bala was a bad place in Sais and especially at night. Everyone knew this and that is why Merani made a date with Nehezi there. She acted like everyone else in her brotherhood, not afraid of night spirits and formidable gods. Menes did not know this and therefore suspected an ambush. But Nehezi remembered Merani’s behavior very well and felt that nothing threatened him this time.

That’s it, Menes,” Nehezi looked at his friend and added. - You can go.

Should I leave you here alone? Who do you take me for, Nehezi?

Go and don't bother me. Nothing will happen to me.

Don't mind. Ask. Just leave and that's it.

Menes didn’t ask himself any more. All formalities were observed. He offered his help to his friend, but he refused. What can he reproach himself for? Not with anything. And the second scribe of the governor of Sais went to his home.

And Nehezi began to wait. And indeed, when the moon disappeared behind the clouds, a soft female hand touched his shoulder. Merani!

It’s me,” she whispered.

“I recognized you right away,” Nehezi grabbed her by the shoulders and pulled her towards him. - The smell of your hair has not changed over the years.

Do you remember what my hair smells like?

I didn't forget about it for a minute.

You have become a true courtier, Nehezi. He learned to lie to the court ladies from the queen's retinue.

No, Merani. There was only you in my heart. I couldn't forget you, no matter how hard I tried. I even cursed you. I thought that when we met I wouldn’t look in your direction, but now I’m terribly glad that you’re around. I can't help it. Although I know that you would not come to me of your own free will.

Why are you so sure of this? I'm also glad to see you, Nehezi. And she accepted the order of the Omnipresent with joy. After all, I haven’t had another man over the years.

Is it true? - Nehezi’s heart was ready to jump out of her chest.

You are so glad to see me, but in the darkness you cannot distinguish my face. What if I turn ugly and begin to cause you only disgust?

At that moment, the clouds revealed the face of the moon, and its light flooded the figure of Merani. She was beautiful. Over the years, her beauty not only did not fade, but blossomed and she no longer resembled the girl he saved from the Sphinx.

Well, how? - she whispered.

You are beautiful, like the goddess Hathor herself. And you will become my wife! I won't let you go anywhere else!

Because this is the order of the Omnipresent? Or because that's what you want? Tell me, Merani.

And because and because, Nehezi. But is my loyalty not enough for you?

He grabbed her face with his hands and began to kiss her, but she pulled away.

Wait a minute. Business first. We have little time for business. Let's do it and I'm yours. Just wait, Nehezi. Calm down.

She pushed him away, for the man again attracted her to him.

Fine. What needs to be done? - he asked.

Priest Nefertu is waiting for you at the statue of the god Bal. Come on, I'll take you to him.

Do you know this priest? - he asked and followed the woman.

No. But I don't need that. Others talked to him about the meeting. And I just have to show you the place where he will wait for you.

Everything is so confusing.

This is to throw off the scent of the bloodhounds who want to know who you are dating and when.

Bloodhound? - Nehezi was surprised. - But I just arrived in Sais.

But many already know that you are here. Among your people is Queen Ankhesenamun's trusted man. Did you know about this?

No. But this is simply impossible. I took with me only the most reliable ones.

And yet, it is so. The queen wants to denigrate your master Ey, and therefore she took on you.

I will find out who this traitor is.

Not worth it. This will only complicate your situation. Pretend you don't know anything about this. But be careful. Over there! - her finger pointed into the darkness. - There is a statue of Bala and they are waiting for you there. I have to stay here. Go!

Nehezi walked forward. The huge stone god towered in the open area, and nothing was visible around except his head, illuminated by moonlight. Bal's body was in the dark.

Are you, Nefertu? - Nehezi asked.

Yes. Today I am called by the name Nefertu.

Today? What does today mean? Will you change your name tomorrow?

People like me always change their names. Your master wishes to receive a poison called the week's poison.

You shouldn't be surprised. I brought what he needed. Reach out.

Nehezi did what was required and felt a thick leather bag in his palm.

This is poison. And the poison is very, very dangerous. Give him over to your master, and he will know what to do with him. But be careful. If your enemies find poison on you, your death will be terrible. And if you lose the poison, your master will be terribly angry. For there will be no more second portion of such poison. Only I can make it.

But who is this poison for? - Nehezi was scared.

You yourself know the answer to this question. Why are you asking? Poison for the ruler of the country. He must clear the way for another person who dreams of a crown with a uraeus.

So for f...

Quiet! Do not pronounce titles and names. Go to your girlfriend. And forget about our meeting with you.

This will be difficult to do.

You don't know my face and you don't know what I look like. That's why for you I'm just a mirage.

OK. Goodbye stranger.

Goodbye. And tomorrow don't show weakness. This is my advice to you.

Weaknesses? - Nehezi did not understand him.

If you meet an enemy, kill him. If you don't do this, you won't have a second chance.

But I have never spared enemies.

But this time the enemy is someone close to you. Remember this. It won't be easy to kill him. To do this, you need to commit meanness that you are not capable of. To do this you need to betray. Do you know how to betray when it is beneficial and necessary for business?

“Who is he talking about? Is it really my enemy Merani? Kill Merani? But this is impossible! Although, what am I talking about? Merani is at one with them. After all, it was she who betrayed me the place where I would see Neferta. And if she wanted to betray me, then I would have been grabbed long ago. No, it’s not her. But then maybe Pantoer? Or Menes? Again no! They are my friends, but he said not a friend, but a close person. So this is my cousin Rahotep! He! No one else! And I have to kill him! Will I be able to do this? Perhaps, if he raises a sword against me first, then I can, however, if everything is like this, then it will be self-defense, but not betrayal."

Nehezi! - Merani met him. - Did you see him?

Priest? Yes. Saw.

And what else? It's enough. But you don't need to know the details, Merani.

I already guess what’s going on, Nehezi. Your master Eye did not send you here for trifles. Is not it?

Come with me to my friend's house. Or are you afraid?

What? You have already taken care of my innocence a long time ago, so I have nothing to lose. But I’m not afraid of people’s rumors. Let's go!

And she squeezed his hand tightly...

1338 BC. Thirteenth year of the reign of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Sais

Nehezi and Rahotep

Drought Period

Month of Mehir

Menes was sincerely surprised to find a young woman in Nehezi’s chambers. He was speechless for a moment, but quickly regained control of himself.

Are you not alone, Nehezi? And who is this beautiful stranger? Just yesterday she was not in your retinue and she was not among my slaves.

This is my future wife Merani.

Wife? How's that? And I couldn’t think that you would take a real wife into your house. But I'm glad that you chose such a beautiful woman. And my name is Menes, madam. So that's why Nehezi wanted to quickly get rid of my presence yesterday. If I were in his place, I would do the same.

Have you come on business, Menes? - Nehezi asked his friend.

Yes. My people have learned something for you about Rahotep. Would you like to listen to me alone? For all this is not for gentle female ears. I'm waiting for you in my library.

Menes went out and left the lovers alone.

He won't be offended by you for bringing me to his house?

No. Why should he be offended? He is my friend. And you can stay here with me.

Do you trust him completely?

Certainly. Why should I not believe him?

Who knows what to expect from friends? They all live their own lives and can betray when it suits them. Is not it? And you have a very dangerous mission here, Nehezi. And your enemies will do anything to...

“I’m destined to live a great life, Merani,” he interrupted her. - I know this and death is not yet written in my destiny. Maybe I’m not as good at reading people as you are, and I’m not as suspicious, but I know that the thread of my life will be long.

Who told you this?

One wise man you can trust. He was never wrong. Okay, it's time for me to leave. Menes is waiting for me. But I'll be back soon.

There were many papyri in Menes's library, and they were all neatly arranged on shelves. It is immediately clear that Menes structured the papyri well and brought perfect order here. This is not often seen in temples.

This is my pride, Nehezi. There are few such libraries in Sais. And I can even say that mine is better than all others.

I also dream of my own library. I would hire papyrus copyists and make copies of especially valuable ones.

Glad to meet a connoisseur! I had so few people to talk to about literature and art. Our world does not value beauty at all. But let's put aside the pleasant things. My people have followed Rahotep. And he was interested in you.

Me? But he can't know that I'm here!

But he knows about it. And he even wants to kidnap you and take you with him.

What? - Nehezi didn’t believe it. - Kidnap me? Rahotep?

His master Horemheb is keeping a close eye on you and your master Ey. And they want to use you in the fight against Eie.

Nehezi thought about it. Rahotep could do this for the sake of power and for the sake of his ideals. He had a peculiar attitude towards what was happening in Egypt. He bet on Horemheb, or the military pharaoh, and he will not easily back down from what he has gotten into his head.

Nehezi himself made a bet on Eiye. He believed that he was more worthy to wear the crown of Upper and Lower Egypt than Horemheb. But what to do? He promised his uncle Bata that he would not harm any of his brothers.

Will you go into conflict with your brother, Nehezi?

Rahotep chose his own path. The fight between me and my brother is approaching. And this is only an echo of the battle between Ey and Horemheb.

But why are you not on Horemheb's side? You are not only a scribe like me, but also a warrior. You fought alongside Horemheb at the Battle of Kumidi. And he remembers you.

This is true. I even defended him in the face of Akhenaten himself and he remembers the good. But his policy is too straightforward. His time has not yet come. And that's why I stand for Ey.

I also like him better than Horemheb. And I am in favor of placing the crown on Aya’s head. And our nomarch and the majority of the nobility also stand behind Ey. I'm sure many will support him. But Tutankhamun's death must have been natural. And no shadow of suspicion should fall on Ey.

My lord Aye is loyal to Pharaoh Tutankhamun and if the gods give him a long reign, he will be his faithful servant.

It's clear. But what to do with Rahotep?

Let him go to Horemheb! Let him run from the city.

He won't do it, Nehezi. He has many friends among army officers. All Libyan princes had already fallen under his influence. They had all already visited Rahotep and drank with him more than one jug of good wine. Do you know how great the wobble of Libyan soldiers is in Sais.

And was Zaru with him?

And more than once! What remains for him? He also has to reckon with the Libyans.

So you won't be able to scare him and make him run away? - Nehezi looked at Menes.

Easy to say! I am only the governor's humble scribe. Do not forget about it. My master won't even listen to me. He doesn't like politics. And Rahotep, in my opinion, is preparing your abduction, Nehezi. This is what my spies reported to me. Do you know what I mean? Not today, tomorrow you will be kidnapped! And I have no one to oppose the kidnappers.

And what do you suggest? Should I leave town? But I still have things to do here.

No! Then he will probably intercept you beyond Sais and your situation will become worse. And now we can't do anything. I can’t complain to the nomarch because you’re here unofficially, and many people don’t need to know about the struggle between you and Rahotep.

What if you strike first? - Nehezi asked.

Rahotep really does not expect this from us, but capturing him is not so easy.

Do your people lead it all the time?

Yes. But there are few of them and they act with great caution. And I would not hope for their help.

What if we go after him right now? And not in a large crowd with servants and slaves, but just the two of them. Me and my officer Pantoer?

Together? But this is crazy! You will be captured immediately. This will only make Rahotep's task easier.

But I don’t suggest going openly. Are warriors or messengers coming to him?

And often. These are Libyan soldiers and Sherdan mercenaries.

But then we will be able to capture two or three and take their place.

It might work...

The poor quarters of Sais, where artisans, sailors, pirates and retired soldiers lived, were crowded in the evening. The hot places were simply overflowing with various kinds of dark personalities and walking women, of which there were a great many in Sais.

The Phoenician women, servants of the goddess Astarte, were beautiful and Pantoer was able to appreciate them.

“Don’t look at the girls, we didn’t come here for that,” Nezhei reprimanded him.

It’s good for you to say, but yesterday I spent the night alone, unlike you. I love Phoenicians. Lights, not women.

You and I are risking our lives now, Pantoer. We're going on a dangerous job. If everything ends well, I will give you a Phoenician slave.

Do you really have it?

Not yet, but you can easily buy it in Sais.

Nehezi and Pantoer already knew where Rahotep was hiding at that hour. It was a large drinking establishment where drinks and snacks were served by half-naked young Phoenician and Syrian women.

The large hall was, as always, full of people, wine and beer flowed like a river. Screams, laughter and women's squeals were heard in the hall. Tipsy guests squeezed the maids right in the hall and easily retired with them right there behind the screens if the desire for intimacy arose.

We can’t just get there,” Pantoer whispered. - Regulars gather in this meta and they don’t like newcomers here. We will be immediately noticed and reported to Rahotep.

You are right. But we will go in under the guise of two Sherdan mercenaries and ask for Rahotep.

It doesn’t hurt that we look like the Sherdans, Nehezi.

Nothing. Let's put on their hats and cloaks and begin to distort Egyptian words. In the darkness of this den, no one will look closely at us.

This is a dangerous matter and extremely wrong. But you're lucky. Everything may work out. We will look for the Sherdans. Let's go.

They left the hall, unnoticed by anyone, and walked away towards the shops, the long rows of which began on the other side of the street.

And there they are!

Yes Sherdans! Luck is with us.

Shall we act?

Act! And without hesitation.

Nehezi was the first to rush towards two warriors who were walking along the street past shops with copper products. Pantoer followed him.

Are the gentlemen going to the venerable Rahotep? - Nehezi grabbed one Sherdan by the hand. - Is not it? Then we have business for you.

The soldier was dissatisfied with such unceremoniousness and rudely pushed Nehezi away. Then his hand lay on the hilt of the broad Sherdan sword.

My friend addressed you politely, Sherdan dog! - Pantoer boiled. - But you dared to push the Egyptian!

I am a warrior! - Sherdan hissed. - And I have a sword with me! I am taller than any Egyptian! The Egyptians are bad warriors. Very bad!

Oh, you Sherdan pig! Here I'll show you how bad it is!

Pantoer drew his sword and the blades crossed. Sherdan's weapon was longer and wider than Pantoer's. But the Egyptian officer was much better at wielding weapons and was older than the young and inexperienced Sherdan.

The sword flew out of the mercenary's hand and Pantoer knocked him down with a blow of his left hand. He fell on the coppersmith's bench and knocked it over. The sound of scattered dishes was heard.

Nehezi quickly mastered the second mercenary and also knocked him down with a punch to the jaw. The voices of merchants were heard calling for the guards.

We've done a lot of things! - Nehezi cried. - They say they did the job quietly.

It happened! I couldn’t stand it! - Pantoer hid his sword.

I had to be patient! And what will we do?

It's worth running!

Here! - the fried fish merchant called them and opened the doors of his shop. - You are an emergency exit! Hurry up, I can already hear the guards' footsteps!

And indeed, in the distance, the swearing of the nomarch’s soldiers, who were keeping order in the market, was heard. Friends ran into the shop and the skin that replaced the door began to move.

Do you want to go to Rahotep, as I heard? - asked the merchant. - But in vain then you turned to these Sherdans. They are from the guard of the merchant caravan that came yesterday from the Libyan desert.

You have too keen an ear, venerable merchant.

Both hearing and vision. You can immediately be identified as warriors. I can take you to Rahotep. But I need to know who you are. Let's go. You'll tell us everything along the way.

And they came out from the second passage into the alley.

The merchant quickly led them through back streets and out of the arms market. No guards would have found them there. Here the shops were much neater and richer. Swords and spears, arrows and bows were displayed everywhere. The wide selection of daggers was amazing. From Cretan curves to straight Phoenician and Egyptian typesetting.

Merchants vied with each other to invite customers to their shops and praise their goods. Next to the daggers were shops selling protective armor. There were bronze and copper chain mail, which had recently come into fashion, protective helmets and shields.

Are you officers in the army of the great Horemheb? - asked the merchant.

Where did you get this from, sir? - Nehezi asked.

I saw you somewhere, sir. And you probably fought under Horemheb in Syria. I myself am a former soldier of the Asiatic Corps and defended the pharaoh in Palestine, Libya, and Syria.

Nehezi shuddered. This soldier could see him under the walls of Kumidi, where he had fought many years ago alongside Horemheb. It would be inopportune if he recognized him.

I did not fight in Syria, sir. But he fought in Nubia. And my friend was in my detachment at the Semne fortress.

Ah, that's how it is. You have a Nubian style of fencing. Especially with you, sir,” the merchant nodded towards Pantoer. - On behalf of whom do you want to see the venerable Rahotep.

On behalf of the venerable Ana,” Nehezi lied.

Ana? - the merchant was surprised. - But who is it?

Venerable Rahotep knows him very well. So pass it on. That two officers from Thebes came to him from the venerable Ana.

Fine. But you will not need to follow me, but wait here. You can hang out among the gunsmith shops for now. There is a lot of useful information here for a warrior.

As you say. We will wait.

The merchant quickly left and left his friends alone...

Rehotep was surprised by the message about messengers from Ana. He pulled the naked girl away from him and motioned for her to get out. Why would his brother send messengers to him, and how could Ana even know where he is?

Are you right, Panhes? Did he say it was from Ana?

That's right, sir.

Ana is my brother and you should have brought these people to me. Although it wouldn't hurt to be careful. There are too many who want to hinder us.

One of these officers seemed familiar to me and that’s why I didn’t bring him to you right away.

Do you know him? Did you tell him that you saw him earlier?

Yes, sir. He said that he could have seen him in Syria or Palestine when I myself fought there with Horemheb. But he replied that he had fought in Nubia and had never been to Syria.

But you could be wrong. How many people are alike?

No, sir. I couldn't be more wrong. I have an excellent memory for faces. I saw this officer. But where? It was a long time ago, but he showed himself in some way that his image was imprinted in my memory.

Remember where you fought.

ABOUT! I remembered! This is the same officer who brought us a message from Pharaoh Akhenaten. At the walls of Kumidi, he, at the head of a detachment of charioteers, boldly attacked the Khabiru and then he won us victory.

A messenger from the pharaoh himself? But then this is not an ordinary person. And not an ordinary officer at all! Pharaoh Akhenaten sent only trusted representatives with such messages.

Horemheb knows him well! And he even called this officer master. His name is Nehezi! Exactly! I remembered!

Nehezi? In the name of Ra! I'm just lucky today! Nehezi is the one I need. I would come here just for him! And he's waiting for you?

Yes, at the market where they sell armor. He and his friend are waiting there.

His friend? Pantoer probably came with him. An excellent warrior and a brave soldier. He fought in Nubia.

Exactly! He has a Nubian style of fencing. I noticed it right away. So these are your friends, sir?

Friends? - said Rahotep. - There were friends, but now not really. These are the people of Ey. And they tracked me down. I didn’t expect such agility from them.

So should they be removed?

There's no need to rush. We will always have time to remove them. You shouldn't kill good soldiers. There weren’t many of them left in Egypt after the reign of the damned Akhenaten. I will take them with me to Horemheb. Although I do not have such an order, I decided that I would make such a gift to my master. But, as a last resort, they will have to be killed. But this is for the most extreme cases. First you need to find out everything. And you deserve both mine and Horemheb’s gratitude, Pankhes. You've tracked down the ones my people are hunting.

But what should I do now, sir? They are waiting for a meeting and will not hang around the market for long. They will suspect something is wrong and leave. What do you order me now? Maybe bring them to you and capture them here?

Are you sure there are only two of them? Is no one watching them?

No. I can vouch for that, sir. There are only two of them.

Then lead them to me. In the meantime, I will place our people everywhere.

Panhes hurried back. He felt a thin dagger in the folds of his clothes. It might come in handy if something happens. He quickly found Nehezi and Pantoer and motioned for them to follow him. They silently obeyed.

Panhes led them into the drinking establishment through a secret door. And he led the guests through the smoky hall to the place where Rahotep was waiting for them. But as soon as they entered, five warriors grabbed them and quickly disarmed them.

“I’m glad to see you, my brother Nezezi,” Rahotep greeted his relative, “and you, the brave warrior Pantoer.” What brings you to me?

“The desire to know what you’re doing here,” Nehezi answered boldly.

I am here fulfilling the will of my master as you do yours.

But the ruler gave you orders to go to Horemheb’s headquarters, and not to go to Sais.

Are you talking about Pharaoh, Nehezi? But my master is not Pharaoh, but Horemheb, and I serve him. And Horemheb wants me to be in Sais. Are you also here fulfilling the will of Ey, and not the will of the pharaoh?

Are you recruiting supporters, Rahotep? For whom? For Horemheb?

Your master Eiye is also recruiting followers, Nehezi.

Rahotep, don’t you understand that you are acting to the detriment of Egypt? Your master is not yet ready to become pharaoh. His time has not yet come. Big wars are coming, and we should join forces, but not split them up. Now our turmoil is good for Assyria and Hettia.

Is this what you wanted to tell me when you were hunting me, Nenhezi? - Rahotep said with a smile.

No. “I wanted to kill you,” Pantoer said for Nehezi. - Kill as an enemy of Egypt. As one who stands in the way of our master. But you somehow managed to lure us into a trap and we are at your mercy. But listen to Nehezi first. He is a smart man and knows what he is doing and what he is saying. Egypt is on the verge of a new split. Court factions are ready to fight for power. The priests of Ra and the priests of Amun are also preparing for a battle for power and influence. Can your master Horemheb control such forces?

Horemheb knows this better. I am only his servant. And you will come with me.

No. We can't go with you, Rahotep. We have different orders and we must quickly go back. We need to go to Memphis.

Horemheb told me to beware of you, Nehezi. You know how to speak and you know how to convince. So try to convince Horemheb of the need to support Ey. Convince him that they are allies!

Now both Horemheb and Ey are going through a difficult period and everything can end quickly. Everything they want to realize hangs on by a thread. But if you forcibly take Pantoer and me away, then the forces that are hostile to Eya may prevail at court.

And could this somehow harm Horemheb? Let Aye have a headache from...

You misunderstood me again, Rahotep. Ey can only be pushed out of power, and he will become a private citizen, but then the priests can seize power and push back the military. And Horemheb is also a military man!

So, you have already sentenced Tutankhamun,” Rahotep whispered. - So? Did I understand everything correctly?

What are you talking about, Rahotep? Can not understand. Who dares to condemn the Pharaoh himself? Both I and my master Eye are faithful servants...

You're being cunning, brother. But I understand why you need to go to Memphis. It changes everything.

So, are you letting us go?

Nehezi, I know a lot about you. You have provided important services to Egypt and for that I respect you. If not for this, I would not have hesitated to plunge the sword into you.

So will you let us go?

Yes. But you should have been more open with me from the beginning. I thought you came to Sais for a different purpose. But the military conspiracy, apparently, is of little interest to you. You have your own business going on there. And I don’t want to interfere with them. Tutankhamun was the protege of the damned Pharaoh Akhenaten and did not go far from him. And if death rides towards him on your chariot, then that suits me.

So we can go? And they won’t overtake us in the desert in order to finish us off away from prying eyes? - asked Pantoer this time.

They will even protect you from possible attacks. For you are few, and your enemies can ambush you. So don't worry. Your lives are safe for now. But I do not advise you to stand in the way of Horemheb in the future.

1337 BC. Thirteenth year of the reign of Pharaoh Tutankhamun. Memphis

Aye and Tutankhamun

Akhet period

Month of Famenot

The struggle of court factions for power entered a decisive phase. Supporters of Ankhesenamon began to prevail and managed to win over the nobility of the capital and the priests of Ptah to their side.

The priests trumpeted that it was the princess, the direct heir of the blood of the great Ahmose, who should rule the country. They remembered the times of Queen Hatshepsut and her wise management of the country.

A delegation of high priests from the Temple of Ra in Heliopolis, the Temple of Ptah in Memphis, the Temple of Osiris in Memphis and the Temple of Sebek in Crocodilopolis visited Tutankhamun. They called on the pharaoh to approve the new title of the queen, as the first daughter of Ra.

You yourself understand, sir,” the high priest of the temple of Ra from Heliopolis brazenly declared, “that the situation in Egypt still remains difficult, despite your wise actions, prompted by the gods themselves.”

And you want my wife to rule?

She is capable of uniting the country and overthrowing its enemies. Moreover, Queen Ankhesenamun, the only daughter of Pharaoh Amenhotep IV and his divine wife Nefertiti, whose birth was sanctified by the god Ra himself. There is evidence of this that we received during divine revelations.

Pharaoh was irritated, but remained silent. He understood perfectly what this servant of Ra was talking about. If he goes against them, then the priests will already spread rumors that he does not take into account the will of the gods, and that he is a heretic like Akhenaten.

What will be your decision, O great one? - asked the priest.

I'll report about it a little later. In the meantime, I wish to remain alone.

Everyone left the pharaoh, and he sat down on his throne and began to think.

Tutankhamun had ruled the country for a long time and managed to do a lot in the situation that arose during the difficult time of overcoming the consequences of religious reform. Now, many years later, it’s easy to talk about his mistakes and miscalculations. But in fact, I Mephres, a priest of Isis, can firmly state that the young pharaoh was an experienced ruler and relied on smart advisers. Then it was simply impossible to act differently.

At that moment, in the 13th year of his reign, it was not easy for Tutankhamun. We should not forget that he sincerely loved his wife Ankheseamon and was ready to do a lot for her sake, although he did not agree with the way the queen selected her courtiers.

And he decided to give up. Eye visited the pharaoh and advised him not to do this, but resistance to the king’s will grew among influential priestly circles.

What can I do, Hey? - Pharaoh asked him guiltily. - Am I the one who rules the country now? What is my will and my word worth? The queen insists and demands strengthening her influence on state affairs. And the priests took her side.

We will be able to rely on the priesthood of the cult of Amon, sir. But don't give up.

Thebes is far away, Ey. And the priesthood of Ptah is close. I'm afraid we'll have to give in.

Eye went home and there he found Nehezi, who had just arrived from Sais. He didn't even take a bath or change his clothes from the road.

Hello my servant, Nehezi! You arrived on time! Did you bring it?

Here! - Nehezi handed Chati a leather bag. - This is what the priest Nefert gave you.

The gods are on my side! They sent me deliverance.

Is everything that serious?

It couldn't be more serious. Pharaoh gives power to his wife! Her reign awaits us! And behind her there are people who hate me.

A day later, four magnificent gilded chariots approached the royal palace. Ahead was Ey himself, along with a smart driver. This time, the pharaoh's chati discarded the ostentatious simplicity of clothing.

Aya wore a ruffled tunic dress that left his neck exposed, hugged his still strong torso, and flared out at the bottom. A wide belt was tied over the dress, which fell in front like a trapezoidal apron. The head was decorated with a large curled wig, tied with a gold hoop with inserted emeralds. On his chest was a necklace - an old gift from Pharaoh Akhenaten. There were gold bracelets on her wrists and sandals made of gold threads on her feet.

That day he personally served the lord at the feast and became the most humble of the lord's servants. He accepted dishes from the servants and personally served them to the pharaoh's table. Tutankhamun's days were numbered. The poison began its destructive work, and the pharaoh died a week later...