Friday, June 30, 2006

Approximately 1250 BC

Khaemwaset:
Khaemwaset was the fourth son of Ramessu (II), and became known as 'the first Egyptologist.' He had a huge interest in preserving the history of Egypt, which he actively took part in through his many renovation projects throughout the country. It is known that he restored the Unis Pyramid at Saqqara (which during Khaemwaset's lifetime, was already over 1000 years old), because of a hieroglyphic inscription, that states he had restored the pyramid by the orders of his father, and had reapplied the name of the 4th dynasty ruler Unis, which had disappeared. Remnants of Prince Khaemwaset's restoration texts have also been discovered on some of the casing blocks, belonging to the mastaba of Shepseskaf, also at Saqqara dating to the 4th dynasty. Khaemwaset's passion for the time-honoured constructions of the past were mainly concentrated with the buidings in the north of Egypt, which he again continued with this work by having the Sun-Temple of Nyuserra restored. Nyuserra's temple is located at Abu Ghurob (north of Abusir), and was constructed during the 5th dynasty. Another restoration text belonging to Prince Khaemwaset is inscribed on a limestone block, that was discovered in the courtyard at the front of the southern side of King Djoser's Step Pyramid, from the third dynasty. The work of the prince was all done in his role as the High Priest of Memphis. There are also indications of Khaemwaset having worked on repairing the Pyramid of Sahure and the Pyramid of Userkaf. It seems that Khaemwaset was an extremely intelligent, gifted and well loved man, he was also very well respected during his lifetime as well as after his death, even into the Late Period when tales were written that are considered to be loosely based on him. His devotion to his own ancestry, has made him a very admirable man, even to the present day!

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