Sculptuur van Horus en Ramses II bij de grote tempel te Aboe Simbel before 1862

This photograph by Francis Frith captures sculptures of Horus and Ramses II at Abu Simbel. Here, we see Ramses II depicted with the falcon-headed god Horus, protector of the Pharaohs, signifying divine endorsement and kingship. This pairing is not unique. Consider the motifs in ancient Egyptian art, where Horus often symbolizes the living Pharaoh, embodying protection. We can trace its evolution across time and culture. Look at the Greco-Roman era, where similar avian symbols are repurposed. The eagle, adopted by the Roman Empire, mirrors the authority and power once invested in Horus. This symbol transcends its literal form, becoming a powerful signifier of dominance. The emotional weight these symbols carry is intense. The image speaks to our collective memory, tapping into subconscious associations of power and divinity. Consider how deeply the images are carved into the rock, an action that reveals an intention to imprint these symbols upon the very landscape. This recurring symbol represents the cyclical nature of history, reappearing and evolving through various epochs, adapting to new contexts, yet retaining echoes of its ancient power.