Dream stela
History
The Dream Stela, also known as the Sphinx Stela, is a significant historical artifact from the ancient Egyptian period. It is an epigraphic stele erected between the paws of the Great Sphinx of Giza by the Pharaoh Thutmose IV in the first year of his reign, around 1401 BC - 1391 BC. The stela is carved from a single piece of limestone and stands approximately 3.6 meters tall and 2 meters wide. It is one of the most important sources of information about the Sphinx and its associated mythology.
Inscription and Interpretation
The inscription on the Dream Stela is written in classical Middle Egyptian hieroglyphs. The text is divided into horizontal registers, each filled with densely packed hieroglyphic symbols. The main narrative of the stela recounts a dream that Thutmose IV supposedly had while resting under the shade of the Sphinx, which was buried up to its neck in sand at the time.
In the dream, the Sphinx, identified as the god Horemakhet (Horus in the Horizon), promises Thutmose IV a prosperous reign if he clears away the sand engulfing it. Upon waking, Thutmose IV is said to have taken this as a divine mandate, and he ordered the Sphinx to be excavated, thus securing his right to rule.
The text is a classic example of the "prophecy dream" genre in ancient Egyptian literature, where a god appears to a non-royal individual in a dream to predict future events. It is also significant for its religious and political implications, as it reinforces the divine right of the Pharaoh and the close relationship between the Pharaoh and the gods.
Significance and Impact
The Dream Stela has had a profound impact on our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture, religion, and politics. It provides a rare glimpse into the beliefs and practices of the time, and its narrative has been interpreted as a legitimizing device for Thutmose IV's rule. The stela also provides valuable information about the Sphinx and its religious significance in ancient Egypt.
The Dream Stela is also a key piece of evidence in debates about the age and origin of the Sphinx. Some scholars argue that the stela's reference to the Sphinx being covered in sand suggests that the monument is much older than traditionally believed. However, this interpretation is controversial and not universally accepted.
Preservation and Display
The Dream Stela has survived remarkably well over the millennia, despite being exposed to the elements. It is currently on display in situ between the paws of the Sphinx in Giza, where it continues to be a popular attraction for tourists and scholars alike. The stela is protected by a modern shelter to preserve it from further weathering.