The commemorative scarabs of Amenhotep III as a form of political communication
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2640.2025.161.1
Keywords:
commemorative scarabs, Amenhotep III, political history, legitimization of power, Ancient Egypt, pharaoh, propaganda.Abstract
Background. This article focuses on the commemorative scarabs of Amenhotep III as a means of political communication and legitimization of power in Ancient Egypt. It examines how the pharaoh used these objects to transmit official information about his achievements, dynastic alliances, and peaceful initiatives, shaping the image of a stable and divine ruler. Scarabs functioned as “news carriers,” allowing the monarchy to control the perception of power among the elite and the wider population.
Methods. The study employs a textual analysis of Ancient Egyptian inscriptions and their translation, prosopographical and comparative-historical analysis, as well as interdisciplinary approaches to assess the symbolic and communicative functions of the scarabs.
Results. Scarabs recorded key events of the reign, including the marriage to Queen Tiy, lion hunts, the construction of Lake Tiy, and diplomatic alliances. The inscriptions followed a standardized formula: royal titles, description of the event, assessment of the outcome, and summary, transforming historical events into sacred acts that legitimized the pharaoh’s authority and emphasized state stability. They created a network of messages for the elite and foreign partners, highlighting the king’s control over the state and peace.
Conclusions. Commemorative scarabs functioned as both religious-ideological texts and political messages, reinforcing the image of the pharaoh as a divine ruler. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of material culture as a tool of political communication and propaganda, opening perspectives for interdisciplinary research in the political history of Egypt.
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