Golden Horus head from Hierakonpolis

The Magnificent Gold Head of Horus: An Ancient Egyptian Masterpiece from Hierakonpolis

Discover one of ancient Egypt's most revered treasures: the exquisite Gold Head of the falcon god Horus. Found below the floor of his temple's main chamber in Hierakonpolis, north of Edfu, this artifact symbolizes Horus's profound role as the lord of the sun and patron deity of kingship.

A Glimpse into Divine Craftsmanship

This stunning gold head was originally affixed to a larger copper statue of the falcon Horus, indicating it was certainly a cult statue, likely placed on a shrine base with a royal statuette beneath its protection. Fashioned from beaten gold, the head is crowned with a twin-plumed headdress and adorned with a royal uraeus, or rearing cobra. The eyes are meticulously inlaid with rounded, polished obsidian pieces, strikingly similar to those of a real bird.

Horus: Lord of the Sky and Protector of Kings

Horus stands as one of the most significant and deeply revered deities in ancient Egyptian mythology. Often depicted as a falcon-headed god, he was intrinsically linked with kingship, protection, and the vast sky. Belief held that Horus was the son of Osiris and Isis. He played a pivotal role in the famous Osiris myth, where he sought justice for his father's murder and ultimately became the rightful ruler of Egypt. His name, 'herw,' is believed to mean 'the far one'.

Hierakonpolis: The City of the Falcon

The discovery of this artifact in Hierakonpolis (ancient Nekhen) underscores the city's immense significance in ancient Egyptian religious beliefs. Known as ‘the city of the falcon,’ Hierakonpolis was Horus's primary cult center, elevating him to a dynastic and national deity during the Predynastic Period and the unification of Egypt. Located in Upper Egypt, near the modern city of Edfu, Hierakonpolis was believed to be the site where Horus triumphed over his rival, Seth, in the mythological battle for kingship.

Nekhen held crucial religious and political importance, serving as the capital of the 22nd Upper Egyptian nome. The city was renowned for its impressive temples, including the Temple of Nekhen, dedicated to Horus. Its influence extended through the early development of Egyptian civilization, acting as a pivotal center of power and cultural influence during the Old Kingdom.

Experience History at the Egyptian Museum, Cairo

This remarkable Gold Head of Horus dates back to the Old Kingdom, specifically the 6th Dynasty, circa 2345-2181 BC. It was unearthed from the Kom al-Ahmar Necropolis. Today, you can witness this piece of ancient history at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, accession number JE 32158.