Deformación

and proved to be the Alexander the Great of Egyptian history.

During the relatively long period of a reign of fifty-three years eleven months and four days this ener- [317] getic king was able to accomplish much that was important for his country. That Thutmes III. did all this is proved by a whole world of monuments which he left behind him, dating from the time of his reign, although they are now heaped together in their last ruins. The riches in works of all kind can scarcely be counted, from the largest temples to the tiny Scarabaei, which all bear the name of the greatest king of those times.

Henceforward an important field is opened to our enquiries. Egypt itself forms the central point of a world-intercourse, which, carried on by trade and war, affords us an unexpected view into the past and into the life of the peoples of this very old period of the world. We shall see how the king undertook to measure himself in battle with the mightiest empire of the old time, and how he carried his arms to the extremest frontiers of the then known earth, whether it were in Asia towards the east, or in Libya towards the west, or in the south as far as the heart of Africa. We shall learn by name, and number, by quantity and weight, a complete list of the productions of foreign countries, some of them under their own native appellations, both those which the soil of the earth produced, and those which the trained hand of the skilful workman knew how to fashion for the wants of war or peace. We are astonished at the countless riches, which were laid up in the treasuries of the temples. These same inscriptions on the stone walls of the temples, which, then in a better state of preservation, the wise men of Thebes once read and explained to the Roman [318] Emperor Germanicus, on his visit to the old Amon city, still to this day confirm to us what Tacitus has related. 'There was read'—thus states the Roman historian—'the tributes imposed on the nations, the weight in silver and gold, the number of weapons and horses, and the presents in ivory and sweet scents given to the temples, how much wheat and effects of all sorts each nation had to provide, in truth not less great than what at present the power of the Parthian or the Roman might imposes.'

Let us begin with that which secured to Thutmes III., in the eyes of his cotemporaries, the reputation of a powerful prince, namely, his wars and his victories over the whole of the then known world. The reports of these were chiselled in holy characters on the inner walls of the galleries and vestibule, which on the north-west and south surrounded the holy of holies of the temple of Amon at Karnak. In ancient times the Egyptians, in place of this modern Arabic name, would have said Ape or Apet. Fallen down, destroyed, thrown aside, only some portions of the long inscriptions have been preserved, but these are important enough to enable us to put together the principal parts of the grand report of the table of the victories of Thutmes IIL, and to give a general representation of the extent of his campaigns.

More than thirteen campaigns was the great Pharaoh obliged to carry on during nearly a space of twenty years against foreign nations, during which town after town had to be stormed, river after river had to be passed over, country after country had to be tra- [319] versed in long days' journeys, under a foreign sky, and through a hostile population. Under the rule of the 'woman-king,' Hashop, the tributes which were imposed on the conquered peoples, and which they ought yearly to have presented to the court of Pharaoh, had gradually been neglected to be paid, and to the Egyptian warnings on the subject a deaf ear had been paid, or even threats had been uttered ; and thus it went on, until at last the kings, with their peoples, renounced the Egyptian supremacy under the sceptre of a woman-king,' and took up a position against the empire in the valley of the Nile. It also happened that, at the same time, in the mighty state of the Chaldeans on the banks of the Euphrates, a great change had taken place. The Chaldean dynasty was attacked by the Arabs from the south, and the ruling princes of the land were upset, and expelled or carried away into captivity. A new era arose, the era of the Arab kings in Babylon, who from this time for many years bore rule in the river countries of

Mesopotamia. All these events, which happened a short time before the sole reign of Thutmes III. had introduced an important change into the life of the peoples from the Euphrates as far as the Western Sea, and could not fail to exercise an influence also in Egypt. The races of the Upper Ruthen, who lived nearest to the Egyptians and the Phoenician Khalu of the 'hinder lands,' and their southern neighbours in Zahi, had declared themselves free and independent of the yoke of the Egyptians, and only the king and people of Gaza had preserved their ancient friendship for the Egyptians.

[320] Ruthen and Zahi were in the different years of the war the main points of attack. After victories wrung from them they were both obliged to throw themselves at the feet of the Pharaoh Thutmes III., who returned home with his army, in the intervals of peace in the East, to subdue the revolted peoples to the west and south of Egypt, and to bring them back to their ancient obedience.

As I have already taken the opportunity of observing, the king with his army left the Egyptian frontier in the month of Pharmuthi, probably towards its close. The point of departure is clearly stated to have been the fortress on the eastern frontier at Zalu or Zoan-Tanis. The following literal translation of the Egyptian tradition will show from the monuments the further course of the campaign:

The king, Thutmes III. [may he live for ever], has issued the command that there should be put up [the report of his victories which his father Amon granted him] in the form of a

memorial tablet in this temple which the king has erected to his father [the Theban god Amon. There is stated in this the list of the towns which he has conquered in his] campaign according

to their names, with the addition of the booty which was brought away by (the king out of) all (lands), which was delivered to him by his father, the sun god Ra.

In the twenty-second year, in the month Pharmuthi, (on the day, the king found himself in) the fortress of Zalu on his first campaign to (extend) the frontiers of Egypt by (his) victories. Now the duration of the same was two years .... [The foreign kings had sown]

Discord. Each was in ... against ... the (races 1) which lived there in the town of Sheruhan, they made the beginning with Irza, and found their termination at the extremest limits of the earth, [321] with the exception of those who had raised themselves up against the king. In the year twenty-three, on the fourth day of the month Pachons, the day of his accession to the throne, he found himself in the town, which the ruler of Gazatu (Gaza) On the fifth of Pachons he left this place full of power and strength, in might and triumph to conquer that miserable enemy, and to enlarge the boundaries of Egypt, according to the commands of his father Amon (who gives to him) what he possesses. In the year twenty-three, on the sixteenth of Pachons at Ihem.

[The king] gave the order for a council of the warriors on account of the war.

Then he thus spake: That hostile king of Kadeshu has arrived. He is in Makitha (Megiddo). He is (there) at this moment. He has assembled the kings of (all) the peoples (who dwell) from near the water of Egypt as far as the land of Naharain [the .... ]

The Khalu (Phoenicians), the Kidu (Kittim) the .... their heroes their warriors (in great numbers).

Thus speaks he: I will wait for (the king of Egypt) in Makitha (Megiudo). Tell me (which is the way to take to this city).

They spake before the king: Would it succeed, to take the way to that road which leads to the narrow passes! for we (have information thus) speaking; the enemy (lie in ambush) in that place and impassable is the road for a numerous body. Then see! these cannot go. One horse after [another, nor one man after] a man in the same way. Will not then [the enemy draw up his army to] fight there, while the (warriors) stand still.

A broad road goes

Out from Aluna. It offers no opportunity for attack, and with respect to the way on a broad road [322] it is the only way. Take it into consideration. [Let us go by ... it we shall forth] come (to) Ta-an-na-ka (Thaanach). Another (way) which you may take into consideration is the road northwards from Ziftha (Zaphat).

We come out upon this to the north of Makitha (Megiddo) Where also always our victorious ruler will go, (we will follow) him (on the way) Only let him not lead us on the impassable road. And see (there arrived) the spies, (whom the king had sent out) to find out the intentions (of the enemy and) they spake in the presence of the king. Then spake the holiness of Pharaoh —may he live, and be Bound and well!—(thus) So truly loves me the sun god Ra, I call to witness my father Amon, I the son of the (sun god Ea) with a pure life I will enter on the road of Aluna. Cease then, whoever among you the wish has to enter on (other) roads, which you have named. But let come (those).

Among you, who will follow me. For thus would speak the enemies, who know not Ha. Does not the king shout on ...

Another road. He will withdraw himself from our shouts. Then they agreed ...

Since they also spake before the king. May thy father Amon of Thebes, grant to us protection and safety, since we will follow the king into all places wherever thou mayst go; since the servant should be behind (his) lord. (Then the king showed himself) in the sight of his assembled warriors (and he thus spoke to them).

May Amon lead us into46 (good ways). Each one of the warriors took an oath, thus speaking, I

king) go himself before his warriors. (Then the king left his home and went) [323] on his feet, and of those who went the horse was behind (them. Thus the king went) at the head of his warriors. In the year twenty-three, on the nineteenth of Pachons, was pitched the king's tent at the city of Aluna. But the king went on forwards. His divine father Amon-Ra (the ruler of Thebes) was before him, and the god Hormachu (the light god of Heliopolis) (by) his side. His father Amon-Ra, the lord of Thebes, victory for (thine) aim ... for the king. The battle breaks out on the side (of the enemy).

In the turmoil of battle .... numerous are the southern horn at the town of Ta-a (na-ka) (Taanach) the northern horn at the southern corner (of the town of Megiddo).

The king was in their sight ...

They fall to earth, and the hostile king .... . . . they ....

Then, after a break of three or four lines, 1 the following large fragment is to be placed: Aa-lu-na. The rear of the brave warriors of the King (remained) at (the town of) Aluna. The advanced guard came out into the valley.

They filled all the ground of this valley. Then they spake thus to the king:

4 May the king advance, accompanied by his warriors to the battle, it is of them full the valley, we will obey our war-chief in the (struggle).

We will protect our lord and the rear of his warriors together with his people. We have (left) the rear of the warriors behind (that) they may fight against

[324] the land ... of the Aam, in this we do not act according to our wishes. ... our warriors.

And the King took up a position outside them to protect the rear of his warriors in the battle. Then they reached the .... and the warriors came out on this road.

the sun, when the King reached the South of Megiddo on the bank of the brook Qinaa (Kanah). There were (further) 6 hours passed by of the day. Then was the camp pitched, and the King showed himself in the sight of the warriors (thus speaking):

Halt prepared, look to your arms, since we shall meet in battle this miserable enemy early to- morrow morning, because ...

Assembled at the tent of Pharaoh, the baggage of the guides, and the utensils? of the servants were prepared. When the guard had been mounted which the warriors kept, thus they spoke: Firm courage, firm courage! Watch! watch!

Watch over his life at the King's tent!

They came to the King to announce: Meru (Egypt) is aroused, both the noble races and the warrior people of the South and the North land alike.

In the year 21 on the 21 Pachons, on the feast of the new moon, which is the anniversary of the coronation of the King, in the early morning, it was ordered to all the warriors, that they should open ....

The King made his entry on his chariot of copper, provided was he with all the necessary panoply, he was like Hor the Striker the lord of Might, and like Menthu, the lord of Thebes. His father Amon made his hands strong. The horn of the warriors of the King at the Southern mountain (was at the brook) Qina, the Northern horn of the North West of Megiddo, the King in their midst, Amon at his side . . .his limbs.

Then the King took possession of them before his warriors. These admired the King as their lord. Then they fled head over heels to Megiddo, with terror in their countenances, and left behind their horses and their gold and silver chariots, and were drawn up with ropes to their clothes into this town, Since the people had closed the gates of the said town on account of (the deeds of the King).

the warriors of the King had not yielded to their desire to plunder the things of the enemy .... Megiddo at the same hour. For there was drawn up the miserable King of Kadesh, together with the miserable king of this town (Megiddo), so that they escaped and came into their town. Then was the king beside himself ...

... Then were plundered their horses, their gold and silver chariots, which had been made in the land of the Asebi (Cyprus). They lay kicking in heaps like fishes on the ground. The brave troops of the king counted over their things. See ! they have captured the tent (of the

miserable king) in which his son (was found). Then the warriors all at once raised a shout of joy and gave honour to Amon (the lord of Thebes) who had given to his son the victory. And the .... of the king vouchsafed his power. And they exhibited the booty, which they had taken in hands, and living prisoners, and mares, and chariots, and gold and silver (and all other things). Then spake the king : Thank Amon for the protection which he has afforded (me his beloved son) the sun god Ra on this day. With respect to all the kings of that people, which have shown themselves as enemies in their inward thoughts, and with respect to the fact that the might of Megiddo is the might of a thousand towns, you must possess yourselves of it ... The leaders of the bodyguard were to return each to his place. And they left this (town and remained) at the ramparts which were made up of fresh green trees of all sorts of the wood of the country. And it was a satisfaction to the king to be within it as within a fortress on the East side of this town.

(The king gave the order) to build round the place and to surround it with thick walls and with thick (battlements), and the king gave it the name 'Men-kheper-ra, which has taken possession of the plain of the Asiatics,' and guards were placed before the dwelling of the king, and it was told them 'Firm courage, firm courage! Watch, watch! watch over the life in the tent of the king. The king (forbad the hostile inhabitants, that none should show himself) of them outside, behind this wall; excepted was the exit in an opposite direction, at the gate of their fortress. All this did the king do to the miserable kings and to their miserable warriors. It was exhibited by day in his name, and in the name of ... . And it was exhibited on a roll of leather in the temple of [326] Amon on the same day. Then came the kings of this land (together with) their (children 1) to worship before the king, and to implore breath for their nostrils, because of the strength of his arm and because of the greatness of his spirit.

(and then came the children of the kings) before Pharaoh and presented their gifts of silver, gold, blue stone and green stone, and they brought also wheat and wine in skins, and fruits for the warriors of the king, since each of the Kitti had taken care to have such provisions for his return home. Then the king pardoned the foreign princes because of ... .

Catalogue of the booty: 3,401 living prisoners 83 hands

2,041 mares 191 foals 6 bulls

1 chariot, covered with plates of gold, also the chest of gold, belonging to the hostile king. 31 chariots, covered with plates of gold of the king of . . . .

892 chariots of his miserable warriors. 924 total.

1 beautiful iron armour of the hostile king. 1 beautiful iron armour of the king of Megiddo. 200 accoutrements of his miserable warriors. 602 bows.

7 tent-poles covered with plates of gold from the tent of the hostile king. Pharaoh's warriors had also taken as booty—

.... bulls .... cows 2,000 kids,

20,500 white goats.

Catalogue of that which the king afterwards carried off as his property out of the dwelling of the hostile king, which (was m the towns of) Inn'am, Annau-Gas, and Herinokol, together with the (nobles) of these towns which gave themselves up (to the Pharaoh) for favour or disgrace:

39 noble persons

[327] 87 children of this king and of the kings allied with him. 5 Marina (lords) who had joined themselves to him, noble men. 1596 men and maid servants, together with their children.

105 persons, who gave themselves up, whom famine had delivered into the hand of this king. ________

2503 total

Besides precious stones, golden dishes, and many utensils of this sort, a large jug with a double handle, a Phoenician (Khal) work .... dishes .... cups of different kinds for drinking, great gutters,

97 swords.

1784 lbs. gold rings, which were found in the hands of the artists. 906 lbs. . . . oz. of silver rings in great numbers.

1 statue made of . . . the head of gold,

ell measures with heads on staves, of ivory, ebony, cedar wood, inlaid with gold.

6 chairs belonging to the hostile monarch, and the footstools to them of ivory and cedar wood.