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Ancient Propaganda Supporting Ramesses II Found on Paris Obelisk
An Egyptologist discovered 3,300-year-old propaganda supporting Ramesses II on a Paris obelisk, revealing seven coded messages emphasizing his divine legitimacy and countering potential threats stemming from his non-divine birth.
- How did the non-divine birth of Ramesses II affect his legitimacy, and what methods did he use to counter potential threats?
- The propaganda, identified by Egyptologist Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier, emphasizes Ramesses II's divine status through coded messages accessible only to the Egyptian nobility. This suggests a deliberate strategy to consolidate power and counter potential challenges to his rule based on his non-divine parentage. The obelisk's placement, facing the Seine (originally the Nile), further reinforces the message's intended audience and impact.
- What is the significance of the newly discovered propaganda supporting Ramesses II, and what does it reveal about ancient Egyptian power dynamics?
- Newly discovered hieroglyphs on a Paris obelisk reveal 3,300-year-old propaganda supporting Ramesses II, highlighting his legitimacy as pharaoh despite a non-divine birth. Seven coded messages assert his authority, aiming to prevent a potential coup. This discovery adds to recent finds related to Ramesses II, including a sword unearthed in Egypt.
- What broader implications does this discovery have for our understanding of ancient Egyptian propaganda and political strategies, and what future research avenues does it suggest?
- This discovery sheds light on the political strategies employed by ancient rulers to maintain power. The use of coded messages suggests a sophisticated understanding of communication and control, targeting a specific audience. Future research could explore similar propaganda techniques used by other pharaohs, expanding our understanding of ancient Egyptian political dynamics.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the sensational aspect of 'propaganda' being discovered, potentially overstating the significance of the findings. The headline and opening sentences immediately highlight the dramatic element of uncovering hidden messages, drawing attention away from a more nuanced discussion of the historical context and scholarly debate. The repeated use of phrases like "hidden texts" and "codes" contributes to this sensationalized framing.
Language Bias
The use of terms like "propaganda" carries a strongly negative connotation. While the expert uses this term, the article adopts it without sufficient context or explanation. The repeated use of terms like "hidden texts" and "codes" creates a sense of mystery and intrigue that might overshadow the academic analysis. More neutral terms like "inscriptions" or "hieroglyphs" could be used.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the expert's findings and interpretations, potentially omitting alternative scholarly perspectives on the obelisk's inscriptions or the historical context of Ramesses II's reign. It doesn't mention any counterarguments or critiques of Olette-Pelletier's claims. The lack of diverse voices might limit the reader's ability to form a comprehensive understanding.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of Ramesses II's legitimacy. While it highlights the challenges posed by his non-divine birth, it doesn't fully explore the complexities of royal succession or the potential acceptance of non-divinely born pharaohs in certain historical periods. The presentation of his actions to establish legitimacy as simply 'propaganda' simplifies nuanced historical power dynamics.
Gender Bias
The article focuses primarily on the actions and interpretations of the male Egyptologist. While Nefertari is mentioned briefly in relation to Ramesses II's actions to solidify his legitimacy, the article doesn't delve into her role or agency in shaping the narrative or the political landscape of the time. Further, the lack of female voices in the analysis limits a comprehensive understanding of gender dynamics in ancient Egypt.
Sustainable Development Goals
The discovery of propaganda used by Ramesses II to legitimize his rule and prevent a coup highlights the importance of strong institutions and the role of communication in maintaining power and social order. The methods used to consolidate power, even in ancient times, are relevant to understanding modern challenges in governance and stability.