Relief Plaque Depicting the God Horus as a Falcon

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Art Institute of Chicago Relief Plaque Depicting King Ramses II as the Falcon God Horus, Late Period - Ptolemaic Period (664-30 B.C.) Limestone 31.1 x 28.3 x 3.2 cm (12 1/4 x 11 1/8 x 1 1/4 in.) Museum Purchase Fund, 1920.258 Ancient and Byzantine Art Not on Display http://www.artic.edu/aic/collections/artwork/136453?search_no=1&index=1 Horus is depicted here as a powerful falcon god, symbolizing the might of the Egyptian monarchy. The most revered deities in ancient Egypt worshipped Horus as one of their key figures. First introduced roughly 3000 years ago, Horus' worship remained strong during both Ptolemaic and Roman periods. Each Pharaoh was recognized as "Earth's Living Horus." Kings wore crowns, signifying dominance over North and South, with this relief further confirming that idea. Horus is seen wearing such a crown in the depicted artwork. Above him lies the disk of sun protected by an uraeus - representing royalty through the power of a snake from which the life giving ankh hangs down.