La provincia dell'Arpione Occidentale nei testi egiziani: ricerche storiche, geografiche e religiose dalle origini all'Epoca Romana

The Western Harpoon province in Egypt is a strategically important region for its economic and political significance, but it has not been the subject of comprehensive archaeological studies. This book aims to reconstruct its history and religious geography through textual sources and provides a more organic and structured picture of the sacred topography and cults of the province.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2023
Publisher: Archaeopress

The Western Harpoon province, situated in the north-western Delta of Lower Egypt, holds a significant place in the historical, geographical, and religious context of ancient Egypt. This region, known as the seventh nome of Lower Egypt, played a crucial role in the Egyptian economy, as it facilitated trade with the Mediterranean, the caravan routes in the Libyan Desert, and the heart of Egyptian political power along the Nile valley. Despite its strategic importance, the Western Harpoon province has not received the attention it deserves in terms of comprehensive studies or detailed archaeological investigations.

Our understanding of this region is largely limited to the areas of Canopus and Alexandria, with limited archaeological evidence available. In contrast, there is a wealth of textual documentation, primarily from priestly literature, which offers a valuable insight into the human thought and belief system of this region. This textual documentation serves as a kind of "map of human thought and belief," providing a topographical arrangement that allows us to reconstruct the lost archaeological landscape of the Western Harpoon province.

The purpose of this book is to present a comprehensive study of the Western Harpoon province, encompassing its history and religious geography from its origins to the end of the Roman era. Through a meticulous analysis of textual sources, the book aims to reconstruct the province's past and shed light on its sacred topography and cults within its historical context. By examining these sources, a more organic and structured picture of the province's religious landscape has been gained, providing a deeper understanding of its significance in ancient Egyptian society.

The Western Harpoon province was located in the north-western Delta of Lower Egypt, bordering the Mediterranean Sea and the Libyan Desert. It was strategically situated between the Nile valley, where Egyptian political power was exercised, and the caravan routes that connected Egypt to the Mediterranean and beyond. The province was known for its fertile land, which supported agriculture and trade, and its rich mineral resources, including gold and copper.

The Western Harpoon province was home to a diverse population, including Egyptians, Greeks, and other foreigners. The region was also known for its religious significance, with several temples and shrines dedicated to various deities and cults. One of the most famous temples in the province was the Temple of Hathor, located in the city of Canopus, which was dedicated to the goddess Hathor and was known for its beautiful architecture and elaborate decorations.

The Western Harpoon province was also home to several important cults and traditions. One of the most notable was the cult of the god Osiris, which was particularly popular in the region. The cult of Osiris was believed to have originated in the Nile valley but had spread to the Western Harpoon province by the time of the Roman era. The province was also home to the cult of the goddess Isis, who was believed to have been the wife of Osiris and was worshipped as a mother figure and protector of the dead.

The Western Harpoon province was also home to several important archaeological sites, including the city of Canopus, which was one of the largest and most important cities in the region. The city was known for its impressive temples and monuments, including the Temple of Hathor and the Temple of Ptah, which were both built during the Roman era. The city was also home to a large necropolis, where many of the tombs and burial sites of the ancient inhabitants of the region were located.

In conclusion, the Western Harpoon province of ancient Egypt holds a significant place in the history, geography, and religious context of the region. Despite its strategic importance and rich cultural heritage, the province has not received the attention it deserves in terms of comprehensive studies or detailed archaeological investigations. This book aims to present a comprehensive study of the province, encompassing its history and religious geography from its origins to the end of the Roman era. Through a meticulous analysis of textual sources, the book aims to reconstruct the province's past and shed light on its sacred topography and cults within its historical context. By examining these sources, a more organic and structured picture of the province's religious landscape has been gained, providing a deeper understanding of its significance in ancient Egyptian society.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 290 x 205 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803270401