11-Lapis Tablet Amulet with the Name of Maathorneferure

Writing tablet amulets guaranteed the survival of one’s name, an essential aspect of identity and eternal life. Lapis lazuli was the most highly prized of all ancient Egyptian semiprecious stones because it was imported from northeast Afghanistan.¹

This tablet is inscribed with the name Maathorneferure, meaning “She who beholds Horus, the invisible radiance of Re.” She was the daughter of King Hattusili III. She married Pharaoh Ramesses II to seal a peace treaty between the Hittites and the Egyptians. Hittite cuneiform tablets and the Marriage Stela at The Great Temple of Ramesses II at Abu Simbel record the events leading up to the marriage.² Her name appears on both faience and stone amulets.³

MH

1. Harrell 2012. ↩︎

2. Kitchen 1997, 83–89. ↩︎

3. Troy 1986, 169, no. 19.7. ↩︎