In New Kingdom Egypt (c.1500 – 1150 BCE), the rulers and people of the Nile Valley communicated extensively with their eastern neighbours. Trade and diplomacy were far more common than outright conflict. And the Egyptian pharaohs were highly regarded in distant courts. These contacts survive in the archaeological record: detailed texts recording interactions; shipwrecks carrying cargo from the Egyptian court; and even tombs recording the high status of foreigners serving the pharaoh himself.

Compilation of previously released material.

Logo image: A wooden statue head from the tomb of Aper-el / Abdiel. Saqqara, Imhotep Museum, photo by Dominic Perry 2024.

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