DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.5066#0084
55
CHAPTEE IV.
DYNASTY XII.1
Manetho states that the princes of the Twelfth Dynasty
were of Theban origin, which is more than probable, since
the Antefs and Mentu-hoteps have left memorials of them-
selves in that city. The sanctuary of the great temple
of Amen at Karnak, whose ruins are covered with the
names of the kings of this house, was gradually enlarged
from the time of its foundation to the grandeur of an
imperial edifice, whose stone waUs reveal to us the
history of the Theban kings.
The high distinction of this dynasty does not rest so
much on the greatness of the kings as on the wisdom
of their government at home and the glory of their
victories abroad. Art also was cherished by these
rulers, and from the hands of skilful masters arose an
immense number of beautiful buildings and pictures.
It is from the accession of the Twelfth Dynasty that a
more harmonious form of beauty meets the eye of the
beholder, alike in architecture and in sculpture.
Amen-em-hat I., [I "Vw-—' 1 with the
regal name (op ~*~ * , Se-hotep-ab-Ea.
Such is the name of the ruler who greets us on the
threshold of this dynasty as the leader of his race.
1 For Table of Kings see p. xxii.
CHAPTEE IV.
DYNASTY XII.1
Manetho states that the princes of the Twelfth Dynasty
were of Theban origin, which is more than probable, since
the Antefs and Mentu-hoteps have left memorials of them-
selves in that city. The sanctuary of the great temple
of Amen at Karnak, whose ruins are covered with the
names of the kings of this house, was gradually enlarged
from the time of its foundation to the grandeur of an
imperial edifice, whose stone waUs reveal to us the
history of the Theban kings.
The high distinction of this dynasty does not rest so
much on the greatness of the kings as on the wisdom
of their government at home and the glory of their
victories abroad. Art also was cherished by these
rulers, and from the hands of skilful masters arose an
immense number of beautiful buildings and pictures.
It is from the accession of the Twelfth Dynasty that a
more harmonious form of beauty meets the eye of the
beholder, alike in architecture and in sculpture.
Amen-em-hat I., [I "Vw-—' 1 with the
regal name (op ~*~ * , Se-hotep-ab-Ea.
Such is the name of the ruler who greets us on the
threshold of this dynasty as the leader of his race.
1 For Table of Kings see p. xxii.