Ptolemy Euergetes charging
Cairo Museum, Photo by E. Brugsch in Maspéro1
As king of Egypt from 246-222 BC, Ptolemy (III) Euergetes expanded the empire as a soldier leader. He is known for bringing parts of the Syrian empire under Egypt's control. A photo of an incised carving published by Maspéro 1 exemplifies his military exploits. The king advances on horseback in full regalia, identified by his cartouches over the horse's head.
King Ptolemy sits tall astride an Egyptian Arabian horse charging on hind legs, presumably into battle. The royal crown adds to his stature. The king wears the double crown of north and south reminiscent of an earlier ruler's portrait icon that sets off these paragraphs. His right arm raises a weapon or sceptre. Perhaps the long diagonal line represents a spear, but it is hard to tell in this fragment. His right hand could hold both reins and spear, but it looks unlikely.
Either a braided mane or a neck covering adorn the horse's arched neck. Some sort of neck strap appears above the wither and a rein curves from the bridle. Ambiguity in the image hints at a saddle.
Ptolemy Euergetes' mount represents the classical horse glorified on temple walls all over Egypt in pharaonic times. Not only courageous, this horse is fine boned, with arched neck, long level croup and elevated tail. This elegant breed type continues in Egyptian Arabian horse bloodstock today.
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