The Dream Stele: An Epigraphic Stele of Divine Kingship and Historical Intrigue in Ancient Egypt

The Dream Stele, also known as the Sphinx Stele, holds a significant place in ancient Egyptian history, particularly during the reign of the 18th Dynasty pharaoh Thutmose IV. Erected in 1401 BC, it stands as a remarkable example of an epigraphic stele, symbolizing the divine legitimization of kingship, a common practice among the rulers of the New Kingdom era.

Crafted from granite, the Dream Stele is an imposing structure, measuring 3.6 meters in height and weighing a staggering 15 tons. Its original placement, between the front paws of the Great Sphinx of Giza, adds to its mystique and historical significance. This rectangular stele, with its intricate design and rich symbolism, once formed the back wall of a small open-air chapel constructed under the patronage of Thutmose IV.

This revered artifact experienced a remarkable journey through time. Rediscovered in 1818 during Giovanni Battista Caviglia’s clearance of the Sphinx, the Dream Stele revealed its ancient secrets to the modern world. Notably, it was repurposed from a door lintel originating from the mortuary temple of Khafre, as evidenced by the pivot sockets that match those at the temple’s threshold. Such reuse of materials reflects the resourcefulness and ingenuity of ancient Egyptian craftsmen.

The portrayal on the lunette of the Dream Stele is captivating, depicting Thutmose IV, offering his reverence to the Sphinx, which is elevated on a high pedestal with a door at its base. This artistic rendering, while visually striking, has also fueled speculation about the potential existence of a temple or passageway beneath the Sphinx, adding an air of mystery to this ancient monument.

The fragmented textual inscriptions on the Dream Stele provide invaluable insights into the religious and political beliefs of ancient Egypt. The preserved text commemorates the divine legitimacy of Thutmose IV’s kingship, extolling him as the “Mighty Bull, begetting radiance,” and the “Son of Ra, Thothmes IV, Shining in Diadems.” The intricate hieroglyphs also narrate a significant event from Thutmose IV’s life, where he recounts a divine encounter with the Great Sphinx.

The narrative unfolds as the young Thutmose IV, resting in the shadow of the Great Sphinx at midday, experiences a profound vision. In this extraordinary encounter, the Sphinx, personified as the deity Hor-em-akhet-Kheperi-Ra-Atum, bestows upon Thutmose IV the promise of kingship, urging him to clear the sands that had enveloped the Sphinx. This divine endorsement serves as a pivotal moment in Thutmose IV’s ascension to the throne, intertwined with divine providence and the traditional beliefs of ancient Egypt.

The text reads as follows:

Year I, third month of the first season, day 19, under the Majesty of Horus, the Mighty Bull, begetting radiance, (the Favourite) of the Two Goddesses, enduring in Kingship like Atum, the Golden Horus, Mighty of Sword, repelling the Nine Bows; the King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Men-kheperu-Ra, the Son of Ra, Thothmes IV, Shining in Diadems; beloved of (Amon), given life, stability and dominion, like Ra, for ever.

Live the Good God, the Son of Atum, Protector of Hor-akhty, Living Image of the All-Lord Sovereign, Begotten of Ra, Excellent Heir of Kheperi, beautiful of face like his father, who came forth equipped with the form of Horus upon him, a King who… favour with the Ennead of the Gods; who purifies Heliopolis, who satisfies Ra; who beautifies Memphis, who presents Truth to Atum, who offers it to Him who is South of his Wall (Ptah), who makes a monument by daily offering to the God who created all things, seeking benefits for the Gods of the South and the North, who builds their houses of limestone, who endows all their offerings, Son of Atum of His Body, Thothmes IV, Shining in Diadems like Ra, Heir of Horus upon His Throne, Men-kheperu-Ra, given life.

When His Majesty was a stripling, like Horus, the Youth in Khemmis, his beauty was like the Protector of His Father, he seemed like the God himself. The army rejoiced because of love for him, and he repeated the circuit of his might like the Son of Nut and all the princes and all the great ones…

Behold, he did a thing which gave him pleasure upon the highlands of the Memphite Nome, upon its southern and northern road shooting at a target with copper bolts, hunting lions and the small game of the desert, coursing in his chariot, his horses being swifter than the wind, together with two of his followers, while not a soul knew it.

Now, when his hour came for giving rest to his followers, it was always at the Setepet (Sanctuary of Hor-em-akhet), beside Seker in Rostaw, Rennutet in Iat-Ta-Mut(?)… in the desert (or necropolis), Mut of the Southern… (Neit?), Mistress of the Southern Wall. Sekhmet, presiding over the Mountain, the Splendid Place of the Beginning of Time, opposite the Lords of Kher-ahah (Babylon), the sacred road of the Gods to the Western Necropolis of Iwn (Heliopolis).

Now, the very great statue of Kheperi rests in this place the great in power, the splendid in strength, upon which the shadow of Ra tarries. The quarters of Memphis, and all the cities which are by him come to him, raising their hands for him in praise to his face, bearing oblations for his Ka.

One of those days it came to pass that the King’s Son Thothmes came, coursing at the time of mid-day, and he rested in the shadow of this Great God. Sleep seized him at the hour when the sun was in its zenith, and he found the Majesty of this Revered God speaking with his own mouth, as a father speaks with his son, saying: ‘Behold thou me, my son, Thothmes. I am thy father, Hor-em-akhet-Kheperi-Ra-Atum; I will give to thee my Kingdom upon earth at the head of the living. Thou shalt wear the White Crown and the Red Crown upon the Throne of Geb, the Hereditary Prince. The land shall be thine, in its length and in its breath, that which the eye of the All-Lord shines upon. The food of the Two Lands shall be thine, the great tribute of all countries, the duration of a long period of years. My face is directed to you, my heart is to you; Thou shalt be to me the protector of my affairs, because I am ailing in all my limbs. The sands of the Sanctuary, upon which I am, have reached me; turn to me in order to do what I desire. I know that thou art my son, my protector; behold; I am with thee, I am thy leader.’

When he finished this speech, the King’s Son awoke, hearing this…, he understood the words of the God, and he put them in his heart. He said: ‘Come, let us hasten to our houses in the city; they shall protect the oblations for this God which we bring for him (or that we shall protect… and that we may bring): oxen… and all young vegetables; and we shall give praise to Wennefer… Khafra, the statue made for Atum-Hor-em-akhet…’

Notably, the Dream Stele also sheds light on the character and exploits of Thutmose IV. Depicting him in his youth, it portrays him as a skilled and courageous prince, engaging in activities such as hunting lions and the small game of the desert. This portrayal not only highlights his physical prowess and bravery but also accentuates the divine favor and protection bestowed upon him by the deities.

The historical interpretation of the Dream Stele, particularly regarding the circumstances surrounding Thutmose IV’s rise to power, has sparked scholarly debate and speculation. The erasure of the names of other princes, possibly Thutmose IV’s older brothers, on finely carved stelae, has led some to propose that Thutmose IV may have seized the throne, erasing the legacy of his rivals. However, such interpretations remain contentious, as they diverge from the traditional understanding of divine kingship and the complexities of ancient Egyptian succession.

While modern portrayals of Thutmose IV as a ruthless usurper persist, it is essential to contextualize his reign within the broader framework of the 18th Dynasty. The motif of divine determination and the birth of kings, exemplified in the Dream Stele, is a recurrent theme that transcends individual rulers and is emblematic of the ancient Egyptian belief system. Therefore, the interpretation of the Dream Stele should be approached with nuance, considering the intertwined dynamics of divine legitimation, historical narratives, and the complexities of ancient succession customs.

In conclusion, the Dream Stele stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian history, art, and religious beliefs. Its intricate carvings and inscriptions not only commemorate the divine legitimization of Thutmose IV’s kingship but also offer a captivating glimpse into the cultural, political, and religious milieu of the New Kingdom era. As scholars continue to unravel its enigmatic narrative, the Dream Stele remains a timeless symbol of ancient Egypt’s enduring legacy and the interplay between divine destiny and mortal rulers.