Egyptian Nomes > Harawi

Harawi

Background

The ancient Egyptian nome of Harawi, known as the "Southern Sycamore" or "The Great Land," was the 20th nome of Upper Egypt. This nome was notable for its strategic position, religious significance, and economic contributions.

Key Features of the Nome of Harawi (Southern Sycamore):

1. Geographical Location:

   • The nome of Harawi was located in Upper Egypt, near the modern city of Edfu. Edfu served as the capital of this nome.
   • This region was situated along the Nile River, benefiting from fertile lands and playing a crucial role in connecting Upper Egypt with Nubia to the south.

2. Capital City (Edfu):

   • The capital city of Harawi was Edfu, known in ancient Egyptian as Behdet. Edfu was a significant urban center and religious site.
   • Edfu is best known for the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, built during the Ptolemaic period. The temple is a major tourist attraction and an important source of historical and architectural knowledge.

3. Religious Significance:

   • The primary deity worshipped in Edfu was Horus, the falcon-headed god of the sky, kingship, and protection. Horus was one of the most important deities in ancient Egyptian religion, and Edfu was a major cult center for his worship.
   • The Temple of Horus at Edfu, constructed between 237 and 57 BCE, is one of the most significant and well-preserved temples in Egypt. The temple was built on the site of an earlier temple and includes detailed inscriptions, reliefs, and statues depicting Horus's mythology and his battles with Set, the god of chaos.

4. Economic Importance:

   • The fertile lands of Harawi supported extensive agricultural activities, including the cultivation of grains, fruits, and vegetables. The agricultural productivity of the region contributed to its economic stability.
   • Edfu was also an important trade hub, facilitating commerce along the Nile. Goods from Nubia and other regions passed through Edfu, making it a vital point for trade and economic exchange.

5. Historical Development:

   • The nome of Harawi and its capital, Edfu, have a long history dating back to the Old Kingdom (c. 2686-2181 BCE). The region's importance continued through the Middle Kingdom (c. 2055-1650 BCE) and the New Kingdom (c. 1550-1070 BCE).
   • The construction of the Temple of Horus during the Ptolemaic period (c. 305-30 BCE) highlights the enduring religious and cultural significance of Edfu.

6. Cultural Contributions:

   • Edfu was a center of religious and cultural life. The Temple of Horus not only served as a place of worship but also as a center for learning and the arts. The temple's inscriptions and reliefs provide valuable insights into the religious practices, mythology, and daily life of ancient Egypt.
   • The annual festival of the "Feast of the Beautiful Meeting," celebrating the union of Horus of Edfu and Hathor of Dendera, was a major religious event that attracted participants from across Egypt.

7. Archaeological Discoveries:

   • Excavations in Edfu have uncovered numerous artifacts, including statues, stelae, and temple remains. The Temple of Horus itself is one of the best-preserved ancient Egyptian temples and offers extensive inscriptions and reliefs that detail religious rituals, myths, and historical events.
   • Other archaeological sites in the region include necropolises and residential areas, providing a comprehensive view of the life and culture in the nome of Harawi.

8. Strategic and Military Importance:

   • Due to its strategic location near the southern border of Egypt, Edfu was an important military outpost. It served as a defense point against potential invasions from Nubia and as a base for military expeditions.
   • Control of Harawi was vital for maintaining security and stability in southern Egypt and for protecting trade routes along the Nile.

The nome of Harawi, with its capital at Edfu, played a crucial role in the religious, economic, and strategic landscape of ancient Egypt. Its association with the worship of Horus, its agricultural productivity, and its strategic location underscored its significance throughout Egyptian history.

Sources

Farouk Gomaa, Die Besiedlung Ägyptens während des Mittleren Reiches, 1. Oberägypten und das Fayyum, Reichert, Wiesbaden 1986, ISBN 3-88226-279-6, p. 156

Catholic Encyclopedia of 1913: "Coptos"