“Primeval Island of Trampling” This was a mythical
and cultic site in the cosmogonic traditions of Egypt.
Associated with the moment of creation and the PRIMEVAL
MOUND, the island was ruled by a being named AA. In
time Aa and WAbecame associated with the cult of the
deity RÉ. The exact purpose or history of this traditional
site is not clear. Most temples made a reference to the
Primeval Island of Trampling in their founding docu-
ments.
“Primeval Mound” It was the site of creation in
Egypt’s cosmological traditions, the first piece of land to
emerge from the watery chaos of NUNand associated with
the concept of the PAY LANDS. The temples of the various
gods contained records of such sites, also called the High
Dunes. EDFUhad a particularly striking commemoration
of the Primeval Mound, not only as a recorded tradition
but also as an actual mound of earth used as a replica.
Such islands offered the gods the sacred DJEBA, or perch,
the seat of creation, and the call of the PHOENIXheard
there brought them to life. Two divine lords, called the
COMPANIONS OF THE DIVINE HEARTand named WAand AA,
guarded the Primeval Mound at Edfu.
The Primeval Mound assumed other forms and sig-
nificances over the centuries as well. Called the “PRI-
MEVAL ISLAND OF TRAMPLING” in Edfu, the mound was
viewed as the sacred domain of Horus the Elder. This
island, along with the Island of Peace and the Island of
Combat, was surrounded by the wa-ret,the primeval
waters, and by darkness. Such sites were also honored as
Ta-tenen, the Rising Lands. Most were associated with RÉ
or with NEFERTEM, the lotus deity.
See also MANSION OF ISDEN.
Prince’s Will See NEKAURÉ.
“Prince Unknown” (Man E)(unknown)Prince, whose
mummified remains date to an unknown era of Egypt
This embalmed individual was discovered in DEIR EL-
BAHRIin 1886 and is also called Man E in some lists. The
mummy was placed in a plain white case, without
inscriptions. The body of the prince was wrapped in
sheepskin, a material considered unclean by religious
standards in Egypt. The mummy was also covered in a
white dough-like substance when discovered. When the
corpse was recovered, the remains began to putrefy.
Reburied in a yard, the body was cured of the damage
done by the embalming processes.
The “Prince Unknown” died between the ages of 25
and 30. There are no wounds or marks on the remains,
which had turned a dark mahogany color over the cen-
turies. Some NATRONwas packed between bandages and
in pouches against the flesh. The arms and legs were
twisted and the stomach distended. The facial features are
also distorted in agony, as if from convulsion or pain. It is
possible that the aristocratic individual was buried alive.
The harem plot against RAMESSES III(r. 1194–1163 B.C.E.)
claimed a prince PENTAWERET as a victim, and the
mummy could be that usurper of the throne who was
convicted and condemned to death. Pentaweret, however,
was allowed to kill himself. Other possibilities are being
explored. He may have been a foreign prince, possibly
ZANNANZAof Babylon.Prisse Papyrus A document dating to the reign of
NIUSERRÉ(2416–2392 B.C.E.) in the Fifth Dynasty, the
papyrus is now in the Louvre in Paris, with a second copy
in the British Museum. The writings of the sage PTAH-
HOTEP(2) are contained in this document.proyet The second season of the year, also called peret,
this period in the Egyptian calendar was composed of
four months and was dedicated to “growth,” as the name
implies. Proyetwas followed by akhet,the season of the
inundation of the Nile, and by shomu,the harvest time.Psammetichus I(Wahibré, Psamtik)(d. 610 B.C.E.)
Second ruler of the Twenty-sixth Dynasty, reigning in Sais
Ruling from 664 B.C.E. until his death, he was the son of
NECHO I, who had been put to death by TANUTAMUN(r.
664–657 B.C.E.) of the Twenty-fifth Dynasty for being a
vassal of the ASSYRIANS. Psammetichus I fled to Nineveh,
the Assyrian capital, when his father was slain, and he
returned to Egypt with the Assyrian army of ASSURBANI-
PAL. He was called Nabu-shezibanni by Assurbanipal and
was well liked by the Assyrians, as his father had been
before him.
Psammetichus I assumed the throne of SAIS, eventu-
ally turning on and defeating the Assyrians and the
Nubians who were trying to hold on to their Twenty-fifth
Dynasty domain. He used the military might of Greek
mercenaries in order to establish his own rule and to
unify Egypt. By his ninth regnal year, he ruled over all
areas of the nation, using oracles to win over some areas
and brute force to subdue others.
His consort was MEKHTEMWESKHET(2),the daughter
of HARSIESE, the high priest of HELIOPOLIS. His son was
NECHO II, and his daughter was NITOCRIS(2).She was
sent to THEBES, to be adopted by AMENIRDIS(2) as the
GOD’S WIFE OF AMUNor a Divine Adoratrice of Amun.
“The Adoption Stela of Nitocris” has survived to docu-
ment this event.
Psammetichus I consolidated his control by building
forts at NAUKRATISand Daphne, in the eastern Delta, and
on ELEPHANTINE Island. He also continued to employ
Greek mercenaries, initiating Greek settlements of Ioni-
ans and Carians. Naukratis was possibly started as a
result of his policies. Psammetichus I aided the Assyrians
against the rising power of the Persians at Babylon and
gained land on the Palestinian coast. He defeatedPsammetichus I 311