350 Sacred Book of the Templealone. His tomb was in SAQQARAand contained a FALSE
DOORthat is now in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
A papyrus tomb text from the Book of the Dead
onto a monumental inscription, pertaining to the shrines
and sacred sites in Egypt. The list of holy places con-
tained the names, standing structures, and mythical sites
associated with the deities of the land. Most temples and
cult centers had copies of the inscription and used it as a
reference.
See also FOUNDATION DEPOSITS.
sacred lake It was an architectural feature of the larger
temples of Egypt, reproductions of the primordial waters
of NUNUthat existed before the moment of creation. Rect-
angular in design normally, the lakes were reserved for
certain rituals and used as well for cleansing. The larger
sacred lakes served as receptacles for the barks of the
gods at festivals. KARNAKand other major temples con-
tained such lakes, all man-made. When the pharaoh was
in residence, the water from the local sacred lake was
used to baptize him in the morning rising rituals.
The sacred lakes were in use throughout all of the
historical periods of Egypt. Also called she netjeri,the
divine pool, the lakes were stone lined and at times were
fashioned with elaborate staircases. They also served as
sanctuaries for sacred birds, CROCODILES, or HIPPOPOTAMI.
Certain three-sided lakes were used in Osirian monu-
ments. A few were circular or shaped as horseshoes. The
sacred temple lake at Thebes figured in the dispute
between the HYKSOSruler APOPHIS(r. 1585–1553 B.C.E.)
and Sekenenré TA’O II(r. c. 1540 B.C.E.).
See also QUARREL OF APOPHIS AND SEKENENRÉ(TA’O II).
Sadeh (fl. 21st century B.C.E.) Court woman of the
Eleventh Dynasty
She was a concubine of MONTUHOTEP II(r. 2061–2010
B.C.E.). In her tomb in the royal complex at DEIR EL-BAHRI
on the western shore of THEBES, she is listed as “the Sole
Favorite of the King.” This title was an honorary designa-
tion shared by all of the women buried there, indicating
that they were lesser-ranked consorts or concubines.
Sadeh was possibly the daughter of Queen ASHAIT, another
“Sole Favorite of the King” buried in the complex.
“saff” tombs This was the name given to the tombs
constructed in the EL-TARIFdistrict on the western shore
of THEBES(modern LUXOR). The name is derived from the
Arabic for “row,” indicating similar tombs constructed in
a line. Dating to the Eleventh Dynasty (2040–1991
B.C.E.), the “saff” tombs were blended forms of MASTABAS
and PYRAMIDSas well as rock-cut sites placed on cliffs.
Pillars opening onto sunken forecourts were part of the
design, and the tomb doors opened onto corridors and
burial chambers. Most “saff” tombs were topped with
PYRAMIDIONS.Sages of Mehweret Ancient divine beings in Egypt,
revered from the earliest times as the mentors of the god
THOTH, the sages reportedly dictated their accumulated
wisdom to Thoth, an act inscribed on the walls of the
temple of EDFU. The Sages of Mehweret came from the
dawn of time, and their admonitions provided Egypt with
the basis for the steadily evolving moral code.
See also “TIME OF THE GODS.”sah This was the ancient Egyptian concept of the spiri-
tual body of an individual being released from the mate-
rial bonds of the flesh. Also called sashu,this spiritual
essence was released from the body during mummifica-
tion processes and the funerary rituals. Glorified in its
new state, the sahwas empowered by prayers and litanies
to experience spiritual bliss.
See also A’AKH.Sahara Mousteria See BIR TARFAWI; EGYPT.Sahathor (1)(fl. c. 1730 B.C.E.)Obscure ruler of the
Thirteenth Dynasty
His reign is not well documented, but he was the succes-
sor of his brother, NEFERHOTEP I, with whom he may have
had a brief coregency.Sahathor (2)(fl. 19th century B.C.E.)Treasury official of
the Twelfth Dynasty
He served in the reign of AMENEMHET II (1929–1892
B.C.E.) as an assistant treasurer and expedition leader.
Sahathor conducted a mining expedition and brought
gold and turquoise to court from NUBIA(modern Sudan).
He also conducted an expedition to bring rare plants to
the pharaoh. His ABYDOStomb carries accounts of his
exploits as well as reports of his promotions and court
favors. A stylish statue of Sahathor was also inscribed in a
niche in his tomb.
See also EGYPTIAN NATURAL RESOURCES.Sahuré(d. 2446 B.C.E.) Second ruler of the Fifth Dynasty
He reigned from 2458 B.C.E. until his death. Sahuré was
the successor of USERKHAFand possibly the son of Queen
KHENTAKAWES (1). A builder and innovator, Sahuré
started sending fleets of ships along the coast of Palestine
and conducted expeditions to PUNT. He exploited the
mines in the SINAIterritory and quarried diorite stone at
ABU SIMBEL near ASWAN. Mentioned in the PALERMO
STONE, Sahuré campaigned against the Libyans and made
raids on Syrian-held lands. His name meant “He Who
Comes to RÉ.”