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Stela of a Buchis-Bull. Ptolemy VIII Euergetes II (ruled 170-116 BC) is shown offering a field to the Buchis-Bull, the sacred animal of the god Montu; the Horus falcon flies above its flanks and two Anubis figures sit as guardians above the bull. This part of the Stela has hieroglyphic text commemorating a bull born in the king's 26th regnal year. The bull was installed as Buchis, manifestation on earth of the war god Montu, until it's death at 18 years and 10 months. The bulls were worshiped at the god's temple in Armant, and when they died they were mummified and interred in a special burial-ground (the Bucheurm). The stela in carved from Limestone and has touches of red paint.
Back of the Stela. |