This stela commemorates Ramesses II’s presentation of statues to a temple of Amun-Re. The arrangement of scenes and texts symbolizes the Egyptians’ conception of their state. Heaven appears at the top, with the gods beneath it. The text links the divine and human realms, while the terrestrial home of the Egyptian populace is at the bottom.
The upper register shows Amun-Re, the principal god of Egypt during the New Kingdom, presenting symbols of kingship to Ramesses II. The text specifies the king’s five names, emphasizing his more-than-human qualities. The lowest register contains lapwing birds that represent the Egyptian populace praising the king.
