DIVINE BIRTH

According to the official theology, each ruler of ancient Egypt was a son of the chief god of the period who impregnated the queenmother. This belief was reflected in the WestcarPapyrus, where the first three rulers of Dynasty 5 are described as the sons of Re. During the New Kingdom, the mother of Hatshepsut is depicted being embraced by the god Amunin reliefs at Deirel-Bahri, and the mother of Amenhotep III is shown in a similar position in the temple of Luxor.

See also Religion.