Pharaoh
Pharaoh
I just find languages fascinating. Did the word or the thought come first? Who first put pen to paper? Undoubtedly Egyptian hieroglyphs must one of the oldest systems of writing and when we think of their world and time, the images of their pharaohs swirl around our imagination.
Just the word “pharaoh” conjures up an immediate image of a mysterious and powerful golden time of myth, legend and treasure. Nearly four thousand years later we are still today using more or less the same word "Pharaoh" in various modern languages, although in both German or French the emphasis in each case is different. Thus, if I am trying to give a talk in either of these languages, I see the word and have an immediate moment of panic - but being English, it is probably not the only word I get wrong so perhaps I shouldn’t worry.
Ancient Egyptian rulers, however, were not always called "pharaohs". Originally, their title was "king" whilst the epithet "pharaoh" developed in the the 18th dynasty, which was, of course, that of Tutankhamun.
His golden death mask has become an icon: wherever you live in the world and whatever age you are, it instantly says an Egyptian Pharaoh. It has inspired many of us to become historians, tourists or the writers of books and films. stirring a sense of reverential wonder.
Tutankhamun was part of a civilisation spanning five thousand years and one which created everlasting, immense, architectural works of art. For example the Pyramid of Khufu (2869 BC) remains the heaviest and perhaps most inspiring, enigmatic only remaining "Wonder of the World" today. But in order to build it, both language, writing and mathematics were needed. Otherwise there would be no process or order.
The word Pharaoh incorporates the hieroglyph for the "great house" whilst the horizontal column suggesting great and high - columns.
(pr-ꜥꜣ, “pharaoh”).
Nevertheless epithet “nswr” (to the right) just meaning the king, continued to be part of each pharaoh’s name.
A pharaoh’s role from his "great house" was to act as the intermediary between his people and the gods to promote harmony and repel the chaos that eternally threatened their world. It sounds very practical.
The door between this world and the next was more porous than ours today just as the concept of linear time in which we choose to live today was less present in ancient Egypt. The past and present were brought into one space in the temples along with the wonders of the world and the warmth of the ever-present sun. Thus space was constructed in reality, formed the written words and inspired the culture.
A later pharaoh, Ptolemy I, built another wonder of the ancient world – the light house of Alexandria at Pharos on the banks of the Mediterranean Sea.
At the time, it was the tallest building in the world at 460ft high. A contemporary historian said its light shone out over 37 miles and was a “citadel of light”, an immense beacon that was both practical and symbolic. (It later collapsed in an earthquake).
Therefore as you can see, the word "pharaoh” travelled through time resonating as the very word for the wondrous beacon of light. Faro is the word for lighthouse in many Mediterranean languages or the name of a port - Faro.
The ancient Egyptians well understood the symbolic significance of cultural inheritance, of how buildings and shapes interact with imagination and society, offering values and dreams as well as practical steps as to how to live well in this world and the next.
In a way, part of a pharaoh’s role was to be a beacon and the "mer" (the actual Egyptian word for a pyramid meaning "high place") was to reach up and help brush aside the membrane between this world and the next.
It mattered to Ancient Egyptians as it matters to most of us today that we are not entirely forgotten when we die, that our names are still spoken and remembered. In ancient that would ensure future eternal life. The one minor pharaoh, however, who was almost entirely forgotten by history until 1922 was Tutankhamun. Ironically, today, he is the one who is almost universally known.
Howard Carter likewise hoped his friend’s name, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, would not be forgotten by history, that his legacy was cherished. But he was rather forgotten.
Hopefully, a few more people now may remember his name and his home whilst curiously, you could say the 5th Earl lived in a "great house" which built on a "high place" - Highclere.
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63 Comments
Good day, Lady Carnarvon. Thank you for the fascinating read. You certainly have done your part to make sure that the fifth Earl and the role he played is not forgotten.
I also really enjoyed both your blog and podcast on horses at Highclere — so many special memories (especially of Her Majesty the Queen) and, hopefully, there will be more to come. I hope that Lord Carnarvon will have some winning horses very soon.
Suzanne in Georgia
Wow, so very interesting. Will be looking and reading more about the subject. Thank you for another great blog.
fondly Jenny
Lovely the pictures of pharaoh and did you and lord Carnarvon have a wonderful weekend and l lovely Highcelere castle and l am fan of Downton Abbey
Bonjour MADAME LA COMTESSE,
I’m a proud Canadian mother and grand-mother, and i must say that we find HIGHCLERE CASTLE very fascinating.
Next year, ma daughter and i, are planning a trip to England and are hoping to visit your splendid castle.
Of course, we are fans of ‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ and i was wondering if we will still be able to also visit Tutankhamun, it will be absolutely marvelous!
Thank you so very much for sharing your blog, we love it
Another very interesting read ,thank you
Hello Suzanne.
Yes the exhibition is very much still here.
Look forward to seeing you.
How do you feel about having Downton Abbey filmed at your home again? How different is it to previous series? I wonder if you always thought it would return…
Impressive historic blog writing again Lady Carnarvon. It is so impressive as to what was built so many thousand of years ago successfully and some still standing! When I visited Egypt, it was SO impressive to see & tour all the historic buildings. Afterward I did shop in a jewelry store in Cairo and bought a necklace of a hieroglyphic charm of my name and it is fun to look at the symbols back then that equal our American alphabet letters.
Thank you again for an interesting and informative Monday morning blog.
After reading this email it took me right back to the Tutankhamun exihibition I saw in my 20s in London. I bought a T-shirt with his mask on the front. Which, alas, I no longer have. I do, however have quite a few books including yours, Lady Carnarvon - The Earl and the Pharaoh. The 5th Earl will never be forgotten by me.
Please continue writing your emails. I look forward to receiving them every week.
My highest regards
Maxine Carter née Tobin
I have visited Highclere and the great pyramids of Egypt including Tutankhamen’s tomb. I have also read your book about Lord Carnarvon. I am always struck by the notoriety given to Howard Carter with little or no mention of the contribution by Lord Carnarvon. Without his contribution, Tutankhamen might never have been discovered!
Thank you Maxine.
I always find word origins fascinating. And this one especially so. My husband and I were fortunate to view the Tutankhamun exhibit back in 1978 when it was in San Francisco. What a wonderful experience that was, one we still talk about.
Good Morning Lady Fiona,
What an interesting and informative writing. I throughly enjoyed it. On another note, my Mystery book club read you book " The Earl and The Pharoah" for our March meeting. We had such a good discussion that for April we are reading Elizabeth Peter's fictional book "The Crocodile In The Sandbank". An Amelia Peabody mystery.
There is nothing more mysterious and enigmatic as ancient Egypt.
Thank you,
Hello Patricia,
Thank you for your message and indeed the discovery would not have been possible without the 5th Earl of Carnarvon.
I am fascinated by hieroglyphs and ancient Egyptian tombs, etc. So you can imagine my delight when I discovered a programme on BBC iPlayer ... https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001f72n/the-latest-secrets-of-hieroglyphs ... mostly about the tomb of Padiamenope, who was an ancient Egyptian scribe. I learned a lot from it, and can now 'translate' some of the cartouches. Oh to be 60 years younger with years ahead of being able to learn more ! Do watch the programme its fascinating.
Your comments on the ancient Egyptian word "pharaoh" were so enlightening. My son studies ancient Greek and Hebrew texts and it is a joy just listening to him as he explains them to me. In our busy world today, we don't take the time to understand the languages of the world, old and new. Thank goodness for the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, without whom our world would have missed out on a great treasure find!
Brenda Watson
Martinsville, Ohio
USA
I am in the USA and have been interested in Egyptology for as long as I can remember. I have always associated Egypt and Lord Carnarvon together.
Lady Carnarvon,
Your talent for bringing ancient times’ relevance to modern times is a real gift, and I thank you for using it so well. Connecting ancient hieroglyphics with modern interpretations is so helpful in understanding why words make such a difference. We sometimes forget the sophistication of those ancient times and their relationship to life today. Thanks for bringing both into focus,
Thanks for the 5th Earl for preserving those ancient times for us, and thanks for your weekly blog for enlightening your readers!
Martha G
I will see the famous Golden mask of Tutankhamun this fall during my visit to Egypt. I have a connection to the magic of that place through my daughter who has worked in Egypt as an Archaeologist many times. I visited the Earl's home and will always remember the lower chamber where all the treasures can be found. Your connection to that magic time will never be forgotten.
Lady Carnarvon, The 5th Earl of Carnarvon was and will always be a great man. I will never forget him. Through your books I cherish each and every word about him. Cheryl.
Thank you! Fascinating read and especially relevant as I am currently costuming and appearing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and yesterday we started learning the dance for Song of the Kings with Pharaoh. Just shared you blog with all the cast for background. gtguk.com
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I was able to travel to Egypt last year and told my fellow travelers about the Carnarvon connection to King Tutankhamen. I was able to view his relics and death mask, although we were not allowed to photograph the mask. Some day I hope to see your collection and to return to Egypt and the all the treasurers in the new GEM.
Yours truly,
Jaime Pierce
Houston, Texas
Was great reading your article. I am one of the lucky ones that had the privilege to have visited both Highclere Castle AND King Tuts tomb in Egypt. thanks for bringing back such great memories.
Thank you Martha.
As much as I adore the cast of Downton Abby and will never tire of Sir Julian Fellows writing their story, I do hope for another series on the real Carnarvon family and Highclere history. Your excellent efforts at honoring the legacy of all who have come before, and your current stewardship are nothing short of spectacular. There is an epic story to tell--the 5th Earl could be 5 seasons alone!
Each visit I am able to make to Highclere I learn more and more about a how world events shaped the people of Highclere and they in turn shaped the world. The 4th Earl being a pivotal part of the formation of Canada-simply wonderful.
Thank you for all you share with us and if you ever desire assistance going through, organizing the boxes and records I'll work for tea and biscuits. :-).
Kind Regards,
Karen
Thank you Cheryl
Good luck with the show Madeleine.
Thank you Karen, you've made me think......
I have found your article very interesting especially as our 7 yr old granddaughter is doing a school project on ancient Egypt. Her chosen topics are hair, makeup and hygiene.
If you have any information or photos regarding these I would love to see them. Such an interesting project.
VERY INTERESTING READING . THANK YOU SO MUCH .
"[A] series on the real Carnarvon family and Highclere history. Your excellent efforts at honoring the legacy of all who have come before, and your current stewardship are nothing short of spectacular." - ditto!
I’ll volunteer to help her!!
Martha
Good afternoon, Lady Carnarvon, I always wait for Monday to read your interesting blog. I’m happy to say I visited your lovely Highclere 2x’s and I have enjoyed the visit along with beautiful England.. Happy Spring
Dearest Lady Carnavon,
Your story bursts my heart with wonder over the history and meaning of our existence! Thank you so much for the personal time you sacrifice to share these stories with us.
Carolyn Cariello
I am so fascinated by Egyptian history and how it connects to your family. To see the replicas and photos of the famous dig, was fascinating. I was fortunate to visit beautiful Highclere on this extended trip with my cousin who grew up outside of London. Your beautiful home was part of a wonderful exploration of many of the places I’ve read about in my study of English Literature.
Lady Carnarvon.....You are so right. The 5th Earl will be remembered thanks to Howard Carter an King Tut. Highclere will be remembered thanks to Downton Abbey I have read indications that Mr Fellows is writing the 7th season or a third movie of Downton. Can you give any indication if there is any any substance to these rumors?
My family of 18 visited Egypt this December and January. They were well coached on the role of Lord Carnarvon in the discovery of King Tut prior to our visit. My own relationship with both Highclere and Lord Carnarvon hails back to the summer of 1963 when I was working in Birmingham at National Provincial Bank Ltd and noticed in the newspaper that Highclere would be open for tours to see Egyptian artifacts on a Saturday....so I took advantage of the opportunity and visited it, complete with miniature deer running on the grounds. I returned to visit Highclere again on May 26, 2017 with my wife and daughter and her family. The deer were not in sight.
When I told the lady taking my ticket that I had been here in 1963 she said I was mistaken, but then again that may have been before she was born. During my last visit was interesting to see the various large photographs taken in the production of Downton Abbey during the winter, with the assistants dressed in warm winter clothing, but the actors were in period clothing, but no coats.
Lady Carnarvon, Thank you for your periodic emails with interesting stories of life at Highclere...it is nice to stay in touch.
Hello Sarah
The Egyptian exhibition here at Highclere is very educational.
So interesting!! Thank u!
I visited Egypt in 2010. We went to Cairo 2 days early. I went to the old museum on a day when there were few people there. I was able to spend 5 minutes alone staring at the mask. I was about 5 feet away.
Later when we visited Abu Simbel I was inside alone with one other couple. Unbelievable moment considering all who had been there before.
It tickles me no end that my first exposure to Highclere was because of the 5th Earl/Howard Carter spectacular adventure of discovering Tut. Most people come to know Highclere through Downton Abbey fame first (devoted fan am I), and only secondarily about the 5th Earl's/Howard Carter's archeological expedition. For me, seeing Highclere on Downton Abbey was: "Holy Moses! That's the Tut fellow!" And for all those of you who haven't seen the Egyptian expedition museum at Highclere, I have to say that it is brilliant: just excellently designed and wonderfully evocative of what the expedition must have been like. Brava/o to all the creative minds and clever hands that put it together!
Thank you
It is extraordinary
I hope so too!
Egypt is an extraordinary country - like no other
Time to read and think and ponder..
Thank you
You are kind to read and take the time ..
I wonder ...
Dear Lady Carnarvon
Thanks for another very interesting post. I've just finished your book The Earl and the Pharaoh. What an interesting man the 5th Earl was from his interests in cars and aviation to (of course) Egyptology. Your description of the entry into the tomb made me feel I was there. Thanks for such an engaging insight to the Earl and his times.
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Any of your blogs concerning Egypt fascinate me. I learn so much. Thank you. Take care.
Susan
You are kind!
Dear Lady Carnarvon ,
I visited Highclere in the summer of 2023 and greatly enjoy Reading your Blog. I bought your book The Earl and the Pharaoh and very much enjoyed rradingg it. I have showed the two Downton Abbey films at Christmas to those of the Danish MPs who took English lessons with me at our Parlianentary Langusge School . So therefore it was a true joy to visit Highclere and see its beauty in real life.
Yours faithfully,
Birgitte Wern
(Former civil servant, Danish Parliament, retired in the summer of 2023 but still teach a little in Parliament)
Hello Lady Carnarvon
How ru?
My late fiancée was Howard Carter’s grand nephew so I have often seen photographs of him and have marveled @ the work Howard Carter and the 5th Earl of Carnarvon undertook in Egypt!
It is a goal of mine to visit both Highclere and the Museum of Antiquities in Cairo!
My husband MARTIN is also very interested to visit Egypt!
Thankyou Lady Carnarvon
Best wishes
FLEURINA DECORTES de GILBERT
Orange City East
Central Western NSW Australia
Dear Lady Carnavon,
This was one of the many enjoyable reads that you've written. I'm a fan of Downton Abbey, as are so many visiting your blog, but I did not become a fan before I by chance bought your book about Highclere, Lady Almina and the 5th Earl. Previously I've been fascinated by the egyptian myths and Pharaohs as well (now I don't have so much time anymore to immerse my self in Egyptology). Luckily, I'll be able to rekindle my interest when my family and I are visiting Highclere this summer, and besides enjoying the wonderful great house, I hope to get a copy of the Earl and the Pharaoh. Thank you for your blog.
Kind regards Mia
Thank you so much! I have yet to visit Denmark but it is on my bucket list.
Ooh, a portentous ellipsis ~ I love it! *claps hands in anticipation of another season*
The Amelia Peabody series is wonderful, and it definitely sparked my interest in Egypt and archaeology! I am sure your book club will enjoy that first book in the series, and hope you will go on to read more of the series. The connection between that series and Highclere and Downton Abbey, another of my interests, is a bonus.
How could anyone forget your family history.Your articles are Fascinating informative and wonderful reading. Thank you from a small town in Woodbury Ct USA Sue
Thank you so much for this interesting post. I am a middle school teacher in the United States, and we are currently studying Tutankhamen. I also had the pleasure of visiting Highclere Castle in 2017 I shared the stories that I heard on my tour of your beautiful home with my students along with photos of your home and Tutankhamen and his tomb. I plan on sharing your post with my students tomorrow in class so they can see that this history has historical relevance even today.
Have you seen the book Earl and Pharaoh? It is also on audio... if you then read/listen and they/you want to zoom with me let me know
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
Thank you for this Monday's blog and sharing such a fascinating story. I always learn something new.
Until next time, I wish you well.
Perpetua Crawford
I notice you spelled "pharaoh" two different ways (alternatively as "pharoah"). I always have a great deal of trouble spelling that word. Are there two acceptable spellings, or are you the victim of an editing error? Enjoyed your informative article, and I share your love of language, and its origins.