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To better understand this issue it is relatively important to know that “Ra” is frequently used as an abbreviation for “Amun-Ra,” although technically Ra and Amon were originally separate deities.
What is my position, and what relevance does it contain with respect to AOM?
Here I will be establishing why I believe that Amun-Ra is most certainly the god that AOM has captured with this debatable abbreviation of “RA.”—Although it is plausible to conclude that it is representing both before and after the change occurred, which would probably account for the exclusive term “RA” being implemented. But my main effort in this composition is to accentuate the Amun-Ra (combined) facet, considering he bears far more significance, as we shall discover.
Allow me to provide a brief historical background:
Ra (as exclusively termed) was originally the principle deity of Egypt only during the Old Kingdom period. When Theban kings, however, became the undisputed rulers of Egypt, Amon the god of Thebes, creation, life and fertility was merged with Ra (the sun-god) as ONE deity—creating Amun-Ra. It was then asserted by the priests that Amun-Ra was simply a greater manifestation of Ra (as solely “Ra”).
Upon this event, Amun-Ra became the Supreme Deity, “King of the Gods,” Sun-god, and God of Wealth and Power. Thus, throughout most of, and all of Egypt’s ensuing existence, Amun-Ra maintained the status of chief god of the Egyptian pantheon.
It is also noteworthy to mention that during the New Kingdom (height of Egyptian Empire) Amun-Ra had become even more important. His priests had become so extremely powerful, that they often rivaled the influence of the royal family. The High Priest of Amun-Ra was second only to the Pharaoh himself—and this being when Egypt had experienced its most powerful Pharaohs—Further elucidating this greatness.
The wealth of Amun-Ra’s priests had amassed to enormous proportions…as well as their incredible clout, significantly surpassing all previous dominating cults in every aspect.
This is demonstrated by the fact that Amun-Ra became recognized throughout the then civilized world as the supreme deity. It is safe to say that no other Egyptian deity experienced this scale veneration.
The striking parallel between the characteristics of Egypt during the worship of Amun-Ra, and the attributes of “Ra” in AOM becomes incredibly apparent.
Allow me to elaborate on some of these salient similarities:
1. As mentioned, the priests of Amun-Ra had generated unprecedented power, wealth and influence, we also find this power reflected in AOM with “Ra” enjoying the most powerful priests—an attribute of the Pharaoh, albeit at a lesser extent.
2. The New Kingdom period of Egypt (during the height of Amun-Ra’s veneration) had attained both its military as well as cultural height. Elite Chariot Archers in addition to a variety professional foot troops contributed to the mighty Empire Egypt had achieved. Its Pharaohs had become not only the most powerful in the history of Egypt, but had become the most powerful rulers of the entire civilized world. We also find in AOM that Ra boasts the most powerful chariot archers (which only existed during the New Empire period, mind you) Such a conspicuous attribute would be absolutely absurd if it were intended to reflect an attribute of the early cult of Ra (only being dominant during Old Kingdom times) in which time chariots were never even employed by Egypt! Chariots were only used during the veneration of Amun-Ra!
3. Last of all, we find during the New Kingdom that monuments and grand scale structures, palaces, temples etc (other than pyramids) were most profusely erected during the New Kingdom. Also, the Temple at Thebes, largest and most magnificent temple in Egypt was dedicated to the mighty Amun-Ra, further confirming what I have already stressed. Such vast prestige and glory which his priests, Egypt and the Pharaohs experienced would certainly create an appearance of abundant favor being granted by Amun-Ra. This same concept is captured in AOM, by Ra being afforded cheaper monuments which generate favor faster.
I hope this has established my point beyond dispute.
Some possible questions that may be of relevance to ES:
If my original conclusion with respect to the exclusive “RA” implementation is false, then it is only appropriate to wonder why ES did NOT simply call him “Amun-Ra” rather than “Ra.”
If ES DID only intend for “RA” to represent its early cult, then why do the bonuses reflect only that of Amun-Ra?
Comments will be greatly appreciated!
"Wherefore, take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand"-Ephesians:6:13
Zone: Hydarnes
[This message has been edited by Hydarnes (edited 05-14-2002 @ 01:04 PM).]