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Ankh from Meroë

Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology

The ankh, the hieroglyph for "life", was one of the most important symbols in Egyptian religion, held by gods and offered to kings. Its use continued in the kingdom of Kush to the south, whose rulers at Meroë adopted many Egyptian gods and symbols while developing their own distinct culture.

Meroë, on the Nile in present-day Sudan, was the capital of Kush from the 3rd century BCE to the 4th century CE and is famous for its royal pyramids.


Polycam
Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
Meroë, Sudan
Amulet