Latest Articles

Atlas Studios

Atlas Studios, also known as Film City, is a well-known film studio in Morocco. It has been used as a filming location for many international movies and TV shows.
Rabat

Rabat is the capital city of Morocco, located on the country's Atlantic coastline. It is situated across the Bouregreg River from the city of Salé and forms the Rabat-Salé urban area. With a rich history dating back to the Roman era, Rabat is known for its blend of modernity and traditional Moroccan architecture.
Erfoud

Erfoud is a city located in eastern Morocco, known as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. It is a popular destination for travelers seeking to explore the stunning desert landscapes and experience the unique culture and hospitality of the region. Erfoud offers opportunities for camel trekking, visits to the nearby Merzouga Dunes, and exploring the local markets and traditional crafts.
Merzouga Dunes

The Erg Chebbi Dunes, also known as the Merzouga Dunes, are a stunning natural wonder located in southeastern Morocco. These majestic dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, with some reaching heights of up to 150 meters. The Erg Chebbi Dunes are a popular destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty of the Sahara Desert.
Khenifiss National Park

Explore the beauty of Morocco's natural reserve at Khenifiss National Park. Located in the southwestern part of the country, this park is home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the unique ecosystems found in the park.
Ouzoud Waterfalls

The Ouzoud Waterfalls, located in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, are a stunning natural wonder and a popular tourist destination. The falls cascade over a series of rocky cliffs, creating a breathtaking sight and a refreshing mist in the air. Visitors can hike down to the base of the falls, passing by olive groves and encountering local Barbary macaque monkeys along the way.

05 16, 2023

The Hep Sed Festival in Ancient Egypt

The Hep Sed festival wasn’t only a public event that the people celebrated with the king, but was also a manifestation of the king’s good health and ability so that he can continue to reign and renew his powers for another three years. We find multiple representations of this important festival, that normally depict the king in a running state alongside the Apis-bull to prove his physical ability to keep ruling.

*Sed was also connected to goddess Maat in some ways and might have been seen as a symbol of justice representing the goddess Maat herself.

Normally, the festival officially takes place after a king had ruled for thirty years, but evidence assumes that some kings, including those with short periods of reign, had celebrated their Hep-Sed day way earlier. There is proof that may seem to indicate that the king was allowed, for one reason or another to change the known period between the festivals, after the first jubilee in particular.

The origin of the Hep-Sed festival isn’t really known, even though there is some evidence, that it happened from the very beginning of Egypt's recorded history and even occurred during the Predynastic times. The oldest available example of this Hep-Sed festival is found on the ritual mace head decoration of king Narmer, which is believed by some to be a sign that this king had ruled for at least thirty years.

Although, it is also possible that this decoration on this mace head probably isn’t a representation of the Heb-Sed feast at all.

What is evident and clear is the proof form of a small ebony label once attached to a jar of oil from the tomb of King Den at Abydos, on which is depicted a tiny stick-man figure of the king running around a defined course and carrying the Heb-Sed insignia. To the left of the figure is a platform approached by a short flight of steps, on which a double shrine has been erected. The king is once again depicted in the shrine, sitting on a throne and wearing the Double Crown of Upper and Lower Egypt.

Visit Saqqara Necropolis to view the oldest pyramids including the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the ruins of the Hep Sed court during your amazing Egypt tours and Egypt Travel Packages and Egypt day tours if your tour includes a few days to be spent here in Cairo you can have one of the full Cairo Day tours otherwise of stop shortly in Cairo on your way to another country it will be a great chance to book a trip from our Cairo day tours from the airport or enjoy unusual excursions and things to do in Cairo.

Share On Social Media:

Egypt Tours FAQ

Read top Egypt tours FAQs

The Hep Sed Festival, also known as the Sed Festival, was of great significance in Ancient Egypt. It was a jubilee celebration held to renew the pharaoh's strength and vitality, symbolizing his continued ability to rule effectively. The festival marked the 30th year of a pharaoh's reign and was an occasion for the ruler to demonstrate his physical prowess, reaffirm his authority, and showcase his connection with the gods. It also served to unite the Egyptian people and maintain the stability of the kingdom.

Cairo Top Tours Partners

Check out our partners

Latest Articles

Atlas Studios

Rabat

Erfoud

Merzouga Dunes

Khenifiss National Park

Ouzoud Waterfalls

Egypt Tours FAQ

What was the importance of the Hep Sed Festival in Ancient Egypt?

Cairo Top Tours Partners