Natakamani

A statue that may depict Natakamani

Natakamani was a King of Kush who reigned from around or earlier than 1 BC to circa AD 20.[1][2] Natakamani is the best attested ruler of the Meroitic period. He was born to queen Amanishakheto.[3]

Natakamani is known from several temple buildings and from his pyramid in Meroe. He is also known for restoring the temple of Amun,[2] as well as his dedication of the temple at Faras. On several monuments he appears together with co-regent Queen Amanitore. The relationship between the two is not clear: she might have been his wife, or his mother who served as his regent while he was still young. However, it is known that during the co-reign, they had almost equal rights as depicted in several temple sculptures.[4] At the temple of Apedemak there is a relief showing him with his successor Arikhankharer.[5]

Natakamani was preceded by Amanishakheto and succeeded by queen Amanitore.

References

  1. Garlake Peter. (2002) Early Art and Architecture of Africa "Oxford University Press". p. 60. ISBN 0-19-284261-7.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Oliver, Roland and Brian M. Fagan Africa in the Iron Age "Cambridge University Press". p. 40. ISBN 0-521-09900-5.
  3. Mokhtar, G. (2001) Ancient Civilizations of Africa "University of California Press". p. 168. ISBN 0-85255-092-8.
  4. Meade Teresa A. and Merry E. Wiesner-Hanks. (2004) A Companion to Gender History "Blackwell Publishing". pp. 259-60. ISBN 0-631-22393-2.
  5. Torok, Laszlo (2002) The Image of the Ordered World in Ancient Nubian Art "Brill Academic Publishers". p. 226. ISBN 90-04-12306-7.