Classic Court


Representing a protective loop of rope, a cartouche is used to surround a royal name—specifically a pharaoh’s throne name (prenomen) and birth name (nomen). The writing of a name was critically important to the Egyptians: it ensured that the name of the deceased would not disappear into History.

Look for a cartouche (car-toosh) on Fragment of a Relief: Ptolemy III Euergetes (Benefactor) Offering in this gallery. Can you find any others in the gallery?