The Egypto-Aramaean Stela of Ahatabu (Berlin ÄM 7707): A Cross-Cultural Discussion

The mortuary stela of a woman named Ahatabu, found in the Saqqara necropolis Egypt, is uniquely customized artefact that gives insight into multicultural environment Achaemenid Egypt (526–332 BCE). and her family seem to have lived Marea western Delta, possibly garrison complex. contains two inscriptions, one written Egyptian hieroglyphic script other Aramaic. design draws on mixture generic highly features rooted traditional arguably Yahwistic, (Egypto-)Phoenician, Aramaean, Egypto-Carian, Egypto-Ionian, (Egypto-)Persian cultural traditions. Though unusual from an iconographic standpoint with respect both comparable Egypto-Egyptian depictions contemporary or slightly earlier Egypto-foreign stelae, basic three registers spread over whole while integrating rounded top upper register typical group Egypto-Carian/Ionian stelae Memphis. inspiration may come either contemporarily visible display actual designs within various workshops. This article discusses epigraphic details order contextualize its honorees funerary practices.