Facing up to cruelty

The paper aims to clarify the aspects of cruelty exhibited in ancient Egyptian wars by studying the relevant literary and iconographic sources, most of which date to the New Kingdom. The definition of cruelty is examined in its various manifestations during combat, after combat, as a literary topic and how it is legitimized. Among the extensive sources: Karnak Stela of Amenhtep II, First and Second Kamaose Stela, Thutmose III's Gebel Barkal Stela, texts dating to the time of Ramesses II and Ramesses III, as well as select scenes from Abydos, Medinet Habu, and more.