Peace in Ancient Egypt

One of the world's oldest treaties provides the backdrop for a new analysis of the Egyptian concept of *hetep* ('peace'). To understand the full range of meaning of *hetep*, *Peace in Ancient Egypt* explores battles against Egypt's enemies, royal offerings to deities, and rituals of communing with the dead. Vanessa Davies argues that *hetep* is the result of action that is just, true, and in accord with right order (*maat*). Central to the concept of *hetep* are the issues of rhetoric and community. Beyond detailing the ancient Egyptian concept of *hetep*, it is hoped that this book will provide a useful framework that can be considered in relation to concepts of peace in other cultures.