Theben und Memphis - Metropolen im Alten Ägypten

Thebes and Memphis - Metropolises in Ancient Egypt

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Translation of abstract (English)

Ancient Egypt had three capitals with a different character ("profile") in the long run of its history: Memphis, Thebes, and Heliopolis. The rise of Thebes and its god Amun in the Middle and New Kingdoms was due to the chances of the policy of an Upper Egyptian family of Pharaoh’s. Heliopolis was the city with the highest theological reputation as the replica of the residence of the sun-god Re in heaven. Only Heliopolis can be called in a more literal way a "Metropolis", "Mother of cities", because its imaginary characteristics served as an prototype for other cities. Memphis, the most ancient royal residence and capital, enjoyed enduring importance because of its geographical setting at a nodal point of international and national communication and trade routes, and its religious prestige.