In the face of today’s rapid challenges, from economic crises to political and social pressures, the future can seem uncertain for many. But have we ever considered that our ancient Egyptian ancestors also faced similar existential threats? And more importantly, how did they manage to endure?
Within the walls of temples and on the pedestals of royal statues, a mysterious and recurring symbol appears: the “Nine Bows.” At first glance, it might seem like a mere decorative engraving, but it actually carries a profound political and civilizational message.
In ancient Egypt, the bow was more than just a weapon for hunting or war; it was a symbol of power and control from a distance. From there, the bow became a representation of “the enemy,” later evolving into nine bows to symbolize every external or internal threat to the Egyptian state. The number nine was not used arbitrarily; the ancient Egyptians saw it as a symbol of completeness in the concept of evil and enmity.
The “Nine Bows” were often carved under the feet of the king, on floors or statues, sending a clear message: the king is above his enemies, in complete control. Sometimes, the bows were depicted tied with a rope, signifying an alliance among the enemies, yet they still remained under the pharaoh’s feet, no matter how united they were.
The Nine Bows did not refer to nine specific nations, but symbolically represented anyone who opposed Egypt or threatened its stability, in any time and place.
Today, we may not carry bows or carve symbols into stone, but the challenges persist. Do we also have our “Nine Bows”? And can we face them with the spirit of resilience we inherited from a civilization thousands of years old?
Perhaps the “Nine Bows” is more than just a pharaonic symbol—perhaps it is a call for vigilance and a message that a true Egyptian does not kneel before obstacles but stands firmly on top of them.
