The Exchange of Cultural Relations between Egypt and Hejaz Region during the Second and First Millennia B.C.

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, University of Sadat City

Abstract

The interaction between Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula was primarily motivated by economic interests. Egyptian demand for incense and related commodities, which were essential in domestic as well as sacral contexts, was considerable. Egyptian impact on north-west Arabia especially Hejaz is only attested by a few archaeological remains, but among these, there are some characteristic items with significance for possible cultural contacts. A contemporary view would clearly prove continuous contacts. In Late Bronze and Early Iron Age (1500-500 BC.), Egyptians were more actively participating in cultural relations with the Arabian Peninsula. From this period, objects linked to Arabia have not yet been discovered in Egypt. In the second half of the first millennium, Arabia took an active part in cultural contact with Egypt and left several pieces of evidence in the Nile Valley. The Egyptian evidence in Hejaz will be discussed with reference to its archaeological and historical contexts.

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