Ahmose – The Soldier

The sun is about to set on the other side of the Nile, and I am reminded of old memories. Come, sit with me for a while, and I will tell you about the honours bestowed upon me during my long life. I can smell the waters of the Nile, and I am taken back to when I was a boy, at the feet of my mother, Ibana, while she watched my father set off with the army of King Tao II. He returned with stories of battle against the Hyksos in the North, of an Egypt divided, and I grew up with one wish – to help make our land whole again.

My first service was on board the King’s ship “The Fighting Bull”, but soon I was sent into the fray, north to Avaris, much to the dismay of my wife. We guarded the waters of the city’s main canal during the siege, seeking out enemy boats. One day, they came. Fast and ferocious - I heard what I thought was the sound of thunder. I believed it to be the wave of the sea. Our hulls smashed together with an almighty crack, and the whole deck shook as enemy fighters swarmed us. They were as numerous as the reeds on the banks of the Nile. I fought in hand-to-hand combat – close enough to smell his sweat and see into his eyes, which were filled in equal measure of viciousness and fear. He was as fast as lightning, but I was faster. I struck him down with a blow to his head and cut off his hand as proof of my deed. I was rewarded with gold, but I had not been thinking of wealth, but of honour – and of my mother, hoping that I had not shamed her. 

There was no time to dwell on our accomplishments – we sailed to quash a rebellion in Upper Egypt. I joined a new ship: “Appearing in Memphis”, and returned to Avaris to see it fall at last. I took prisoners which earned me land and more gold. I sailed south to Nubia, where the Nile turns narrow and perilous, each cataract a labyrinth of rocks and waterways. I helped to crush three uprisings, capturing archers and rebel leaders. I did this all for the three Kings I had served, Ahmose I, Amenhotep I and Thutmose I (life, prosperity and health be upon them), to protect the stability of the kingdom and remain true to the oath given upon entering service. For my fierce fighting in Kush, I was awarded the title of “Warrior of the Ruler”, and for my formidable navigation on the rapids of the Nile, “Captain of Sailors”. That was a proud moment, but I have also seen things that weigh on the heart. Once, an enemy captive was hung from the prow of the ship as a warning. I stood stoically, as a Commander must, but the image still returns to haunt me.

Now my body is old - my battles are with stiff joints and aching bones. I have land, gold, family and peace. The sun will soon set, so away with you, but remember this - strength is good, but loyalty, courage and a love of our land is what makes a life worthy – that is the true victory. 

Photo credit: Olaf Tausch, Felsengrab des Ahmose, Sohn von Ibana, unter den Felsengräbern des altägyptischen Necheb bei el-Kab, Ägypten