0.4 Analyzing symbols in artifacts: the souvenir of egypt  (Page 7/8)

We have found repeated mention of victory, associations with Apollo (the god of war), and celebrations of a triumph by the Romans. The laurel islinked with the olive branch, which is associated with both victory and peace. The wreath is a symbol of victory and imperial majesty and,in Egypt, the proof of innocence worn by the worthy in the Hall of Judgment after their death. The themes here seems relatively consistent: victory, peace,justification of actions and defense of innocence, and war. Let’s move on to the next symbol.

Symbol 3

We immediately see a familiar image as well as a brief explanation:

"In its most common form, a pyramid is a massive stone or brick structure with a square base and four sloping triangular sides that meet in a point at the top. Pyramids have been built by different peoples at various times in history. Probably the best-known pyramids are those of ancient Egypt, which were built to protect the tombs of rulers or other important persons."

Symbol 4

"The palm was the TREE OF LIFE in Assyrian art. As its leave never fell it symbolized everlasting life and eternity for the Akan people of Ghana. InAncient Egypt it was sacred to ISHTAR and ASHBART, and HATHOR and NUT, who nourished the dead from a palm tree before the tribunal of gods decided their destiny... Palm fronds were aclassical symbol of victory.