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uraeus

uraeus

1 9.9
An upright cobra symbol worn on pharaohs' and gods' headdresses to show power and give protection
  • noun
  • Literature
: uraeus
  • Many ancient Egyptian artifacts feature the uraeus prominently.

Examples

  • The museum's exhibit included a replica of a uraeus from an ancient Egyptian tomb.

  • The golden uraeus on the pharaoh's crown symbolized royal authority and protection.

  • Archaeologists discovered a statue with a detailed uraeus on its forehead.

  • The uraeus was often depicted on the crowns of pharaohs.

  • In ancient Egypt, the pharaoh wore a golden headdress featuring a uraeus that signified his royal authority.

  • The uraeus symbol was often depicted on the crowns of deities in Egyptian art, representing protection and sovereignty.

  • Archaeologists discovered a statue of a goddess with a uraeus on her crown, indicating her divine power.

Surface Forms

uraeus singular
uraeuses plural

Etymology

Uraeus comes from an ancient Egyptian word for the upright 'cobra' and then passed into Greek and Latin. Because the cobra reared up to defend the head, the uraeus became a symbol of a pharaoh's 'authority' and 'protection'.