Lion

In ancient times there must have been many lions in the desert and in Ethiopia, for there are records of lion-hunts, with immense bags as the result. Some historical scarabs of Amen-hetep III. record that during his reign he caught or killed a hundred and two lions. The animal is often seen upon temple and tomb walls. The king is frequently accompanied by a favourite tame lion into battle, and the same animal reposes under his chair at home. It was also apparently used in the chase, as seen on tomb walls. The Egyptian artist was more succe ful in drawing this beast than in many of his animal portraits. In papyri two lions seated back to back, with the solar disk between them, is a frequent vignette. Over one is written “Yesterday,” and over the other “This Morning.” Shu and Tefnut are also depicted as two lions. The solar godde es Sekhet, Tefnut, Pakht and Bast are all at times represented with the lione -head.