RaHorakhty

Ra-Horakhty is an ancient Egyptian sun god formed by the fusion of Ra, the sun god, and Horakhty, Horus of the Two Horizons. The name literally means “Ra who is Horus of the Two Horizons,” referring to the sun’s passage from the eastern to the western horizon across the sky.

The deity embodies aspects of solar power, creation, and kingship. As a combined solar deity, Ra-Horakhty represents the daily journey of the sun and the divine order it sustains. In reliefs and texts, he is often associated with the sun’s path across the sky and with the imperial claim to cosmic authority.

Iconography typically portrays Ra-Horakhty as a falcon-headed man bearing a solar disk, sometimes crowned or accompanied by symbols of sovereignty. In some depictions the solar disk is placed between protecting horns, or shown atop a pedestal, underscoring his solar identity and royal connections.

Worship and cult centers for Ra-Horakhty appeared at major Egyptian temples. He was especially linked to heliopolitan solar theology and was adopted in Theban ritual contexts as part of the broader cult of Ra. Pharaohs occasionally identified themselves with Ra-Horakhty in titulary and royal propaganda, using the form to emphasize their role as god-kings who uphold order through the sun’s life-giving power.

Historical development and legacy: Ra-Horakhty is attested from the Old Kingdom onward and remained part of Egyptian solar theology through the New Kingdom and later periods. While the rise of Atenism in some eras shifted sun worship, Ra-Horakhty continued to appear in temple inscriptions, pyramids, and royal records as a principal manifestation of Ra and Horus within the Egyptian religious repertoire.