Chapter Fifteen - The Land Of Egypt
Joseph studied maps of the country, south of the Delta region. The cities of On, Noph, No-Amon and Assuan were the principal cities on his list. Noph and No-Amon were royal cities. Each had been the centre of Egyptian power at various times. Both Noph and No-Amon had great Pyramids and Temples in their vicinity. Egyptian knowledge, culture and heritage went back into antiquity. No other race could rival the Egyptians. They had dominated the world stage for centuries.The large, fertile areas of Egypt were envied by neighbouring countries. The River Nile was Egypt’s constant source of life.
Joseph pondered over the maps. ‘I will use a boat again, but take my chariot overland to use in the cities. My guards can bring the chariot with the land-based group. Pharaoh wants me to meet as many dignitaries as I can. It's essential for me to keep the powerful princes from the South on peaceful terms with Pharaoh.’
‘My first stop will be at On, Asenath’s birthplace. It will be good to see that city and catch up with Potipherah and Asenaken. I must see the great Temple of Re’ at On. That’s why Potipherah is known far and wide as the priest of On because of the temple. On is situated at the start of the Delta region. The Delta fans out behind the city of On. Just past On the great river splits into its three main tributaries. The ancient Egyptian name for On is Iunu. Potipherah’s local knowledge will be invaluable; having him there is a definite asset to Pharaoh and myself. He will have a profound knowledge of the important dignitaries at On, and also at Noph.’
‘The city of Noph will need more of my time. Many Pharaohs are buried in the vicinity. The famous pyramids of Khufu, Khephren and Menkaure are located at nearby Giza. The statue of the great Sphinx is there also. What an impressive sight they will be.’ Joseph had been told the ancient name for Noph was Ankh-tawy, “That which binds the two lands.”
‘I need the princes of Noph on my side. Noph is the key to the unity of Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt, so I need to establish good relations with these princes.’
Joseph next turned his attention to No-Amon, known to earlier generations as Waset. The princes at No-Amon controlled the major mining operations of Egypt. Gold and copper were mined to the east of the Nile. Egypt also controlled the land of Kush, to the south of Assuan. Kush was a very good source of gold. The city of No-Amon controlled three major trade routes to the Red Sea.
‘It’s important for me to secure a good relationship with the princes at No-Amon as well. I need their trust and respect for we have a tremendous amount of work to do in the seven good years of harvest. Assuan is the southern border of Egypt; it will be our last stop on the journey upriver. There are numerous places to assess along the way.’
Joseph was thoughtful. He would be away from Asenath for a long time; however the assessment was vital for Egypt’s survival in the years of famine. His taskforce was ready to move out of Zoan and head to Lower Egypt. Tomorrow they would set off again.
Asenath was sad, but did not show it. 'Joseph will be away a long time.' She arranged a special meal for the two of them. Tonight was their last night together for quite some time. She did not think it was fair. They had only been married for such a short time, and they had hardly seen each other.
Joseph noticed her pensive mood. “Asenath, my precious one is something concerning you?”
“Oh, Joseph we have been married for such a short time and we have hardly spent more than a few weeks together.”
“I know my love; I feel it keenly as well. This work must be done for all our sakes. When it is over we will have plenty of time together.” He took her in his arms and kissed her softly and tenderly.
“Oh, Joseph I wish I could come with you.”
“Asenath, that would be nice, but it is not practicable. My days and nights are filled with work. I would not be able to give you the attention you deserve.”
Asenath knew Joseph was right. “I suppose I am being selfish, Joseph.”
“No, you are not selfish. It is perfectly natural to want to be with me, but this is the reason God has made me Grand Vizier of Egypt. My being here in Egypt is to provide enough grain for Egypt to survive seven years of severe famine.”
Asenath held Joseph close and cried softly. The separation would be hard to bear.
Next morning the taskforce flotilla headed south, down river from Zoan, towards the city of On. Joseph was looking forward to seeing Potipherah and Asenaken. They cruised by the fortress city of Avaris, where Pharaoh kept a very large Army contingent.
The city of On sat near the junction of the three main tributaries of the great river. It was a principal place of worship in Egypt. The great Temple of Re’, The Sun God was an important and influential institution. On was a place of commerce and wealth, and had played a prominent place in the shaping of Egypt’s religious and political history.
Joseph was pleased to see Potipherah and Asenaken; they were delighted to see him. How important they felt, when the Grand Vizier called on them first. “Potipherah, it is good to see you again. Asenath sends her love to you and Asenaken. She is well in body and spirit. She is managing well with the demands of Pharaoh’s Court.”
“Zaphnath-Paaneah, welcome to our home. Our home is yours while you are in On.”
“Potipherah thank you for your kindness. While I am here, I am hoping to spend some time together. By the way my name is Joseph; please call me Zaphnath-Paaneah on official occasions only.”
Potipherah was a happy man. It was good to have his powerful son-in-law stay with him and Asenaken.
“Potipherah, I am hoping that you can arrange for me to meet the most important nobles and officials here in On.”
“Of course Joseph; it will be my privilege to make these arrangements for you.”
Joseph was pleased. They sat down to a sumptuous meal and talked about family and friends.
Next day Potipherah gave Joseph a guided tour of the great Temple of the Sun God, Re’. His fellow priests were happy to personally meet the Grand Vizier. The Temple of Re’ would benefit from Potipherah’s family ties to the Grand Vizier.
Joseph sent his taskforce into the surrounding countryside for their assessment. Meanwhile, Joseph met the local nobles and officials. On was an important city for storage. He would use it to store grain from the upper part of the Delta. It was located in a strategic position for distribution.
When the taskforce reported back to him, it was obvious large granaries would have to be built here; however their time in On was nearly over, they needed to keep moving. The great city of Noph, ancient Mennufer, awaited them. The princes and nobles of Noph were anxious to give a good impression to the Grand Vizier. Word had travelled ahead about the Grand Vizier’s visit.
Joseph gave the order to cast off. The flotilla headed south. It was pleasant cruising along the river. They were now in the main river; the lush Delta region was behind them. The fertile areas were now in fairly narrow strips alongside the river banks. To the east and west were arid, desert regions. Rain was almost nonexistent. Except for the presence of the great river, the area would be desert and uninhabitable
They were near the great Pyramids at Giza. Joseph went ashore on the west bank and mounted his chariot. He drove to the site of the great Pyramids. Joseph looked in awe at the size of Khufu’s burial place. The great Pyramid rose up like a man made mountain before him. Its outer casing of white limestone blocks glistened in the sunshine. The funerary Temple and the great causeway leading to the Pyramid were decorated with relief work and hieroglyphics. The size and the perfect lines of the Pyramid were truly inspiring. Khephren’s Pyramid was nearly as large.
Menkaure's smaller Pyramid was also in the group. The famous statue of the great Sphinx, with its body of a lion and its head of a man, kept a solemn guard over the scene.
Joseph went away, amazed at the ingenuity of the Egyptian race. To build such enormous edifices and with such precision, was a wonderful achievement. And yet, God had made him ruler over these people who had suc
h astounding talents. Impressed, he returned to his boat and continued his journey to Noph.
A lavish reception awaited him. The rulers of Noph had prepared him a great banquet. Pharaoh had given Joseph a list of people to see. Joseph was keen to keep these rulers on good terms with Pharaoh. Noph was crucial to Pharaoh’s command of Egypt. Joseph went ashore to meet the rulers.
The taskforce was feted and entertained. Tomorrow they would begin their work, but today was a rest day. Some of the members had family ties in Noph. It would be good for them to catch up with their families. Joseph was pleased with the welcome they were given. He was assured of the rulers’ cooperation.
Joseph was shown more Pyramids on the west bank near Noph and also the great Temples of the area. Noph was a very important religious and trade centre. It had been the previous capital of Egypt. Joseph had many official functions to attend. His taskforce members were now very proficient, and gave him daily reports. A lot more granaries were needed in this area as Noph and its surrounding areas had a large population to feed. After several weeks, Joseph gave the order to continue south towards No-Amon.
On the way they passed by many towns and villages. The fertile areas were assessed and storage capacities recorded. An excursion was made to She-Resy; “the Southern Lake”.This was a very fertile area west of the great river.Joseph traversed the area with his chariot. She-Resy was an important source of fish, and water fowl.The area teamed with bird life, and also sustained a large agricultural area.The lake was fed by a tributary of the great river.
Several weeks were spent working through the Middle Egypt area, on the way south to No-Amon, ancient Waset. No-Amon controlled Upper Egypt. It also controlled Egypt’s major mining interests. No-Amon was a great religious centre of worship. At Ipet-isut “The most select of places”, on the east bank, the Temple of the god Amun, and the Temple of the local god Montu were located.
No-Amon had been a royal city in the past. Joseph was well aware of its importance to Pharaoh. It was a city proud of its heritage and standing in Egypt. Joseph had many nobles and dignitaries to meet. Several weeks were needed at No-Amon, then a further trip south to the border town of Assuan.
There was much to see and record. The taskforce had been away several months. They were all looking forward to heading back to Zoan, in the North.
Joseph was growing weary of the constant stop, start travel; although, it was important for him to see Egypt for himself. Egypt's future prosperity depended on him. By the time they reached Assuan they were all glad to finish the reconnaissance phase. On the way back they would speed up their journey.
Recommendations could be worked out when they stopped for the night. Heading downstream back to the Delta was slower, as the boats had to be rowed against the winds blowing from the north. Fortunately, the flow of the current was in their favour. The taskforce was elated when Zoan finally came into view.