Egyptian Sed Festival Fitness Test

In ancient Egypt, when a pharaoh reached the 30th year of his reign, the court held a Sed festival, a royal jubilee to renew his kingship. As part of the ceremony, the aging ruler had to run a set course to show he still had the strength and vitality to govern. The rite symbolized his ability to maintain maat, or order, for Egypt. If he proved himself, the festival confirmed his right to continue ruling.

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