Floor painting with marsh plants

Amarna, water court of the Maruaten
Reign of Akhenaten, 1353 - 1336 B.C.
Painted plaster;
h. 103.5 cm, w. 69.5 cm (top), 45 cm (bottom)
Gift of the Egypt Exploration Society.
San Diego Museum of Man, San Diego

Among the features of royal buildings at Amarna were gorgeously painted pavements, walls, and pillars. Although most of the walls and columns have disappeared, many floor fragments have survived. This pavement was recovered from the Maruaten, a huge temple complex in the southern part of the city dedicated to Meretaten, eldest daughter of the royal couple.