Relief of King Senusret III

Decorative lintel with hieroglyphs identify king Senusret III wearing the crown of Lower Egypt (left) and the crown of Upper Egypt (right) during the Heb Sed.

Sed festivals were jubilees celebrated after a ruler had held the throne for thirty years and then every three to four years after that. They primarily were held to rejuvenate the pharaoh’s strength and stamina while still sitting on the throne, celebrating the continued success of the pharaoh.

From Medamud. Middle Kingdom, 12th Dynasty, reign of Senusret III, ca. 1878-1839 BC. Now in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo. JE 6189