Ramses III, the last great pharaoh of the New Kingdom of Egypt (1186–1155 BCE), is often associated with the complex religious and political traditions of ancient Egypt, which included the veneration of Horus and Seth, two of the most emblematic gods of the Egyptian pantheon. Horus, the falcon god, represented order, kingship, and the legitimacy of the pharaoh, while Seth, the god associated with strength and chaos, symbolized destructive power but also protection against external enemies.

Ramses III sought to balance these two aspects in his policies and iconography, portraying himself as a leader who embodied Horus by protecting Egypt and ruling with justice, while also invoking the untamed strength of Seth to defeat enemies such as the Sea Peoples. This duality is evident in the reliefs and texts in temples, such as at Medinet Habu, where Ramses III celebrates his victories and reinforces his role as the divine intermediary who maintains the cosmic balance between order and chaos, essential for Egypt’s prosperity.