Foreign guests were transported through the city streets of Akhetaton on horse-drawn carriages, with interiors laden with gold and pulled by the personal horses of Pharaoh. These horses could be easily spotted by all onlookers by the enormous plumes upon their heads and the general wealth displayed by the carriages. From the open-air carriages, the guests could look out and see the unique architecture of the city made entirely from stone and view the timeless, narrow streets. Although several modern features could be identified, the city streets still carried a general feeling of antiquity.
The streets got even narrower as the carriages passed through the ancient walls and entered the old city, where the most revered guests and officials of Pharaoh made their home. The carriages stopped at the bank of the River Jordan which flows right through the centre of Akhetaton, and guests were helped out of the vehicles and then inspected for weapons. Passing the security clearance, the foreign guests were led to a royal barque and thus carried to an island in the centre of the river.
Located nearby one of the largest Sabeite Temples stood the palace of Pharaoh, an enormous structure that dominated the city skyline. Walking up the seemingly numberless stairs to the massive doorway, the guests were confronted by a row of sphinxes that led to the main entrance. Passing through the doors, they entered a courtyard surrounded by lotus columns and which contained a marvelous garden, full of water features, lilies, and palms. The walls were covered in inscriptions describing how Pharaoh had brought peace to Sinuhe and defeated the rebels that threatened the state in the 1990’s, and how He had caused the economy to flourish.
From the courtyard, the guests were led into the main audience hall of the palace, where Pharaoh sat on His throne and pronounced His judgments on His people. However, tonight it appeared as a banquet hall, with a long table having been brought and set in the midst of the room. On a raised platform on one side were the thrones of Pharaoh and the Great Royal Wife, who would be dining with the guests that night. A band of ceremonial guards lined the room, along with several African servants carrying trays of delicacies before the main meal would be served.
Upon entering the audience chamber, the guests were greeted by the vizier of Pharaoh, a man named Ay Neterhotep. He stood waiting to greet the guests and was tasked with entertaining them before Pharaoh made his formal appearance.
