Why ancient Egypt’s best warriors were awarded with a golden fly

To the Egyptian people, flies symbolized persistence and tenacity: qualities that were considered to be essential for survival in both the natural world and the battlefield.

In a culture where the desert could be as much an enemy as any foreign invader, the ability to persist was seen as vital.

Therefore, the fly’s connection to tenacity made it an apt symbol for soldiers who fought with impeccable dedication.  

This award was given to soldiers who had demonstrated exceptional bravery on the battlefield, often in situations where their courage had a decisive impact on the outcome of a conflict.

The importance of this award lay in its ability to recognize and honor those who faced danger with unyielding resolve. 

Also, in Egyptian mythology, the fly was often associated with the god Khepri, who was linked to the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

As a result, it could be seen as a symbol of rebirth through victory in battle as well.

In addition, it was thought to carry weight in the judgment that followed death.

For the recipient, this award was a token that could help secure a favorable judgment in the afterlife. 

The golden fly was awarded during a specific period in Egyptian history, primarily during the New Kingdom, which lasted from around 1550 to 1070 BCE.

This was a time of rapid military expansion. In times of frequent warfare like this, Egypt’s military leaders sought ways to reward their most courageous soldiers.  

In particular, Thutmose III, who reigned from 1479 to 1425 BCE, was one of the most prolific military leaders of Ancient Egypt, who launched campaigns into the Levant and Nubia.

One of his most dramatic victories occurred at the Battle of Megiddo in 1457 BCE.

It was after this battle that the first known instances of this award being distributed to those who had distinguished themselves in combat. 

Later in the New Kingdom, Amenhotep III, who ruled from 1386 to 1349 BCE, awarded the golden fly to soldiers who played crucial roles in defending the empire's borders.

In particular, the golden fly was used to recognize the efforts of those who successfully repelled invasions from the Libyans and Nubians.

It was after this battle that the first known instances of this award were distributed to those who had distinguished themselves in combat. 

The recipients of the golden fly often belonged to the ranks of the elite soldiers who fought in some of Egypt’s most challenging and significant battles.

Known recipients included both high-ranking officers and foot soldiers. For example, Amenemheb, who played crucial roles in Thutmose’s campaigns in Canaan and Nubia, was known to have received this honor. 

Even entire units could be recognized with the golden fly for their collective bravery.

During the reign of Amenhotep III, the Medjay, an elite paramilitary police force was among those honored.

Their success in driving back threats along Egypt’s borders made them increasingly valuable to the empire’s security.

Since the Medjay's duties were often carried out in some of the harshest and unforgiving environments of Egypt, they became one of the most respected groups in the army. 

In rare cases, the golden fly was awarded to non-military individuals who had shown exceptional bravery in the face of danger.

During the reign of Ramesses II, for instance, a few civilians who played critical roles during times of invasion were granted this honor.

They might have provided crucial intelligence or assisted the military in ways that directly impacted the outcome of a conflict. 

The golden fly award was created by Ancient Egyptian jewelers, often from solid gold, since this metal symbolized both wealth and divine favor in Egyptian culture.

It was often finely crafted so that the wings, body and legs of the insect could be clearly distinguished.

To achieve this, artisans sometimes used techniques like granulation, where tiny beads of gold were applied to the surface, which created a textured effect that highlighted the fly's intricate features.  

When finished, they were often worn as pendants or amulets. Alternatively, they could be attached to garments in order to display the award with pride.

However, these pendants were often quite large, since they were designed to be noticed, while still small enough to be practical for daily wear.

On some versions, the golden fly was adorned with inlays of precious stones or colored glass. 

The golden fly was not the only military awards in Ancient Egypt. One other such award was the Gold of Honor, which was typically presented in the form of necklaces or bracelets decorated with amulets and precious stones.

These were often given to high-ranking officials or soldiers who had rendered exceptional service to the pharaoh. 

The Gold of Honor could be awarded for a wider range of accomplishments, including administrative excellence or loyalty in non-combat situations.

Because of this broader criterion, the Gold of Honor was often seen as a more versatile award.

However, it lacked the intense focus on military valor that made the golden fly so distinctive. 

Another was the Shebyu Collar: a broad collar made of gold, often inlaid with semi-precious stones.

This was associated with the highest levels of royal favor and was frequently awarded to members of the royal family or trusted officials.

As a result, it was more closely tied to wealth and the recipient's connection to the pharaoh.