Medjay
- "The first Medjay was the protector of the pharaoh. But now, it means we must protect all the people of Egypt. Not just protect them, but work for their well-being."
- ―The Medjay Bayek to his son Khemu[src]
The Medjay were an elite Egyptian military unit who acted as the ultimate sworn guardians of the pharaoh and the nation. More than just a police force, at their peak, they were highly esteemed, perceived as the very symbol of true honor, courage, and duty. For this reason, their badge was the Eye of Horus, an emblem representing the protection of the Egyptian people.
History
The Medjay were originally established during the Old Kingdom period of Egypt, tasked with the protection of the pharaoh's people. As the most the trusted guards to the pharaoh, they were considered as the ultimate protector of the gods and the people.
By the time of the Ptolemaic dynasty, the role had faded away, with Bayek being the one of the last Medjay and acting as a sheriff of sorts for his community. His wife Aya also served as a Medjay prior to 49 BCE before returning to Alexandria. Despite police duties being taken over by the phylakitai, Egyptians still recognise the symbol of the Medjay, hailing Bayek as a "protector".
In 48 BCE, Cleopatra appealed to Bayek's sense of duty by making him "Egypt's Medjay", granting him a golden badge to replace his original leather badge. Bayek's closest friend, Hepzefa, was also noted as a Medjay in Siwa, having taken Bayek's duties after he left on a journey of vengeance against the Order of the Ancients. After Hepzefa's death, Bayek was truly the last of the Medjay, a title he cast away as he became the first of the Hidden Ones.
Gallery
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Bayek's original Medjay badge -
Bayek's Medjay Badge given to him by Cleopatra
Trivia
- The Medjay symbol was the all-seeing Eye of Horus. Bayek had a golden tablet with the Eye that he used as a badge.