The Crook, the Flail, and the Sceptre: Symbols of Royal Authority of Tutankhamun What appears in this video is not decorative regalia, but the actual royal insignia used by Tutankhamun during his reign. The crook and the flail were among the most important symbols of kingship in ancient Egypt. They represented royal authority, protection, and the king’s responsibility to maintain order and balance — according to ancient Egyptian belief. Also shown is the ritual sceptre known as the Kherep (or Ab