Anubis

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Anubis Attending to a Mummy

A relief depicting the god Anubis attending to the mummy of a worker, identified as either Amen-nakht or Neben Maat. The relief, and the tomb it is in, date to the reign of Ramesses II (1279-1213 BCE). From the necropolis at Deir el-Medina. Thebes, Egypt.

Amun

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Ram-headed Amun-Ra

A relief depicting the ram-headed God Amun-Ra is a fusion of two powerful deities in ancient Egyptian religion, representing immense power and the essence of life. Amun, initially a local deity of Thebes, rose to national prominence around the 16th century BC, later merging with the sun god Ra to become Amun-Ra. This deity was often depicted with a ram’s head, symbolizing fertility and creativity, and was revered as the king of gods. Statues of Amun-Ra were prominent in ancient temples, such as the impressive granite statue built by King Taharqa, which can be found at the Ashmolean Museum. The discovery of ancient stone ram heads on Egypt’s ‘Avenue of the Sphinxes’ further highlights the significance of Amun-Ra in Egyptian culture.

Horus

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Horus

Horus is one of the most significant deities in ancient Egyptian religion, symbolizing kingship, the sky, and the sun. As a falcon-headed god, he was worshipped from prehistoric times well into the Ptolemaic period. Horus was often seen as the protector of the pharaoh, who was considered a living Horus on earth. The Eye of Horus, representing healing and protection, is one of the most recognizable symbols from ancient Egypt. His mythological conflicts with Set, his uncle, over the throne of Egypt, are legendary, reflecting the dual nature of life, combining elements of creation and destruction.

Sekhmet

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Osiris

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Ptah

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Isis

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Ra'

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Hathor

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Hathor-Goddess of the women, fertility, music, and love

Hathor, known as ‘the great one of many names,’ was a multifaceted deity in ancient Egyptian religion. Revered as a goddess of the sky, women, fertility, and love, Hathor was often depicted as a cow, symbolizing her nurturing and maternal aspects. She was also associated with music, dance, and joy, embodying the principles of femininity and motherhood. As the ‘Eye of Ra,’ she had a protective role and was seen as the symbolic mother of pharaohs, linking her to kingship and the divine. Hathor’s worship was widespread, with numerous temples dedicated to her across Egypt and beyond.

The deities of ancient Egypt played a vital role in the daily lives of the people, residing not only in the temples believed to be their dwellings but also in the streams, lakes, plains, trees, and notably, the Nile River. The ancient Egyptians honored the presence of these gods and goddesses through art, capturing their likenesses.

From the Predynastic Period in Egypt (circa 6000-3150 BCE) to the Ptolemaic Period (323-30 BCE) and continuing into the era of Roman Egypt (30 BCE – 646 CE), reverence for these divine beings is apparent. Their representations graced temples, monuments, tombs, sarcophagi, and papyrus scrolls, and were embodied in statues, figurines, palace wall carvings, and amulets. For an ancient Egyptian, the gods were omnipresent, and their depictions in art served as perpetual reminders of the daily blessings they bestowed upon the people.

“The kingdom of heaven is within oneself, and the person who knows himself shall find it.” – Ancient Egyptian saying

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Questions & Answers

How long were the gods & goddesses of ancient Egypt worshipped?

The gods & goddesses of ancient Egypt were worshipped from the Predynastic Period (c. 6000-3150 BCE through the Roman Period of Egypt (30 BCE- 646 CE).

How did people worship the gods of ancient Egypt?

People worshipped the gods through festivals and private rituals. There were no “worship services” as one would understand them today. Clergy communed with the god/goddess at the temple and people could visit the temple complex but were not allowed in the temple itself.

Who was the most popular deity of ancient Egypt?

Isis was the most popular deity of ancient Egypt. Temples were raised in her honor outside of Egypt as far away as Roman Britain and her cult was a major contender with early Christianity.

Who was the most powerful deity of ancient Egypt?

 

The most powerful deity of ancient Egypt was Amun. Amun was worshipped the longest and his clergy was so wealthy that their power rivaled that of the monarch.