Ancient Egyptian Religion

STUDY OF RELIGIONS ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION Everything you need to know about Ancient Egyptian Religion A RELIGION THAT LASTED AROUND 3,000 YEARS From around 3000 B.C. to 30 B.C. Ashley Teoh Ivory Anne Schuyler Choong Andrea Mary



STUDY OF RELIGIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION TO THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 2. BELIEFS AND VALUES 3. RELIGIOUS FIGURES 4. PROMINENT ANCIENT BUILDINGS 5. RITUAL OF MUMMIFICATION 6. GARMENTS, OUTFITS, AND TRADITIONAL WEAR 7. SIGNIFICANT SYMBOLS 8. OUR REFLECTIONS ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION

STUDY OF RELIGIONS WHAT IS THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION? A BRIEF SUMMARY The Ancient Egyptian Religion was a combination of rituals and beliefs that were crucial within Egyptian culture. The Ancient Egyptian Religion is said to have lasted around 3,500 years, with its origins being integrated within the prehistory of Egypt. The religion was polytheistic and was centered around the Egyptians' interactions with the many deities that are believed to be present within and in control of the world. The Ancient Egyptian religion not only played a vital role in their culture; but was closely rooted into their political and social systems as well, with the people of Egypt often making ritual sacrifices to “appease the Gods and win their favor” before partaking in any major activities, and the rulers of Egypt (Pharaohs) being chosen solely because they were believed to possess divine powers due to them being intermediaries between the Egyptian people and the Gods. In addition, due to the Ancient Egyptian Religion playing such a major role in Ancient Egyptian society, the Ancient Egyptians had many widespread technological/societal advancements which can be largely attributed to their beliefs, such as: Hieroglyphics which were used for their religious writings, Pyramids, The Sphinx, and their funerary practices, which gave way to future funeral rites and practices, which we employ to this day. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 1

STUDY OF RELIGIONS BELIEFS OF ANCIENT EGYPT The people of ancient Egyptian religion believe in many Gods and a multitude of deities which is known as polytheism. Their combination of beliefs and practices are Egyptian mythology, science, medicine, psychiatry, magic, spiritualism, herbology and the belief of a higher power and life after death. The Pharaoh or Ruler of Egypt is believed to be divine and a link between the people and the Gods, according to formal practices. The role of the Pharaoh is to sustain the Gods in order to maintain order in the universe. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 2

STUDY OF RELIGIONS BELIEFS OF ANCIENT EGYPT WEIGHING OF THE HEART They also believe in Ma’at which is known as truth, justice and order which is fixed and eternal. Without it, the world would fall apart because it is the centre of the Egyptian universe. The belief of life after death is that life on earth was seen as a part of an eternal journey, and living a life that is worthy would continue that journey after death. They believe in “ka” or life force, which humans possess that leaves the body at death. The ka must be fed offerings of food so it can consume the spiritual essence of it. Humans were also believed to possess “ba” which means the physical essence of the soul that remains in the body after death and it is a set of spiritual characteristics unique to each person. The ka and ba are united into an “akh” if a person is worthy, which allows them to travel to the lush underworld. The final judgment is known as the ‘Weighing of the Heart’ where actions of the deceased while alive are compared to Ma’at. Their heart is weighed against a white feather of truth to see if they’re worthy. If one is worthy, one is able to pass through and continue one’s life in paradise and if not, one’s heart would be devoured by Ammut and cease to exist. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 3

STUDY OF RELIGIONS THE NOTABLE FIGURES Ra, The Sun God Ra, the Sun God is one of the Ancient Egyptian Religion’s primary Gods, with his widely- known title as “The King of the Gods”, and is considered as the ‘creator of all’. Therefore, Ra can be understood as one of the most powerful gods in this Ancient Egyptian Religion, and is very revered amongst the people of Egypt. In fact, Ra played huge role in the daily lives of the Egyptian people; with the Egyptian people believing that in the daytime, Ra would ride across the sky in a golden ship, which brought light and warmth to the people on Earth, and at night, he descended into the underworld to bring his light and warmth to the people in the underworld. The Egyptian people also believed that every night, Ra and his servants would battle the mighty serpent Apep, who is also known as Apophis. Apep is known to be an Egyptian spirit that represented “evil, chaos, and destruction” who opposed “light, order, and truth”, thus becoming one of Ra’s greatest enemies. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 4

STUDY OF RELIGIONS Isis, the Mother of All Pharaohs Isis is an Ancient Egyptian Goddess, who is renowned as the “Queen of the Throne”. She is the wife of the Egyptian God Osiris, and the mother of Horus, the falcon-headed God. She is also highly revered amongst the Egyptian People, with the title of “Mother of All Pharaohs”. Her title came from her being the mother of Horus, who is regarded as the divine, first ‘king’ of Egypt, whom all Pharaohs descended from. Isis’ headdress is said to be a throne, or more specifically, the throne of her husband Osiris, before he was murdered by his brother Seth. After the murder of Osiris, Isis brought Horus to the River Nile’s marshland to hide him, and shielded him from poisonous snakes, scorpions, crocodiles, and other wild animals. Therefore, with her heroic and courageous act of protecting Horus; she is widely viewed as the selfless, giving, and protecting, mother, as well as wife, who places the well-being and interests of others above her own. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 5

STUDY OF RELIGIONS Osiris, the God of Fertility Osiris is one of the most important gods of Egypt, Osiris is the god of fertility, the afterlife, resurrection, life and the judge of the dead. In myths, Osiris was killed by his brother the evil god Seth and cut into pieces and was scattered into the River Nile. Osiris’s wife the Goddess Isis retrieves the body parts and wrapped it with mummy wrap enabling him to be brought back to life. However, Osiris is no longer complete and is unable to rule the land of the living and withdrew himself into the afterlife where he became the Judge of the dead. Osiris is seen as a generous and just God of Life. Osiris is also considered the first king of Egypt that established the cultural values which were passed down to be upheld by all later kings. The Kings of Egypt each identifies themselves with the god Horus during life and with Osiris in death. It is due to this that Osiris is often depicted as a mummified Pharaoh. The myth of Osiris embodies some of the most important values of Egyptian culture which is Harmony, Order and Eternal Life. Each of the values that were in the myth later become central values of Egyptian cultures and religion. In a way, Osiris is the primary factor that shapes the Egyptian culture and religion as a whole. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 6

STUDY OF RELIGIONS THE TEMPLE OF EDFU The Temple of Edfu or also known as the Temple of Horus was built during the Ptolemaic period in Egypt over the span of 180 years, it is known as the second largest temple in Egypt. The temple is dedicated to the worship of the Egyptian god Horus who is also known as the falcon god and his wife Hathora of Dendera. There are several inscriptions found at the temple wall of Edfu which is known as the ‘Sacred Drama’. The Sacred Drama is a story about Horus and his battle with his uncle Seth who murdered his father Osiris, and so Horus seeks revenge for the death of his father. This story was reenacted ceremoniously by the ancient egyptian people each year at the temple complex. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 7

STUDY OF RELIGIONS THE TEMPLE OF EDFU The temple consists of a pylon which is the gateway guided by two huge statues of Horus as a falcon and beyond the pylon there is a court of offerings that is surrounded on three sides by 32 columns with different floral capitals on each of the columns. Outer hypostyle hall has a second set of Horus falcon statues in black granite and the inner hypostyle hall has 12 columns. The top left part of the hall used to be the temple laboratory where perfumes and incense recipes were carefully brewed and stored, with the ingredients listed on the walls. The offering chamber, or known as the first antechamber has an altar where daily offerings of fruit, flowers, wine, milk and other foods were left while the second antechamber leads to the sanctuary of Horus, that contains a shrine which housed the gold cult statue of Horus. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 8

STUDY OF RELIGIONS RITUAL OF MUMMIFICATION Mummification is the process of The process of mummification is an preserving a body after death by expensive one, which meant that it removing the moisture and was only exclusive to the Pharaohs wrapping the body in linen and the nobility. As time went on, bandages. In the Ancient Egyptian less costly methods were invented Religion, embalming and keeping for common people to be the body in one piece was mummified. There were three types important, as they believed that of mummification methods, with the afterlife could only be crossed each one varied from price and over if the home of the soul (the quality. body) was whole, if it were destroyed the soul or spirit would be lost. The concept of ‘spirits’ takes on in three forms, ka, ba, and akh. Ka and ba stayed in the body, with ba being able to fly in and out of freely, this is why preserving the body was important, so that ba could return back. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 9

STUDY OF RELIGIONS RITUAL OF MUMMIFICATION THE PROCESS OF MUMMIFICATION FOR THE RICH A LESS COSTLY VERSION 1. A hook would be inserted 1. A cedar-wood oil would be through the nose to remove injected in the abdomen to the brain. liquify the organs, where a plug would be inserted at the 2. A slit would be cut on the side recturm to prevent the liquid of the abdomen to remove the from leaking out. organs and cleaned the inside with spices and wine. 2. The body would be placed in natron for 70 days. 3.The organs would be put in canopic jars and preserved as 3.After 70 days the plug at the well. rectum would be removed to allow the liquified organs and 4. The abdomen would then be oil to drain out from the back, filled with spices and herbs and the body is returned to the such as pure myrrh and cassia, family. then sewn back up. 5. The body would be placed in natron (salt) and left for 70 days to dry out. 6.After 70 days the body is washed and wrapped in linen bandages and put in coffins. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 10

STUDY OF RELIGIONS RITUAL OF MUMMIFICATION PROCESS OF MUMMIFICATION Credits: SimplisticReps FOR THE POOR 1. The intestines were cleansed through an enema with unknown liquids. 2. The body would be placed in a natron for 70 days. 3.The body is returned to the family. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 11

STUDY OF RELIGIONS GARMENTS, OUTFITS, AND TRADITIONAL WEAR The Egyptian religion believes that The men in Ancient Egypt animals are sacred and believe that typically wear loincloth or they are the embodiment of certain skirts. While women wore robes gods. Which is why clothing in and tight dresses and children's Ancient Egypt typically uses white rarely wore clothes before linen. While some of them are made hitting puberty. The Clothing out of wool, they are not allowed in style varies depending on the any of the temples due to the occupation of the person. For material coming from animals. Due example, farmers will be to their beliefs the wool is not wearing loincloths while viziers permitted to touch their skins. will be wearing a full length- However, beliefs are not the only robe. The wealthy people in reason why white linen is commonly Ancient Egypt wore sandals used. Linen is considered a cooler while the poor people were material in contrast to the blazing barefooted. heat of the desert which proves to be beneficial as well. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 12

STUDY OF RELIGIONS SIGNIFICANT SYMBOLS Hieroglyphics Hieroglyphics was the prehistoric fulfilling one out of three functions: to Ancient Egyptian writing system, represent an image of an object or which was characterized by its usage action, to stand for a sound of one, to of imagery and symbols as a way to three syllables, or to clarify the exact convey words and meaning. meaning of adjoining glyphs, Hieroglyphics can be considered the providing context to the sentence. first form of pictorial script, or in simpler words, “picture-writing”. With the amount of skill required to write hieroglyphics, only a limited Despite its light-hearted appearance, number of people were allowed to Hieroglyphics was actually a very deep learn it; such as priests, scribes, and meaningful writing system, with nobles, and Pharaohs. each symbol (also known as “glyph”), ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 13

STUDY OF RELIGIONS SIGNIFICANT SYMBOLS Eye of Horus The Eye of Horus, also known as the After Horus restores his eyes wadjet, is primarily the Egyptian symbol with the help of the god of of royalty. However it also is the symbol knowledge Thoth, he offers it to of protection, sacrifice, healing and his late father Osiris in hopes good health. that he would be restored. Hence, the symbol takes on the Funerary amulets in Egyptian culture meaning of sacrifice, healing and are often made in the shape of the Eye protection. of Horus with the intent to protect the Pharaohs in the afterlife and to fend off all evils. The Eye of Horus is also seen on Ancient Egyptians vessels to ensure their safe sea travels. The reason why the wadjet is seen as a symbol of protection and good health comes from a myth involving the gods. When the evil god Set fought with the god of the sky Horus for the throne after Osiris’s death, Set gouged out Horus's left eye. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 14

STUDY OF RELIGIONS SIGNIFICANT SYMBOLS Ankh The Ankh, also known as the key of life, is the representation of eternal life in Ancient Egypt. The Pharaohs and Kings are often seen holding the Ankh to preserve their immortality. Ankhs are traditionally placed in sarcophagi to ensure the person's life after death. It is one of the most ancient symbols as it is also the Egyptian Hieroglyph for “life”. The Ancient Egyptians believed that the earthly journey of man is only the beginning of eternal life. The Ankh represents both the mortal existence and the afterlife which makes the Ankh a very important symbol to Ancient Egyptian Religion. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 15

STUDY OF RELIGIONS PERSONAL REFLECTIONS ASHLEY TEOH The Ancient Egyptian Religion was polytheistic, and they had many different deities that were involved in everything in nature and human society. I found it really interesting that each god or goddess had their own connection to the world and formed the basis of the religion itself, where rituals, architects, and more were all invented to have a closer connection to the gods to have them be in favour of humans. The process of mummification was way beyond any medical practice at that time, the way they cleaned out the body while still keeping the body in one piece and preserving it as perfectly as possible in nitron for exactly 70 days shows how innovative and smart they were in this process. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 16

STUDY OF RELIGIONS PERSONAL REFLECTIONS ANDREA MARY Based on our research on ancient egyptian religion, I’ve learnt that the Egyptian people and society are quite advanced and self-sufficient. This can be seen in their ritual of mummification where they are skilled in the art of preserving dead bodies. They are also knowledgeable in many fields such as medicine, herbs, psychiatry and science which have contributed to the progression and civilization of society. The beliefs of the ancient egyptian religion such as polytheism and the afterlife were also beneficial to the egyptian people as it created order in their society & universe. This is because the people believed in the weighing of the heart, in which their life and actions on earth are weighed against the white feather of truth to see if they are worthy enough to live an eternal life. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 17

STUDY OF RELIGIONS PERSONAL REFLECTIONS IVORY ANNE From working on this Ancient Egyptian Religion assignment, I’ve learned that Ancient Egypt was actually a very advanced civilization, despite being one of the earliest forms of human civilization that existed. Prominent Ancient Egyptian building structures such as Pyramids, and Temples, required much architectural skills, and the Ancient Egyptians also had their own form of mathematics. Their funeral rites were also highly important as well, because this proper burial of bodies, and the preservation of the dead, helped to prevent the spread of diseases, as well as helped keep a lot of their history alive. From their mathematical advancements in building structures, their complex writing system, to the way they buried their dead, we can say that they were fairly advanced with their inventions, and made a major impact in the way our modern society functions today. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 18

STUDY OF RELIGIONS PERSONAL REFLECTIONS SCHUYLER CHOONG When I first started on the assignment, I only knew the barebones about Ancient Egyptian Religion. I know about some of the deities such as Ra, Sobek, Apophis, Set, Horus, Thoth and so on… But I never really took the time nor the initiative to learn more about how they affect the whole civilization of Egypt and how important they really are in Ancient Egypt. Osiris is pretty much the reason why mummification even existed. Mummification is so prevalent in Ancient Egypt, and we can still see the remnants of the process in today’s age. Labeling the myths of the deities of Egypt as important is an understatement, their rituals, beliefs, even buildings uses the myths as the very foundation. I learned that the Egyptians held the myths with such high regard it's practically their scriptures. Finally, their morality and ethics. It's extremely fascinating for me to see how the myths that they read are translated into their everyday lives. The afterlife is a very important element in the Egyptians lives, and you can tell by the way they live their lives, such as not committing sins so that Osiris will pass a fair trial onto them to enter the afterlife. After the whole research, I look at Egypt now and I now understand their entire culture as a whole better. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 19

STUDY OF RELIGIONS REFERENCES En.wikipedia.org. n.d. Ancient Egyptian Religion. Wikipedia. Hill, J., 2008. Ra | Ancient Egypt Online. Ancientegyptonline.co.uk. Mueller, H., 2020. Ra | Encyclopedia.Com. Encyclopedia.com. Rayne, E., 2017. How A Solar Eclipse Rewrote The History Of Ancient Egypt. SYFY WIRE. Mark, J., 2016. Isis. Ancient History Encyclopedia. Canadian Museum of History. n.d. Egyptian Civilization - Gods And Goddesses - Horus. Mark, J., 2016. Osiris. Ancient History Encyclopedia. Millmore, M., n.d. Egyptian Mummification. Discovering Ancient Egypt. Smithsonian Institution. n.d. Egyptian Mummies. Historylink101. n.d. Clothing In Ancient Egypt. En.wikipedia.org. n.d. Hieroglyph. Wikipedia. Egyptianmuseum.org. n.d. Edfu Temple - Greco-Roman Period Monuments. ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION 20

STUDY OF RELIGIONS