The Mythology of Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt has long captivated the imaginations of archaeologists, historians, and the general public. Known for the majestic pyramids, scores of artifacts, and a highly developed culture, Egypt has been for years a bastion of dense mysteries yet to be fully unraveled. One of the most pertinent yet largely unknown questions surrounding this ancient civilization has to do with its origin and the nature of its gods.
At the bedrock of Ancient Egyptian religion exists an ancient mythology which has been preserved for centuries through artwork, hieroglyphics, and the written epics of the time for example the Pyramid Texts, Coffin Texts, and Book of the Dead. These texts have been integral in providing a more detailed view of the beliefs, rituals, and cosmology practiced by the Ancient Egyptians. According to mythic history, the gods of Egypt were present prior to creation and personified aspects of the natural force known as ‘maat’. These gods were then said to have co-existed and helped fashion the world of the Nile valley which coincided with the first of their earthly rulers – the gods themselves.
The gods in question included Horus, Isis, Thoth, Ra, and Ptah—among many others. Many scholars believe this pantheon of deities to be of extraterrestrial origin. It is said that these beings of the heavens descended to earth in order to inhabit the Nile valley and propagate their own civilization. While there is much to be theorized and discussed about this ‘ancient alien’ hypothesis, there have been sufficient evidence unearthed that point to one conclusion—ancient Egypt and its stories about the gods hold some mysterious past.
This branch of esoteric knowledge, however, has been somewhat disregarded by mainstream historical data. Although much of the culture’s customs, beliefs, and stories can be traced back to 2230 B.C., much of the mythological origin was absent, or even rejected, by compilers of ancient history. For instance, one of the most influential Egyptian historical figures, Manetho, implemented a timeline of Egyptian history that excluded mythological accounts and instead lived up to the dominant orthodoxy of Egypt at the time.
The tradition of belief in the gods continues to remain alive among the remaining tribes in North Africa – from the Kushites of Iraq to the nomads of Tunisia and beyond. This often serves as a reminder to the forgotten spiritual roots of Ancient Egypt. At the same time, the maintenance of these Tribal gods and rituals through the ages creates an even closer relationship between modern spiritual practices and Ancient Egypt.
The Norms and Spiritual Practices of Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife where one would be judged by their deeds during life. Consequently, much of their moral code was based on acts of piety, compassion, and charity. As a result, their daily routine and customs were focused on understanding the power of gods, honoring the dead, and formulating suitable offerings for them in the afterlife. This is the foundation of the country’s spiritual and moral identity, with much of the early gods being representative of these values.
The spiritual practices of Ancient Egyptians are quite varied and range from offerings and invocations of different gods to rituals of purification and sacred arts. The Ancient Egyptians often welcomed the gods of death and resurrection, Ra, Atum, and Osiris like one would a divine being. Furthermore, the gods were understood to be symbols of forces that were taking part in the larger grand cycle of life. Thus, spirituality was also underpinned by the Ancient Egyptians’ deep understanding of the natural world—with the Nile being the life source of their civilization. This in part inspired one of the most famous temples of the time: the Temple of Karnak.
The Temple of Karnak is said to be a manifestation of Ancient Egyptian belief in the gods. The temple is said to include been structured with a host of altars, chapels, shrines, and galleries dedicated to various gods. This is why to this day it remains a major point of attraction in Egypt for its beauty and grandiosity. Inside the temple were also a number of hieroglyphic tablets which detailed ritualistic practices, as well as a calendar that marked significant celebrations of the gods throughout the year.
A vital component of Ancient Egyptian spiritual practice was the preparation of mummification for the souls of the deceased. Again, this was based on their belief that the body must be transformed into a functional vessel for the afterlife. Part of this ritual involved the use of the ‘Book of the Dead’—a script containing potent prayers which were used to transport the soul into the afterlife where it could find eternal peace.
The curious customs and beliefs of Ancient Egypt have great potential to unlock the secrets of humanity’s mysterious origin.
The Great Pyramids and the Meaning Behind them
The Pyramid of Giza is without a doubt the most recognizable accomplishment of Ancient Egypt. First built in the 26th century BCE, the Pyramid served as a tomb to Pharaoh Khufu and its elevation to legendary status began soon after. Visually stunning, the Pyramid of Giza stands as a reminder of the power of the Ancient Egyptians and their legacy. In addition, these Pyramids are the result of extraordinary ingenuity given its precise measurements and mathematics.
Below the pyramids lies an even more curious mystery. These mysterious underground chambers have been sealed off for centuries, since first discovered by French explorer Pierre Belon in 1637. The chambers are decorated with a range of hieroglyphs, symbols, and numerous inscriptions-many of which are said to peer into the secrets of the past. This mystery is further intensified by the presence of what is known as the ‘Basilisk Pyramid’. This chamber is said to contain an unknown ‘entity’—perhaps the original pharaoh, or an unknown god.
Furthermore, theorists have proposed a commonality between Ancient Egyptian culture and the cultures of Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley—both of which share similarpyramid building practices. In essence, theorists assert that a common ancestor connects the disparate cultures in the three regions. This ancestor, it is said, was an unknown civilization from another part of the world, thus opening up an entire new school of thought concerning humanity’s origins.
The Ancient Egyptian gods continue to linger in the minds of the modern world—compelling us to find out the truth about this mysterious and ancient civilization.
The Impact of Ancient Egypt on Modern Society
Today, the meaning and influence of the gods of Ancient Egypt continue to be reflected in a number of vibrant ways. From its fascination of Pyramid building to its incorporation of mystical gods and symbols in literature, films, and internet culture, Ancient Egypt continues to capture the imaginations of people all around the world.
To this day, the gods of Ancient Egypt remain household names. The legacy of these gods can be seen everywhere—from Ancient Egyptian inspired style and dress to worship and prayer inspired by these gods. Even after thousands of years, the gods of Ancient Egypt are still deeply integrated into modern spiritual practices and cosmology.
In addition, the influence of Ancient Egyptian culture can also be seen in the modern justice system. The Ancient Egyptian people believed that divine justice would be provided for those wronged by their fellow man. Consequently, the idea of a ‘fair’ court system slowly became implanted in Ancient Egyptian thought, leading to the development of the modern court system as we know it today.
The secrets of Ancient Egypt have only been further perpetuated through novels and films like Indiana Jones and The Mummy—granting the popular Figure of Indiana Jones immortality as an archetypical hero. Even the dietary systems of Ancient Egyptian culture have been seen adopted in different diets across the world- from Whole30 and Paleo diet to the Mediterranean diet.
The Relationship Between Ancient Egypt and Religion
Egypt’s powerful religious celebrations left a long-lasting impression on the world around them. The gods of Ancient Egypt, such as Ra, Isis, and Horus, have gone on to inspire stories and legends in other parts of the world. The gods of Ancient Egypt were recognized throughout the region as powerful forces, both in religious and political contexts.
The Egypt of today carries within it an undeniable association with religion. From the teachings of the ancient Pharaohs to the teachings of Abrahamic religions—Egypt has become strongly linked with spiritual practices. In particular, its association with Christianity and the story of Moses have made Egypt a symbol for spiritual resurrection and salvation in the minds of many.
The early Egyptians believed in an afterlife where one’s actions in life directly corresponded to how one would be judged in the afterlife. Therefore, moral virtues were highly accentuated in their customs and spiritual lives, with much of their cosmology centered around gods who personified these virtues. Thus, the gods, and in particular Osiris, gradually became equal parts spiritual and political, with a cosmology suited for the ruling Pharaohs.
In hindsight, the spiritual practices of Ancient Egypt can be seen as a mirror to the spiritual quests of many cultures throughout the world. In some ways, it can be seen as an enlightened perspective on faith and spirituality which has been adopted by various religious denominations in the present.
The Influence of Ancient Egypt in Art and Literature
Egyptian culture has had a lasting impact on the development of art and literature in the modern world. From the intricate craftsmanship of Ancient Egyptian sculptures to their advanced understanding of mathematics, architecture, and engineering, the Ancient Egyptians have been credited as a major contributor to the advancement of human society.
Recently, the curiosity of Ancient Egyptians and their gods have been increasingly integrated into modern literature and art. Writers such as Margaret Atwood and Louis L’Amour have been profoundly influenced by Ancient Egyptian gods and their stories in their writing. Atwood in particular has explored the symbolic and mythical relevance of gods like Isis and Osiris in her work.
Ancient Egyptian art has also had a considerable influence on the art world. For example, works by artists like Howard David Johnson incorporate Ancient Egyptian culture, mythology, and figures into their illustrations. In addition, contemporary artists like NeffaTakesTheMetro have imaginatively blended elements of Ancient Egypt with futuristic illustrations in their art.
The influence of Ancient Egypt continues to be seen in popular culture today. From Egyptian themed Halloween costumes to the mysterious symbolism of Gods and Kings in blockbuster films, our curiosity and fascination with this ancient civilization have only grown.
Bringing Ancient Egypt into the Digital Age
Cultural preservation is key in understanding the lasting effects of a civilization. To this day, the mysteries of Ancient Egypt continue to inspire researchers and theorists alike. Consequently, innovators have begun to look to digital tools to explore the secrets of Ancient Egypt.
Innovators have now used 3D printing and virtual reality technology to model the grandeur of ancient temples like Karnak, Thebes, and Memphis. Digital artists have also begun to re-create the statues and shrines of Ancient Egypt in 3D illustration and interactive videos. There is also online courses, such as Future Learn’s ‘The World Of Ancient Egypt’, aimed to educate and bring Ancient Egypt into the modern world.
In addition, scholars have used history and the archaeology of Ancient Egypt to explore the cosmology crafted by the Ancient Egyptians. Examples include new interpretations of the Ancient Egyptian pantheon, exploring the theories around the emergence of the Ancient Egyptian gods, and the impact of Ancient Egyptian beliefs on cultures later on in history.
Now, more than ever, an empowered Global audience has the opportunity to investigate the deeply embedded beliefs and customs of the Ancient Egyptians. Through digital tools and platforms, we can now gain a much more comprehensive view of this majestic culture.
