Ancient Egyptian Mythology

Ancient Egypt Civilization developed between 4000 and 3000 BCE. In about 3000 BCE, Upper and Lower Egypt combined, becoming the first great nation of the Western World. Egyptians invented hieroglyphics, a kind of picture writing Allowed them to record thoughts and establish written heritage. More politically stable than Mesopotamia Quality of life was better Secluded from Mesopotamia by the Mediterranean sea and large expanses of desert

Ancient Egypt Egyptians lived with more predictability than Mesopotamians Nile River fluctuated regularly while the Tigris and Euphrates was sporadic. Therefore, the gods were believed to be more benevolent than Mesopotamia’s. The Nile was the lifeblood of Egyptians; the desert was the great environmental enemy Desert represented death

Egyptian Religion Egyptians prayed for children, success in farming and hunting, and victory in war. Believed in resurrection of the dead soul into a new life in a different world

Egyptian Gods Osiris God of grain and of the Nile Nourished all life Taught people how to cultivate, how to irrigate, and how to prevent unwanted flooding. Like the Nile dried up and flooded, Osiris lived, died, and was reborn. The worship of Osiris turned people away from cannibalism. Began to believe humans were part divine King of Egypt and the earth Both god and man Well-liked because he had once been a man He could sympathize with humans and help those in both realms

Egyptian Gods Horus the Younger Isis Son of Osiris; intermediary between the Egyptians who were destined to die and Osiris, who could grant them immortality. Isis Osiris’ sister and wife; greatest goddess in Egypt Lady of abundance; Lady of green crops Represented the loving wife and nurturing mother Human and goddess

Egyptian Gods Set Thoth Osiris’ brother and enemy God of the desert Represented the evil in the universe: natural catastrophes, darkness, destruction, and death. Thoth god of wisdom, inventor of writing, patron of scribes and the divine mediator questions the souls of the dead about their deeds in life before their heart is weighed by Horus

Egyptian Gods Amun Ra/ Re Sun god; creator of all  Important to the Egyptians—the sun represented light, warmth, and growth

Egyptian Gods Geb Nut Shu God of the earth Goddess of the sky Goddess of the air