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Difference between revisions of "Egyptian religion"
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[[File:Luxor Night.jpg|400px|thumb|Luxor Temple at night]] | [[File:Luxor Night.jpg|400px|thumb|[[Luxor]] Temple at night]] | ||
The '''Ancient Egyptian religion''' was a complex system of polytheistic beliefs and rituals that formed an integral part of ancient Egyptian culture. It centered on the Egyptians' interactions with many deities believed to be present in, and in control of the world. Rituals such as prayer and offerings were provided to the gods to gain their favor. | The '''Ancient Egyptian religion''' was a complex system of polytheistic beliefs and rituals that formed an integral part of ancient Egyptian culture. It centered on the Egyptians' interactions with many deities believed to be present in, and in control of the world. Rituals such as prayer and offerings were provided to the gods to gain their favor. | ||
Individuals could interact with the gods for their own purposes, appealing for help through prayer or compelling the gods to act through [[ritual magic|magic]]. These practices were distinct from, but closely linked with, the formal rituals and institutions. | Individuals could interact with the gods for their own purposes, appealing for help through prayer or compelling the gods to act through [[ritual magic|magic]]. These practices were distinct from, but closely linked with, the formal rituals and institutions. | ||
The religion had its roots in Egypt's prehistory and lasted for 3,500 years. The details of religious belief changed over time as the importance of particular gods rose and declined, and their intricate relationships shifted. At various times, certain gods became preeminent over the others, including the [[sun]] god [[Ra]], the creator god [[Amun-Ra]], and the mother goddess [[Isis]]. For a brief period, in the theology promulgated by the pharaoh Akhenaten, a single god, the Aten, replaced the traditional pantheon. Ancient | The religion had its roots in Egypt's prehistory and lasted for 3,500 years. The details of religious belief changed over time as the importance of particular gods rose and declined, and their intricate relationships shifted. At various times, certain gods became preeminent over the others, including the [[sun]] god [[Ra]], the creator god [[Amun-Ra]], and the mother goddess [[Isis]]. For a brief period, in the theology promulgated by the pharaoh Akhenaten, a single god, the Aten, replaced the traditional pantheon. Ancient Egyptian religion and mythology left behind many writings and monuments, along with significant influences on ancient and modern cultures. | ||
==Cosmology== | ==Cosmology== | ||
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==Rituals and texts== | ==Rituals and texts== | ||
The oldest written record of Egyptian religious beliefs are found in the Old Kingdom [[Pyramid Texts]]. | |||
The procedures for religious rituals were frequently written on papyri, which were used as instructions for those performing the [[ritual magic|ritual]]. These ritual texts were kept mainly in the temple libraries. Temples themselves are also inscribed with such texts, often accompanied by illustrations. Unlike the ritual papyri, these inscriptions were not intended as instructions, but were meant to symbolically perpetuate the rituals even if, in reality, people ceased to perform them. Magical texts likewise describe rituals, although these rituals were part of the spells used for specific goals in everyday life. Despite their mundane purpose, many of these texts also originated in temple libraries and later became disseminated among the general populace. | The procedures for religious rituals were frequently written on papyri, which were used as instructions for those performing the [[ritual magic|ritual]]. These ritual texts were kept mainly in the temple libraries. Temples themselves are also inscribed with such texts, often accompanied by illustrations. Unlike the ritual papyri, these inscriptions were not intended as instructions, but were meant to symbolically perpetuate the rituals even if, in reality, people ceased to perform them. Magical texts likewise describe rituals, although these rituals were part of the spells used for specific goals in everyday life. Despite their mundane purpose, many of these texts also originated in temple libraries and later became disseminated among the general populace. | ||