The best known of the feline deities was Bastet, who was usually either depicted in the theriomorphic (animal) form of a cat, or the hybrid form of a female body with a cat’s head. Bastet was sometimes depicted as a lioness (in earlier times), or as a woman with the head of a lioness (however this was more often related to the goddess Sekhmet, associated with destruction). Bastet was seen as a more mild and calming version of the ferocious lion. Not only were cats highly regarded for their everyday uses, but also in the divine realm. In this blog, we take a closer look at some of the most sacred animals of ancient Egypt. The crocodile was said to be the god of water and could act as a symbol of pharaonic power and strength, whereas the ibis was believed to be the patron of writing and scribes. Other animals that were feared by ancient Egyptians, such as crocodiles and hippopotami, were revered and worshipped in order to protect them from their wrath. Large cats such as cheetahs and lions were kept as exotic pets and were emblems of royalty.

The most well-known of these is probably the cat, which has its domestic origins in ancient Egypt.

Therefore, displaying their deities in the forms of animals, with particular characteristics, demonstrated what they believed about each god or goddess's nature.Ī whole host of animals played important roles. These included strength, the ability to ward off predators, protective nature, nurturing characteristics and connections to rebirth. Whether as deities, pets, symbols of fertility, or objects of fear, protection and luck, animals played a significant role in both royal and non-royal life in ancient Egypt, featuring heavily in everyday secular and religious activities.Īnimals often had attractive qualities that the ancient Egyptians perhaps admired and wanted to emulate.

Jackal egypt