The Egyptian Cat Goddess (FULL DOCUMENTARY) In Search Of Bastet with Salima Ikram

Curtis Ryan Woodside・2 minutes read

Ancient Egyptians worshiped a variety of gods, including the domestic cat goddess Bastet, but the reality of cat worship was more complex and tied to the Lioness goddess Sekhmet. Cat mummies were used for protection and sold to pilgrims by priests, reflecting a desire for independence and self-reliance associated with cats in ancient Egypt.

Insights

  • Ancient Egyptians worshiped a variety of gods in different forms, including human, animal, and ambiguous representations, showcasing the complexity of their religious beliefs.
  • The worship of cats in ancient Egypt, particularly the goddess Bastet, stemmed from the Lioness goddess Sekhmet, symbolizing both calmness and fierceness, highlighting the multifaceted nature of deities in Egyptian culture and their interconnectedness.

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Recent questions

  • Why did ancient Egyptians worship cats?

    Ancient Egyptians worshiped cats due to their association with the Lioness goddess Sekhmet, with Bastet representing her calm side. Cats were seen as symbols of calmness, serenity, and wariness of danger, embodying the independence that cats are known for. The worship of cats in ancient Egypt stemmed from a deep cultural and religious significance, reflecting the desire for self-reliance and independence in a society where pharaohs and priests held significant control.

  • What role did cat priests play in ancient Egypt?

    Cat priests in ancient Egypt played a crucial role in the worship and veneration of cats, particularly the goddess Bastet. These priests were responsible for conducting ceremonies, rituals, and offerings dedicated to cats, ensuring their protection and well-being. They also played a role in selling cat mummies to pilgrims seeking protection and a peaceful life, further solidifying the importance of cats in ancient Egyptian society.

  • How did the worship of cats spread beyond ancient Egypt?

    The worship of cats in ancient Egypt spread beyond its borders to Greece and Italy, where priests continued to perform ceremonies dedicated to cats. The Cult of the cat gained popularity in these regions, with priests conducting rituals involving cats, similar to those practiced in ancient Egypt. The spread of cat worship to other civilizations highlights the enduring influence and significance of cats in ancient Egyptian culture.

  • What was the significance of the Temple of Bastet at Bubastus?

    The Temple of Bastet at Bubastus, built by Ramses II, held both religious and symbolic significance. While it may have been perceived as a vanity project by Ramses II, the temple served as a focal point for the worship of the goddess Bastet in the city. The construction of this temple reinforced the importance of cat worship in ancient Egypt and solidified Bubastus as a center for the veneration of cats and the goddess Bastet.

  • How did the destruction of Bubastus fulfill a prophecy?

    The city of Bubastus, dedicated to the cat goddess Bastet, was destroyed during the Christian Crusades in 1154, fulfilling a prophecy of its destruction due to pagan worship. The destruction of Bubastus was seen as a consequence of the city's association with cat worship and pagan practices, as foretold in the prophecy. This event marked the end of an era for the city and its significance in ancient Egyptian religious history.

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Summary

00:00

Cat worship in ancient Egypt: Bastet's legacy.

  • Ancient Egyptians worshiped many gods in human, animal, or ambiguous forms.
  • Public perception suggests all ancient Egyptians, royal and common, worshiped the domestic cat as the goddess Bastet.
  • The reality of cat worship in ancient Egypt is explored, including tombs, dog names, and scattered treasures worldwide.
  • An ancient forgotten city in the Nile Delta, dedicated to the cat goddess Bastet, is discovered.
  • Only one known scene of a pharaoh worshiping Bastet exists, in a city described as a feminine stronghold and mentioned in the Bible.
  • Cat mummy expert Salima Ikram sheds light on the role of cat priests in ancient Egypt.
  • The worship of cats in ancient Egypt stemmed from the Lioness goddess Sekhmet, with Bastet representing her calm side.
  • Pharaoh Ammunem Hearts III built a palace at Bubastus, possibly due to the high concentration of women in the city.
  • Ramses II built the Temple of Bastet at Bubastus, more as a vanity project than genuine worship.
  • The city of Bubastus was destroyed during the Christian Crusades in 1154, fulfilling a prophecy of its destruction due to pagan worship.

23:03

Ramses II's Lion Marcus and Egyptian Cats

  • Ramses II built the temple named Dare and gave his pet lion a name, unlike commoners who named their cats "meow."
  • Ramses II's pet lion, depicted by Talwali and Abu symbol, was trained by Nubians and gifted to him.
  • The lion's name, Marcus, was written at the top with a determinative of a lion, meaning "the one who is beside him."
  • The Cult of the cat spread to Greece and Italy, with priests performing ceremonies in Pompeii, featuring cats.
  • Pet cats were found in minor Royal tombs, with the uncle of Tutankhamun having his pet cat buried with him, named "meow."
  • Larger felines were associated with Royals, as seen in the mummified lion found in the Tomb of Maya at Sakara.
  • Queen Ti, married to Pharaoh Amenhotep III, was associated with the Lioness goddess Moot in Luxor.
  • The Temple of Moot in Karnak featured statues of the Lioness goddess Sekhmet, with rituals involving feeding her beer dyed red.
  • Sheshank, a Libyan Pharaoh, defended Egypt from Judah and Bubastus, with conquests detailed in the Bible.
  • The priests took control in Thebes and Bubastus, selling cat mummies to pilgrims for protection and a peaceful life.

43:46

Bastet: Symbol of Independence and Serenity

  • Bastet was a symbol of calmness, serenity, and wariness of danger, embodying the independence associated with cats.
  • In ancient Egypt, where pharaohs and priests held significant control, Bastet represented self-reliance and independence, possibly reflecting the people's desire for such qualities.
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