This volume covers the numerous small lists of feasts that occur mainly on stelae and in tombs. A chronological study is presented wherein the major phases of Pharaonic Egypt (Old Kingdom to the Ptolemaic Period) are covered. Questions of dating these inscriptions as well as reasons concerning alterations in the lists form a major part of the discussion. In particular, differences in arrangement of these private celebrations both within a specific time period as well as between eras provide causes for the alterations of religious patterns of a non-royal sort. Calendrical ideas are likewise surveyed although for the most part the aim of this study remains focused upon the religious events themselves.Material of an ancillary nature (including some data from royal inscriptions) will be found only when they provide light upon the private religious practices.
Standing as a summary of Spalinger's ideas at the time of the Yale lectures in 2012, this study covers two research sides of modern Egyptological research by a life-long student of ancient Egyptian calendrics and the Egyptian military. The first three chapters cover the development of Richard Parker's seminal study from 1950 and move into the present stage of scholarship. Very important is the author's clarification of what Parker wrote in his paradigmatic work, a slim volume often misunderstood. Hence, the thrust of argument concentrates upon the dating of feasts, the names of the Egyptian months and their metamorphoses, in addition to the retention of lunar-based phenomena. Two final chapters turn to the military aspects of New Kingdom warfare, with emphasis placed upon Seti I and logistical arrangements.
This lavishly illustrated book offers a comprehensive analysis of clothing in Late Period Egypt (750 to 332 BC) by examining works of art and archaeological remains. It includes a detailed classification of clothing for the purpose of dating art.
This book is a comprehensive reference on ancient Egyptian astronomy, one of the most important topics in historical astronomy. Written by two recognized specialists—one an astronomer trained in Egyptology and the other an Egyptologist trained in astronomy—it synthesizes and analyses the international body of research surrounding this ancient culture. The chapters in this work address all major topics in the field, including Egyptian cosmogony and worldview, timekeeping devices and calendars, landscapes and skyscapes, astronomy-influenced architecture, chronology and more. Each chapter includes an introduction, an overview of the existing documentation on the subject, a critical discussion of ongoing debates and questions, and a presentation of state-of-the-art research. Straddling the line between Egyptology and astronomy, this multidisciplinary book will appeal to any scholar or specialist interested in studying ancient Egyptian astronomy.
We’ve completely misunderstood the purpose of the pyramids. They weren’t built primarily as tombs, instead they were intended to be used by Pharaoh while he was still alive. In very ancient times, the king was only allowed to rule for 30 years––then he’d be ritually killed! They didn’t want an old man in charge. One day, a Pharaoh was nearing his 30th year and decided he didn’t want to die, so came up with a set of rituals that would enable him to live on. It was called ‘Heb Sed’. This sacred ceremony was more than just a life-saver though, it also enabled the king to merge with the Sun-god. After death, Egyptian kings were believed to board the Sun-boat where they would shine down on their subjects for all eternity. However, many things could go awry in this process, particularly under the eyes of a successor. What if they bungled the funeral? What if they were a rival? Heb Sed enabled all this to occur while the king was still alive so that he could preside over proceedings, ensuring its success. And the bonus of being able to do this while alive is that some part of the Pharaoh would board the Sun-boat and in doing so, the king would become a divinity––the Pharaoh became a living God-king! But all this could only happen if they built a strange, pyramid-shaped structure to enable this potent magic to take place. So they built pyramids. And they got bigger and more magnificent with the passing of each King. This madness came to a head with Pharaoh Snefru who built two massive pyramids; the two biggest man-made structures in the World! How do you outdo this? While his son ‘Khufu’ only managed to build one pyramid, it was the most impressive structure ever built by humans. Still is, in my book. And yes, it might have functioned as his tomb, although Strabo and Diodorus swear black and blue that it wasn’t, however, it was entirely geared to the Sun-god, as you will find out... it was entirely geared for the King's Heb Sed. This book is the sequel to Architecture of Ra, but can be read independently of it. It also delves into the myths of Egypt as well as those of other cultures (Jason & the Argonauts, Icarus, Jonah, Thor, Hercules…). I don’t like calling these stories 'myths' because they actually belonged to living religions and to make that grade, the stories had to include information seminal to that culture. And if the texts contain this knowledge, then so did their religious buildings. The knowledge encoded in Egyptian legends is also encoded in their pyramids!
This volume deals with the chronology of Ancient Egypt from the fourth millennium until the Hellenistic Period. An initial section reviews the foundations of Egyptian chronology, both ancient and modern, from annals and kinglists to C14 analyses of archaeological data. Specialists discuss sources, compile lists of known dates, and analyze biographical information in the section devoted to relative chronology. The editors are responsible for the final section which attempts a synthesis of the entire range of available data to arrive at alternative absolute chronologies. The prospective readership includes specialists in Near Eastern and Aegean studies as well as Egyptologists.
Memory and Urban Religion in the Ancient World brings together scholars and researchers working on memory and religion in ancient urban environments. Chapters explore topics relating to religious traditions and memory, and the multifunctional roles of architectural and geographical sites, mythical figures and events, literary works and artefacts. Pagan religions were often less static and more open to new influences than previously understood. One of the factors that shape religion is how fundamental elements are remembered as valuable and therefore preservable for future generations. Memory, therefore, plays a pivotal role when - as seen in ancient Rome during late antiquity - a shift of religions takes place within communities. The significance of memory in ancient societies and how it was promoted, prompted, contested and even destroyed is discussed in detail. This volume, the first of its kind, not only addresses the main cultures of the ancient world - Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome - but also look at urban religious culture and funerary belief, and how concepts of ethnic religion were adapted in new religious environments.
This volume compares the religious and social functions of the Ancient Egyptian festivals of Opet, the Valley, and the New Year. Until now, detailed study of the New Year Festival has only been carried out with reference to the Greco-Roman period; this study turns its attention to the New Kingdom.
This companion provides the very latest accounts of the major and current aspects of Egyptology by leading scholars. Delivered in a highly readable style and extensively illustrated, it offers unprecedented breadth and depth of coverage, giving full scope to the discussion of this incredible civilization. Provides the very latest and, where relevant, well-illustrated accounts of the major aspects of Egypt?s ancient history and culture Covers a broad scope of topics including physical context, history, economic and social mechanisms, language, literature, and the visual arts Delivered in a highly readable style with students and scholars of both Egyptology and Graeco-Roman studies in mind Provides a chronological table at the start of each volume to help readers orient chapters within the wider historical context
This book proposes that Coffin Texts spells 154–160, recorded at the beginning of the 2nd millennium BCE, form the oldest composition about the moon in ancient Egypt and, indeed, the world. Based on a new translation, the detailed analysis of these spells reveals that they provide a chronologically ordered account of the phenomena of a lunar month.
