EGYPTIAN RELIGION

Ms. Engelberth

MYTH

a traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.

ANCIENT EGYPTIAN RELIGION

Egypt’s religion was a complex system of beliefs and rituals which were an integral part of ancient society.

GODS/DEITIES

Gods were believed to be in control of nature.

The myths about these gods were meant to explain the origins and behavior of the forces they represented.

Practices of the Egyptian religion were efforts to provide for the gods and gain their favor.

RA, AMUN AND ISIS

 At various times, certain gods, including the sun god Ra (or Re), the creator god Amun, and the mother goddess Isis, became preeminent over (more important than) the others. In some time periods, Amun and Re were combined into the god Amun-Re Ra being presented with offerings from a deceased person

ISIS PROTECTING OSIRIS

EGYPTIAN GODS: FAMILY TREE

MONOTHEISM

For a brief period, the beliefs of the pharaoh Akhenaten were prevalent in Egypt.

He ordered that a single god, the Aten, would replace the traditional group of gods in Egyptian religious beliefs.

THE ROLE OF THE PHARAOH IN RELIGION

He acted as the intermediary between his people and the gods.

He was obligated to sustain the gods through rituals and offerings so that they could maintain order in the universe.

EGYPTIAN FUNERARY PRACTICES

The Egyptians made great efforts to ensure the survival of their souls after death, providing tombs, grave goods and offerings to preserve the bodies and spirits of the deceased.

MYTH PRESENTATIONS

Write a short summary of your assigned story to present to the class. Presentations should also focus on the following questions:  What, if any, aspects of this story reflect the geography of ancient Egypt?  What, if any, aspects of this story reflect ancient Egyptian culture?  What guesses can you make about ancient Egypt and its people based on this story?  Why do you think this myth was created?

EXTRA CREDIT

Read “The Sun is the One God” Based on this reading and other information you have learned about Egyptian religion, do you think that this was a popular decision? Why or why not? Make sure that you use textual evidence from the primary source (and from other sources) to support your answer. 8-10 sentence paragraph Up to 10 points possible