0
Ancient Egyptian religion was a complex system of polytheistic beliefs and rituals which was an integral part of ancient Egyptian society. It centered on the Egyptians' interaction with a multitude of deities who were believed to be present in, and in control of, the forces and elements of nature. The myths about these gods were meant to explain the origins and behavior of the forces they represented, and the practices of Egyptian religion were efforts to provide for the gods and gain their favor.
Formal religious practice centered on the pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Although he was a human, the pharaoh was believed to be descended from the gods. He acted as the intermediary between his people and the gods, and was obligated to sustain the gods through rituals and offerings so that they could maintain order in the universe. Therefore, the state dedicated enormous resources to the performance of these rituals and to the construction of the temples where they were carried out. Individuals could also interact with the gods for their own purposes, appealing for their help through prayer or compelling them to act through magic. These popular religious practices were distinct from, but closely linked with, the formal rituals and institutions. The popular religious tradition grew more prominent in the course of Egyptian history as the status of the pharaoh declined. Another important aspect of the religion was the belief in the afterlife and 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.
The religion had its roots in Egypt's prehistory, and lasted for more than 3,000 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, and the mother goddess Isis. For a brief period, in the aberrant theology promulgated by the pharaoh Akhenaten, a single god, the Aten, replaced the traditional pantheon. Yet the overall system endured, even through several periods of foreign rule, until the coming of Christianity in the early centuries AD. It left behind numerous religious writings and monuments, along with significant influences on cultures both ancient and modern.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
In ancient Egypt what is a frieze?
In ancient Egypt, a frieze was a painting or carved sculpture on a wall. They usually depicted stories of religious rites and memorialized important moments in history.
The art and architecture of ancient Egypt were designed to emphasize?
The religious idea of eternal life
What did the art and architecture of Ancient Egypt were designed to emphasize?
The religious idea of eternal lifeit was designed to emphasize the religious idea of eternal life..
What was a very important religious practice in ancient Egypt?
The major religion in Egpty is Muslim.
Where did queen Cleopatra reign?
Cleopatra reigned in ancient Egypt and her capital city was Alexandria.Cleopatra reigned in ancient Egypt and her capital city was Alexandria.Cleopatra reigned in ancient Egypt and her capital city was Alexandria.Cleopatra reigned in ancient Egypt and her capital city was Alexandria.Cleopatra reigned in ancient Egypt and her capital city was Alexandria.Cleopatra reigned in ancient Egypt and her capital city was Alexandria.Cleopatra reigned in ancient Egypt and her capital city was Alexandria.Cleopatra reigned in ancient Egypt and her capital city was Alexandria.Cleopatra reigned in ancient Egypt and her capital city was Alexandria.
What is another name for ancient hymns and prayers for religious ceremonies?
In ancient Greece it could be called a paean.
Where did theatre in ancient Greece come from and how is this related to the gods?
athens. it evolved from religious ceremonies.
What were ancient hymns and prayers for religious ceremonies?
Its Vedas. I found it in my social studies book.
What were religious centers called in ancient Egypt?
dicks
Who Was considered the leading example of political and religious authority in Egypt?
In ancient Egypt it was the Pharaoh.
Did the incas have religious ceremonies?
yes they did have religious ceremonies
What were ancient Spartans focused on?
Their families, protecting their territory, controlling their serf population, religious ceremonies.
What were India's ancient hymns and prayers for religious ceremonies?
Its Vedas. I found it in my social studies book.
What does a pharaoh do?
-led prayer ceremonies -rule ancient egypt -inspect irrigation projects -held meetings
What are some religious rituals or ceremonies between Catholic Church and Hindus?
To the best of my knowledge the Hindus and the Catholic Church have nothing whatsoever in common in the way of religious rituals or ceremonies. The Catholic Church's rituals and ceremonies are rooted in the ancient Hebrew religion, not in the East.
The religious idea of eternal life was emphasized in which ancient culture's art and architecture?
Ancient Egypt
The Jews of ancient history were known as?
The Jewish religion was known as Hebrew, which is also the name of the ancient, textual language they use for religious ceremonies.
