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Egyptian mythology

  • Ancient Egyptian creation mythsThe sun rises over a circular mound of creation as goddesses pour out the primeval waters around it. This image appears in tomb wall decorations and writings…
  • Book of CavernsThe Book of Caverns emerged during the 13th century BC within the Ramesside Period. This ancient Egyptian underworld text first appeared on the left hand…
  • Book of GatesFrench Egyptologist Gaston Maspero assigned the title Livre des Portes to an ancient Egyptian funerary text that Egyptians never named themselves.
  • Egyptian mythologyThe Nile River flooded each year, renewing the soil and allowing farming that sustained ancient Egyptian civilization. This cycle of water and light shaped…
  • Flooding of the NileIn the beginning of June, the river rose at Aswan, turning the dry earth into a dark, fertile expanse. This annual event defined the very name Egyptians gave…
  • Memphis, EgyptIn the early third century BC, a priest and historian named Manetho recorded a legend that King Menes founded Memphis by diverting the Nile River with dikes…
  • EnneadThe sun god Atum sat upon a mound rising from the primordial waters of Nun. His children Shu and Tefnut stood beside him as air and moisture personified.
  • Book of the DeadThe first funerary texts appeared on the walls of King Unas's pyramid around 2400 BC. These Pyramid Texts were carved into stone and reserved exclusively for…
  • Osiris mythIn the 24th century BCE, a king named Osiris ruled Egypt with his wife Isis. His brother Set murdered him and scattered his body across the land.