The Complete Gods And Goddesses Of Ancient Egypt

According to Herodotus, Egyptians were "more religious than any other people, " and their gods and goddesses were worshiped for over three-fifths of recorded history. With hundreds of illustrations, this is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the deities that lay at the heart of Egyptian religion and society. 400 illustrations, 170 in color.

Worshiped for over three-fifths of recorded history, ancient Egypt's gods and goddesses are among the most fascinating of human civilization. The lives of pharaohs and commoners alike were dominated by the need to honor, worship, and pacify the huge pantheon of deities. From lavish tomb paintings and imposing temple reliefs to humble household shrines, countless tributes throughout Egypt reflect the richness and complexity of their mythology. This book examines the evolution, worship, and eventual decline of the numerous gods and goddesses--from minor household figures such as Bes and Taweret to the all-powerful deities Amun and Re--that made Egypt the most completely theocratic society of the ancient world, and made Egyptians, according to Herodotus, ''more religious than any other people.''