Animals in Ancient Egyptian Society

Afterlives of Ancient Egypt with Kara Cooney

In this episode Kara and Jordan discuss animals in ancient Egyptian society. What does the archaeological evidence tell us about the ancient Egyptians’ attitudes and practices towards non-human members of their society?

Show notes

Herodotus Book II, 65-66

There are many household animals; and there would be many more, were it not for what happens to the cats. When the females have kittened they will not consort with the males; and these seek them but cannot get their will of them; so their device is to steal and carry off and kill the kittens (but they do not eat what they have killed). The mothers, deprived of their young and desiring to have more will then consort with the males; for they are creatures that love offspring. And when a fire breaks out very strange things happen to the cats. The Egyptians stand round in a broken line, thinking more of the cats than of quenching the burning; but the cats slip through or leap over the men and spring into the fire. When this happens, there is great mourning in Egypt. Dwellers in a house where a cat has died a natural death shave their eyebrows and no more; where a dog has so died, the head and the whole body are shaven.

Oracular amuletic decree (ISAC, Chicago, Illinois)

Veterinary Papyrus

Janssen, “Commodity Prices from the Ramesside Period” including animals

The Temple Cats of Philae Island Organization Facebook and Instagram

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