Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt

by Richard H. Wilkinson

Overview

A comprehensive guide to the deities of ancient Egypt: their origins and their central role in the lives of the Egyptian people

Worshipped for over three-fifths of recorded history, 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 the benevolent to the malevolent. The richness and complexity of their mythology is reflected in countless tributes throughout Egypt, from lavish tomb paintings and imposing temple reliefs to humble household shrines.

This book examines the evolution, worship, and eventual decline of the numerous gods and goddesses—from minor household figures such as Bes and Tawaret to the all-powerful deities Amun and Re—that made Egypt the most theocratic society of the ancient world, and made Egyptians, according to Herodotus, “more religious than any other people.”

Now available in paperback, with hundreds of illustrations and specially commissioned drawings, this title remains the most comprehensive and authoritative guide to the deities that lay at the heart of Egyptian religion and society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780500284247
Publisher:	Thames & Hudson
Publication date:	01/31/2017
Pages:	256
Sales rank:	66,084
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Richard H. Wilkinson is Regents’ Professor of Egyptian Archaeology Emeritus and Founding Director of the Egyptian Expedition at the University of Arizona.

Editorial Reviews

"Offers a comprehensive and wonderfully presented organized survey of the religious beliefs of the time. Definitely a must for anyone—scholar or lay person—interested in the topic. The visuals (both photos and illustrations) are awe-inspiring and well chosen. Highly recommended."

DIG

Egyptologist Wilkinson presents a clear, comprehensive and beautifully illustrated (in color and b&w) guide to the bewildering array of Egyptian deities-a complete catalogue of gods and goddesses supplemented by examinations of the history of Egyptian religion, the rise and fall of the gods, and the ways in which they were worshipped. Ancient Egypt was, Wilkinson writes, the most theocratic of any ancient culture; religion pervaded daily life for comoners as well as the pharaohs. This volume underscores the richness of ancient Egyptian beliefs: literally scores of deities are discussed, grouped by appearance: male anthropomorphic, female anthropomorphic, mammalian, avian, etc. For each god or goddess, the author discusses its mythology, iconography and forms of worship. Amun, or Amun-Re, for instance, one of the major male anthropomorphic gods, is discussed as creator god, solar god and fertility god, among other roles; he was originally portrayed with the color red; and he was honored with temples at Karnak and Luxor. This is an excellent reference work for budding Egyptologists and anyone fascinated by the culture of ancient Egypt. (May) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

This elegant and comprehensive resource thoroughly illustrates and catalogs the Egyptian deities, from early pharaonic times to the Roman period. A respected authority on Egyptian deities and iconography, Wilkinson has published numerous works on this topic and engaged in original research and excavations, and he currently directs the Egyptian Expedition at the University of Arizona. The book is divided into five sections (essays on various topics) outlining the origins of the numerous gods and goddesses, their varied representations, popular worship, and the relationship of the gods and royalty. The final and major section, "The Many Faces of the Divine," is a systematic guide to the gods subdivided by the varied thematic material they depict, e.g., mammals, amphibians, and insects, both male and female. This book abounds with beautiful full-color photographs and drawings that depict tomb paintings, temple reliefs, statues, and more. Although many familiar Egyptian deities are included (e.g., Osiris, Amon, Hathor, and Isis), there is ample coverage of minor figures as well (e.g., Babi and Ba-Pef). Essentially a reference volume despite the essay format, this guidebook to the religious beliefs of a rich culture at its zenith is a pleasure to browse. Highly recommended.-Richard K. Burns, M.S.L.S., Hatboro, PA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

"An intriguing overview of early Egyptian lore [that] entices the reader to explore ancient beliefs and art. The work balances text with an elegant array of illustrations ranging from full-color tomb murals to sculpture, line drawings, and photos. This comprehensive study of Egyptian theism has much to offer, particularly the impact of symbolism and hieroglyphic writing on literature, art, architecture, processions, ritual, costume, and jewelry. Highly recommended."

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