10 Historical Facts About Cats in Ancient Egypt

January 17, 2024

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The historical Egyptian period is related to very distinct historic phenomena. It was the time of mummies, pharaohs, pyramids, Cleopatra, and cats. It is extensively believed that the traditional Egyptians revered cats to such an extent that they worshipped them. As it seems, that’s not precisely true, and we’ll make clear this false impression in the end.

Ancient Egypt’s spectacular epoch spanned over 3,000 years, ending in 30 BC when the area was captured and annexed to Rome. It is a time marked by a sophisticated civilization and memorable technological, mechanical, and agricultural improvements, a few of which proceed to baffle students.

The regal cat featured strongly in historical Egyptian civilization is reverently represented in many non secular and social contexts. In this text, we’ll focus on 10 details about cats in historical Egypt that may trigger you to take a look at our feline pals in a unique gentle!

The 10 Facts About Cats in Ancient Egypt

Cats occupied a notable position in historical Egyptian civilization. They have been thought of superior to most different animals and featured considerably in essential contexts.

1. Cats Feature Prominently in Ancient Egyptian Art

Cats are abundantly represented in historical Egyptian artwork. Various items, together with murals, statues, amulets, hieroglyphics, and sculptures, have been discovered that date again to earlier than the thirtieth century BC.

Some of those rejoice deities with feline traits. Others depict wild cats equivalent to cheetahs and lions and a few give a tough concept of the home cat’s position within the lives of the traditional Egyptians. The latter depicts scenes of cats defending their house owners from snakes and scorpions, looking birds with individuals, and offering companionship.

cat statues Image Credit: Nejron Photo, Shutterstock

2. The Ancient Egyptians Did Not Worship Cats or Any Animals

It is mistakenly believed that the traditional Egyptians have been cat-worshippers, which is unfaithful. Rather, they used the likeness of cats to signify a number of of their deities. They revered cats for his or her efficient vermin management and safety of their meals shops.

Many historical Egyptians additionally believed that they had a particular connection to the gods. This in all probability resulted in them contemplating them close to god-like and a worthy likeness of the gods.

The fact is that the traditional Egyptians didn’t worship cats or every other animals.

3. Feline Relationships have been Continued into the Afterlife

The historical Egyptians so adored their cats that they desired that they be part of them within the afterlife. This is obvious in depictions on the wall of tombs, displaying how cats have been an intricate a part of the household unit.

Mummified cats have been discovered within the tombs of what have been presumably their house owners. There was additionally a perception that in case you have been buried with a cat, you may occupy their physique within the afterlife.

tomb of nefertari Image Credit: Randa G, Shutterstock

4. Cats Were Mummified

As effectively because the mummified pet cats which were found within the tombs of people, there are additionally different conditions the place mummified cats have been discovered. It is believed that the observe of mummifying cats might have spurred a whole business the place cats have been bred particularly to be burial mates of people.

It is a considerably perplexing contradiction since, on the time, the killing of cats was strictly unlawful and punishable by loss of life, apart from this explicit sacrificial function. This gives perception into how very important the afterlife was to the traditional Egyptians.

5. Ancient Egyptian Nobility Popularized Keeping Cats as Pets

The Pharaohs and different royals have been most likely liable for popularizing the maintaining of cats as pets. This phenomenon is noticed in lots of historical and trendy cultures the place the the Aristocracy is seen as trendsetters whose actions are copied by the commoners.

The the Aristocracy would costume their cats up in gold and jewels and permit them free rein, even letting them eat meals off their plates. Of course, the commoners have been in no place to do the identical, however they made jewellery depicting cats for themselves.

cat sitting in street of Cairo Egypt Image Credit: i_moppet, Shutterstock

6. The Ancient Egyptian Word for Cat Is “Miu”

In a bit of gorgeous synchronicity, it’s believed that the traditional Egyptian phrase for cat was “miu” or “mau.” When spelled out phonetically, it sounds nearly precisely like a cat’s meow.

Maybe it’s not so synchronous in spite of everything—maybe the traditional Egyptians knew exactly what they have been doing once they named the little carnivore!

7. Ancient Egyptians Would Shave Their Eyebrows in Mourning the Passing of a Beloved Pet Cat

Cats occupied such an esteemed place in historical Egyptian households that their house owners would enter a mourning section once they handed. To mark their mourning, they might shave off their eyebrows. The mourning interval would solely be over when their eyebrows had grown again.

shaving eyebrows Image Credit: vipubadee, Shutterstock

8. Ancient Egyptian Cats Wore Beautiful, Ornate Collars

Since people started having relationships with and domesticating animals, they’ve fitted harnesses and collars of varied descriptions on them.

The cats of historical Egypt have been no completely different, however since they occupied such a privileged rating in society, their collars have been appropriately embellished. Egyptian cats’ collars have been beautiful and precious artifacts adorned with valuable metals, gems, stones, and beads.

9. The Ancient Egyptians are Credited for the Establishment of the First Pet Cemetery

In 2011, archaeologists found what’s believed to be the earliest pet cemetery in Berenice. They had been excavating an space believed to be an historical Egyptian dump once they got here throughout the stays of 100s of small animals.

They observed that the animals had all been in good situation, having lived snug lives, and principally died naturally fairly than in merciless or unlucky methods. The animals had all been rigorously and considerately buried in makeshift coffins, leaves, blankets, or between bowls.

This led them to conclude that these animals, nearly all of which have been cats, had been cherished pets, they usually had stumbled upon an historical pet cemetery.

cat skeleton in the sand Image Credit: Maximillian cupboard, Shutterstock

10. The Sphinx of Giza Is an Enduring Testament to the Ancient Egyptians’ Veneration of Cats

The Great Sphinx of Giza is maybe essentially the most well-known illustration of a cat from historical Egyptian instances. It is without doubt one of the world’s largest sculptures at 66 toes excessive and a formidable 240 toes lengthy.

It is believed up to now again to the reign of King Khafre, whose face it depicts, full with regal headwear. The physique is that of a lion. There is, nonetheless, hypothesis concerning the Sphinx’s origins and illustration. It is not possible to know for certain since no definitive data exist.

It was carved out of 1 block of limestone round 2,575 to 2,465 BC, and it’s thought that your complete sculpture was painted at the moment. Historians estimate it may have taken 100 sculptors about three years to finish.

cat paw divider

Conclusion

The position that cats performed in historical Egyptian society is maybe one of the intriguing facets of the animal’s historical past. It is not any surprise our modern-day cats retain a regal angle even right now. Veneration runs of their bloodlines. We might even be grateful, largely, to the Ancient Egyptians for the no much less essential position that our beloved cats play in our lives right now.