Ancient Egyptians loved cats
Tomb-painting of birding in the marshes along the Nile River, from the Tomb of Nebamum, c. 1350 BCE, New Kingdom, Thebes, Egypt, painted plaster © Trustees of the British Museum
In ancient Egypt, cats weren't just pets—they were valued family members. Serving as skilled hunters and protectors, cats ensured homes remained free of vermin. A vibrant wall painting from Nebamum's tomb depicts a hunting scene along the Nile River, where a cat triumphantly catches birds. This ancient Egyptian painting shows the cat’s dual role as both hunter and cherished companion.
Bastet
Cat-headed Bastet, c. 9000–600 BCE, bronze and gold, from Tell Basta (Bubastis), © Trustees of the British Museum
There was also a divine association between cats and Egyptian gods and goddesses, such as the goddess Bastet. One captivating sculpture features Bastet with a cat head and human body, symbolizing motherly love and protection. You get a sense of the Bastet’s popularity by looking at various objects, revealing the deep reverence for feline deities.
Ancient Egyptians went to extraordinary lengths to honor their feline companions, from mourning rituals involving shaved eyebrows to the mummification of cats. One metal box adorned with a vigilant cat preserves the mummified remains within. Mummified cats help us understand the significance these creatures held in ancient Egyptian culture.
So, are you ready to step back in time with us and unravel the mysteries of cat worship, mummification, and the rich symbolism surrounding these enchanting creatures in ancient Egypt? If you're a cat lover or hiss-tory enthusiast, our video is for you! It’s pawsitively awesome.
Check out our video page.
If you really like cats, you might even watch our bite-size videos about cats in world art history!
Here is what the video covers:
0:00 Introduction to the love of cats and ancient Egypt
0:50 Cats as pets
1:06 Wall painting of hunting birds along the Nile River from the Tomb of Nebamum
2:14 Cats were related to gods and goddesses
2:27 The sun god Re (or Ra)
2:45 The goddess Bastet
3:26 People mourned cats after their death and mummifying cats
4:37 Honoring beloved felines
