Cats in ancient Egypt

Journey to ancient Egypt to explore the connection between ancient Egyptians and their cats!

Learn some fun facts about cats in ancient Egypt

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. Check out a vibrant wall painting from Nebamum's tomb, depicting a hunting scene along the Nile River, where a cat triumphantly catches birds. The ancient Egyptian painting shows the cat’s dual role as both hunter and cherished companion.

Also, learn more about the divine association between cats and Egyptian gods and goddesses, with a focus on the goddess Bastet. Look closely at a captivating sculpture featuring Bastet with a cat head and human body, symbolizing motherly love and protection. You will get a sense of the popularity of Bastet by looking at various objects, revealing the deep reverence for feline deities.

Last but not least, the video looks at the extraordinary lengths Egyptians went to honor their feline companions, from mourning rituals involving shaved eyebrows to the mummification of cats. Discover a metal box adorned with a vigilant cat, preserving 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 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 history enthusiast, this video is for you!

Main artworks:

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
Box for animal mummy surmounted by a cat, 664–30 BCE, Late Period–Ptolemaic Period, cupreous metal, from Egypt, The Metropolitan Museum of Art