EGYPT - Gods, Myths and Religion

Lorenz Books 2002. 2002. 4to. Hardcover in d/w. 256pp. Index. Illustrated in colour. Ancient Egypt was a mystical society with a broad and deep belief in the afterlife and the existence of many gods to appease and worship. Everyday objects and animals were deified and worshipped. Even the kings were considered a divine embodiment of the gods. The tombs, burial sites and artefacts are an enduring testimony to this fascinating religion. Less documented, but no less fascinating, were the beliefs of the ordinary people of Egypt: magic, rituals, festivals, taboos, superstitions, dreams and oracles reveal how far religion influenced and enriched their lives. Finally the book looks at a voice of dissent in the 3000 year period: Pharaoh Akhenaten, who defied thousands of years of culture and history to revolutionize Egyptian religion to outlaw Polytheism and allow worship of only one god. .