News — Ancient Egypt

Hathor: The Egyptian Goddess of Love and Joy

Posted by Discoveries Inc. on

Hathor (also known as Het-Heru) is a goddess from ancient Egyptian mythology, considered one of the most important and versatile deities in the pantheon. She is often depicted as a woman with the head of a cow or sometimes as a lioness-headed figure. Hathor is associated with love, beauty, music, dance, fertility, and motherhood. She was also considered a goddess of joy, celebration, and feminine power. Hathor was often depicted as a nurturing and protective deity, particularly in her role as the divine mother who cared for the deceased in the afterlife. She was sometimes called the "Lady of the West"...

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Egyptian Ankh: A symbol representing life, immortality, and the divine

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The Egyptian Ankh has intrigued and fascinated people for centuries. Shaped like a cross with a loop at the top, the Ankh holds profound significance in ancient Egyptian culture, representing life, immortality, and the divine.The Ankh, also known as the key of life or crux ansata, is one of the most recognizable symbols from ancient Egypt. Its origins date back to the early dynastic period (c. 3100–2686 BCE). The exact origin of the Ankh remains somewhat elusive, but it is believed to have evolved from the hieroglyph for a sandal strap. Early depictions of gods and pharaohs holding the Ankh...

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Egyptian History: Ancient Egyptian Music and Instruments

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The Egyptians used a variety of musical instruments, and music was an integral part of their culture. Some of the common musical instruments in ancient Egypt included harps, lyres, flutes, double pipes, drums and sistrums. Music in ancient Egypt served various purposes, including religious worship, entertainment, and accompanying activities such as dancing. Musicians were highly regarded in society, and there is evidence that they held special positions in temples and royal courts. The depiction of musical scenes can be found on ancient Egyptian tomb paintings, providing valuable insights into the instruments used and the role of music in daily life. From The...

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Exploring the Enchanting Ceilings of Dendera Temple of Hathor

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The Dendera Temple complex is located in Dendera, Egypt. It is an ancient site that primarily features the Temple of Hathor, dedicated to the goddess Hathor, who was associated with love, beauty, music, and motherhood in ancient Egyptian religion. The temple is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and is known for its remarkable Greco-Roman architecture. The temple served as a center for the worship of Hathor and was also dedicated to her son, Ihy, and her husband, Horus. The temple complex features a birth house with reliefs on the exterior walls that portray the birth and childhood of...

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Crafting Timeless Beauty: The Art of Carving Egyptian Alabaster

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Egyptian alabaster, also known as calcite or Egyptian marble, was a popular material used by ancient Egyptians for various sculptures and statues. Alabaster is a form of fine-grained, translucent calcite, and it was prized for its smooth texture and ability to be carved easily. The statues made from Egyptian alabaster are notable for their exquisite craftsmanship and the beautiful glow they acquire when lit from behind. Sometimes the stone is mixed with a color to produce unique statues that are not translucent. This translucent property of Egyptian alabaster was often utilized in the crafting of lamps and vessels in ancient times....

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