Cats in History: Ancient Egypt

Think your cats are pretty precious? Check out these cats in history!

The Ancient Egyptians believed that cats were sacred. They were known as protectors because of their ability to chase off mice and other disease carrying pests. In the houses of royalty, cats were often adorned with gold jewelry and treated with special respect. Cats were even allowed to eat from their owner’s plate. If a pet cat died it was mourned as a human family member would be mourned. After the family finished their period of morning for the deceased cat, it would be mummified just like its human counterparts. Punishments for harming a cat were harsh; killing a cat was punishable by death.

Cats in History were worshiped!

Bast holding daggers.
Photo courtesy of http://www.landofpyramids.org

The “Cat Goddess” Bast was first known as the daughter of the sun-god Ra. She was considered a sun goddess, part of the group of goddesses known as “The Eye of Ra.” Bast is depicted as a woman with the head of a cat, fully as a cat, or a cat with kittens. [Note that in earlier times she was depicted more like a lion and in later times she became more like a house cat.] She often carries with her a sistrum, which is an ancient rattle or musical instrument, and an aegis which is a protective necklace.

Also a part of “The Eye of Ra”, Bast is often confused with her counterpart Sekhmet. Also a lion goddess, Sekhmet was the ruthless protector of Upper Egypt while Bast was the more docile (but still feared) protector of Lower Egypt. Bast was said to be lion-like when angered, but house cat-like when calm.

Bast’s status as a goddess of protection was said to begun when she saved Ra from an evil snake god. She was known to be a fierce goddess – best friend to those who loved her and worst enemy of those who crossed her. As protector of pharaoh, Bast held a very high status among the gods.

Later In Ancient Egypt…

Bronze statue of Bastet.
Photo courtesy of the Walter’s Art Museum.

At the time of the 2^nd dynasty Bast was demoted in the Egyptian pantheon. It is likely the change was due to the splicing together of Greek and Egyptian cultures. Her name was changed to Bastet as a part of her demotion. Bastet was no longer pictured as a lion goddess, but rather as a domestic house cat. Another notable change due to the Greek influence on Egypt was that Bastet was now the sister of Horus. Still a protector, Bastet was now the goddess of joy and fertility and protector of home, children, and women. Rather than being a fierce goddess of vengeance, she was now fun-loving. She loved music and dancing.

Boubastis (as the Greeks called it) was the city where Bastet’s lavish temple resided. Yearly festivals to Bastet for adults only took place on riverboats that traveled down to Boubastis. Much like modern Mardi Gras, the festivals were known for drunkenness and sex. As the boats passed towns on their way down the river, the women on them would shout lewd things at the towns people and lift their skirts over their head at them (ancient flashing I suppose).At the temple people would place statuettes of Bastet as an offering and make sacrifices. Of course, cats were not used as sacrifices.

Quick Note About Cats in History

I hope you enjoyed this segment of Cats In History! I plan on making regular “Cats in History” posts as I come across good material. Please check back!

Bastet with kittens.
Photo courtesy of the Brooklyn Museum.