12
12. The first civilisations
229
EGYPTIAN GODS
Ra
(head of a falcon
and sun disc): god of
the sun and life, the
most important god in
the Old Kingdom.
Osiris
(mummified):
god of agriculture
and resurrection.
Assassinated by Set;
brought back to life by
Isis.
Isis
(hieroglyphic on
her head): wife-sister
of Osiris. Goddess
of fertility, love and
magic.
Horus
(head of a
falcon wearing a
double crown): son of
Osiris and Isis; god of
the sky.
Amun
(two feathers):
god of the wind and
secrets. He fused
with Ra (Amun-Ra)
and became the most
important god.
Hathor
(horns):
goddess of love,
happiness and music;
daughter of Ra and
wife of Horus.
Sekhmet
(head
of a lion): goddess
of power, war and
vengeance; daughter
of Ra. Her anger was
terrible.
Anubis
(head of
a jackal): god of
mummification and
guide of the dead
for the judgement of
Osiris.
Thoth
(head of an
ibis): god of wisdom. In
the judgement of Osiris
he weighed the heart
of the deceased.
Set:
god of evil
(violence, drought). He
killed his brother Osiris
from envy and was
sent to the desert.
Understand
32.
How long were a Mesopotamian and an Egyptian year?
33.
Why did the Egyptians mummify the corpses of their dead?
34.
Use the information on the previous page to write a summary of
Ancient Egyptian culture and religion.
Analyse
35.
Listen and name the gods. Complete a table in your notebook:
Name God of… Characteristics Relation with other gods
Horus God of the sky Head of a hawk Son of Osiris and lsis
Create
36.
Which god did the Egyptians
attribute the invention of writing
to?
37.
Research and reflect on the
legend of Osiris.
❚
What themes are mentioned in the
legends associated with this god?
❚
Name other similar legends about
eternal life or hostility between
brothers.
