Ta’wy Podcast Channel teaches facets of ancient Egyptian culture.
The Predynastic Period of Egypt spans from approximately 6000 BCE to 3100 BCE. It marks the era before the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt under a single ruler. This fascinating period saw the evolution of human civilization along the Nile. Early hunter-gatherer communities developed into advanced societies. These societies were characterized by agriculture, trade, and even the development of writing.
An in-depth exploration of Thoth, the ancient Egyptian deity of wisdom, writing, and knowledge, detailing his attributes, representations, and significance in Egyptian culture.
Thoth, known as DHwty in ancient Egyptian, is the deity associated with intelligence, wisdom, and the written word. He is revered as the patron of scribes and the embodiment of reasoning and logic.
In ancient Egyptian funerary customs, Thoth had significant responsibilities, ensuring safe passage to the afterlife. His presence was invoked in various texts and rituals related to death and judgment.
Thoth was celebrated through various festivals that honored his contributions to wisdom and the lunar calendar. These festivals were integral to ancient Egypt’s religious and cultural practices.
Thoth had a profound influence on the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. He was often depicted in royal iconography and associated with their divine right to rule. His presence was essential in coronation rituals and royal decrees.
Thoth is central to various myths that explain cosmic order, creation, and the relationship between gods and humanity. His stories illustrate the importance of wisdom and knowledge in maintaining balance in the universe.
Hermopolis Magna, known as the “Place of Eight,” is the center of worship for the deity DHwty. It is associated with the creation myth involving the Ogdoad, a group of eight primordial deities. These deities created the cosmic egg from which DHwty emerged, later becoming a significant figure in Egyptian mythology and cosmology.
Sumenu and the Temple of DHwty
Sumenu, also known as Crocodopolis, features a temple dedicated to DHwty, alongside the crocodile god sbk-ra. A notable statue of the Second Prophet of imn-ra, Ay, is inscribed with its dedication to this temple.
In Dakka, a temple dedicated to DHwty was established during the Kushite Kingdom, initiated by King Arkamani and later expanded by Ptolemy IV. This temple is associated with the jujube tree, symbolizing DHwty’s waiting for his wife’s return.
A temple of DHwty exists in the Dakhla Oasis, where Rameses VI is depicted praising DHwty. This temple highlights the significance of DHwty in the region during the 19th dynasty.
The Memphite Theology, inscribed on the Shabaka Stone, emphasizes DHwty’s integral role in creation alongside Ptah. This text illustrates the connection between DHwty and the creation of all deities and spirits.
At Karnak, DHwty is associated with the sacred iSd tree, which records the Pharaoh’s reign and deeds. This connection underscores DHwty’s role in maintaining cosmic order and knowledge.
DHwty appears in various significant literary works, including the “Eloquent Peasant” and “Instruction of Amenemopet,” emphasizing his association with wisdom, justice, and moral conduct.
The Leiden hymns, dating from the reign of Rameses II, extol the wisdom of DHwty, linking him to the divine knowledge sought by the followers of imn-ra. This text reflects the reverence for DHwty’s intellectual legacy.
The Tale of Setna II narrates the adventures of a prince seeking DHwty’s magical book, illustrating the dangers of violating sacred spaces and the consequences of seeking forbidden knowledge.
Hermetic texts, attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, reflect DHwty’s syncretism with Greek philosophy and emphasize his enduring influence on various philosophical movements throughout history.
A hymn from PetOsiris’s tomb praises DHwty as the master of knowledge and guidance, emphasizing the importance of following his teachings for a prosperous life.
This episode explores the second month of the ancient Egyptian inundation season, known as the Month of Cloth. Guided by the goddess Neith, this month includes a series of festivals, rituals, and mythological events recorded in temple calendars and ancient texts. We walk through the month’s major observances and what they reveal about how the Egyptians understood creation, protection, and the structure of sacred time.
In this episode of Ancient Egyptian Literature, we are delving into the Battle of Kadesh, a monumental military action between Rameses the Great and the Hittites. Two versions of this story appear in ancient Egypt. The first, the official report, also called the bulletin, with seven copies found, and the second, dubbed the Poem of pntAwrt, with eight copies, are found inscribed, sometimes side by side, at the Ramesseum, Rameses’ funerary temple, the temple of Amun at Karnak, Abydos, and Abu Simbel.
The Battle of Kadesh was a significant military conflict between Rameses II (Rameses the Great) of Egypt and the Hittites, led by King Mutawallis, in 1275 BCE. It occurred near the fortified city of Kadesh in northern Syria, a strategic location contested by Egypt and Hatti for centuries due to its importance in controlling the Syrian plain.
Rameses II aimed to reclaim territories in the Levant that had been lost to the Hittites during earlier dynasties. He assembled a large army of 20,000 men, divided into four divisions (Amun, Ra, Ptah, and Seth), and marched northward. Aware of Rameses’ ambitions, the Hittites organized a massive army of allied states, numbering up to 37,000 infantry and 3,700 chariots.
Hittite spies misled Rameses into believing the enemy was far away in Aleppo, but the Hittite forces were concealed behind Kadesh. As Rameses camped with the Division of Amun, the Hittites launched a surprise attack on the Division of Ra, causing chaos and retreat. The Hittite chariots advanced toward Rameses’ camp, scattering the Division of Amun.
Despite being surrounded and abandoned by much of his army, Rameses rallied his elite chariotry and fought back, turning the tide of the battle. Reinforcements from the elite unit “nfrw” arrived and helped crush the Hittite forces. Mutawallis sent a second wave of troops, but were defeated as they attempted to plunder Rameses’ camp.
Ultimately, Rameses regrouped his forces and prepared for a counterattack, prompting Mutawallis to request an armistice. Rameses agreed and returned to Egypt, but the Hittites later retook the city of Amurru, undoing Egypt’s earlier gains.
The battle is notable for its detailed accounts left by Rameses, including the “Official Report” and the “Poem of Pentawer,” which glorify his role in the conflict. While the battle ended inconclusively, it demonstrated Rameses’ military prowess and marked a pivotal moment in Egyptian-Hittite relations.
Patreon patrons receive the full 54-minute episode, which includes a complete dramatic retelling of the texts and an accompanying discussion of Rameses’ armies, the battle, and surrounding events. They also receive a 26-page illustrated eBook with discussion, maps, a glossary, and access to peer-reviewed reference materials from the Par Madja’at—House of Ancient Egyptian Books.
In this episode, we explore the first month of the ancient Egyptian inundation season, dedicated to the god Thoth. Drawing on temple calendars and ancient texts, we look at the major festivals, daily rituals, and mythological events that shaped this month — including the Opening of the Year, the Wag Festival, and the Festival of Drunkenness. It’s a guided walk through how the Egyptians understood time, renewal, and the divine order of the year.
The Book of Knowing the Creations of Ra is an ancient Egyptian creation myth that narrates the self-creation of Ra, the sun god, and his role in forming the universe. Ra, also known as Khepra (the scarab beetle of creation), describes his emergence during the sp tpy (First Occasion), the moment of creation. He creates his children, Shu (the lower sky/atmosphere) and Tefnut (sky moisture), through self-insemination and spitting them out. Ra’s bA spirit manifests as Heka (magic), the creative force of the universe, which is invoked in rituals but not inherently present in humans.
Ra continues to create primeval beings from the nnw (primeval waters) and plans further creations using his Eye, representing the physical sun. His children form the Great Ennead (nine deities worshipped at Heliopolis), including Geb (earth), Nut (sky), Osiris, Horus, Seth, Isis, and Nephthys, who further populate the world.
The text transitions into the ritual destruction of App (Apophis), a primeval serpent embodying uncreation and chaos (isft), which threatens the cosmic balance (mAat). Seth defeats App nightly, who spears him to protect Ra’s sun boat during its journey through the dwAt (netherworld). App is imprisoned by Akr, a deity of the horizon, and consumed by the Glorious Eye of Ra, which destroys his bA (spirit), Dt (body), Swyt (shadow), and Heka.
The myth emphasizes the constant battle between creation and uncreation, the interconnected spirits (bA, kA, Dt), and the importance of maintaining cosmic balance (mAat). The text is part of the Bremner Rhind Papyrus, dated 312-311 BCE, and includes other rituals and hymns. It reflects the rich mythology and spiritual beliefs of ancient Egypt.
The episode provides a detailed overview of Episode 5 of “Par Madja’at House of Ancient Egyptian Books,” which focuses on research and literature about ancient Egypt. Key highlights include:
The episode provides a rich exploration of ancient Egyptian culture, focusing on priesthood, rituals, and food preparation, supported by books, articles, and research.
The episode provides an extensive overview of Sakhamat (Sekhmet), an ancient Egyptian goddess associated with power, war, destruction, healing, and protection. Below is a summary:
Origins and Mythology: Sakhamat, derived from “sxm” (power) and “t” (female), is a lioness-headed goddess linked to war, destruction, and healing. She is central to the myth of the “Destruction of Mankind,” where she punished humanity at Ra’s command but was pacified by drinking red-dyed beer, mistaking it for blood. This event is commemorated in the festival of drunkenness.
Appearance: Sakhamat is depicted as a lioness or a gold-skinned woman with a lioness head, sun disk headdress, and cobra uraeus. Her attire includes a broad collar and a sheer sheath dress, symbolizing youth and fertility.
War and Protection: Patroness of pharaohs, she embodies duality as a war goddess and protector. Her destructive powers are bound by righteousness (Ma’at).
Healing and Medicine: Sakhamat controls disease demons (xAtyw) and patronizes physicians. Priests trained in her temples served as healers.
Tree Cults: She is linked to sacred groves and tree cults, alongside other goddesses like Hathor, Bastet, and Isis.
Memphis: Sakhamat was worshipped alongside Ptah and their son Nefertem. She absorbed the local goddess of Memphis.
Karnak: Hundreds of her statues were erected during Amenhotep III’s reign, and she was syncretized with Mut.
Other Sites: Temples and cults dedicated to Sakhamat existed in Kom el-Hisn, Abusir, and other locations.
Rituals and Festivals: Sakhamat was honored in rituals to protect against her “Seven Arrows” of pestilence, with amulets and menat necklaces used to appease her. The festival of drunkenness celebrated her pacification.
Historical Influence: Sakhamat’s cult persisted through various dynasties, including the Old Kingdom, New Kingdom, and Ptolemaic era, often protecting mortuary temples from dismantlement.
Sakhamat embodies a complex duality as a goddess of destruction and healing, deeply integrated into Egyptian mythology, religion, and royal patronage.
The document provides a detailed summary of Episode 4 of Par Madjat House of Books, which includes a review of Food Fit for Pharaohs: An Ancient Egyptian Cookbook by Michelle Berriedale-Johnson, highlights from the May/June 2020 issue of Archaeology magazine, and insights into ancient Egyptian research and electronic documents.
The cookbook explores ancient Egyptian cuisine, using modern Middle Eastern recipes inspired by Egyptological studies and tomb paintings.
Ancient staples like bread (made from millet, barley, and wheat), fava beans, chickpeas, and lentils are discussed, though many recipes are modern adaptations.
Recipes include molokhia, fuul nabeb, hummus, baba ganouj, and ful medames, with varying degrees of authenticity to ancient Egyptian cuisine.
Desserts and breads, such as semolina cake and aish baladi, are also featured, though some ingredients and methods are anachronistic.
The book is recommended for its introduction to Middle Eastern cuisine, but due to its limited historical accuracy, it should be purchased used or borrowed.
Archaeology magazine features discoveries like a leopard painting from the Ptolemaic era, a genome study of ibis mummies, and ceremonial weapons like maces.
Articles include site preservation efforts at Deir el-Ballas, Egyptomania, Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt, and debates on the identity of KV55’s occupant.
Other topics include the Animal Mummy Project, the city of Hierakonpolis, and Saqqara’s burial history.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities shared the oldest written lentil recipe from the 3rd century AD.
Discoveries at Saqqara include a burial chamber connected to a mummification workshop, revealing unique burial practices.
Ancient Egyptian medicine emphasized spiritual health, preventive care, and hygiene, with diets rich in onions, garlic, and antioxidants.
Grasses of Ancient Egypt explores the use of grasses for food, medicine, and materials since the Predynastic era.
A Pint of the Past discusses modern recreations of ancient Egyptian beers, such as Hanaqat and Ta Henket, based on archaeological evidence.
The Eloquent Peasant translations provide insights into Middle Kingdom literature and justice.
Overall, Episode 4 offers a blend of culinary exploration, archaeological discoveries, and historical research, providing readers with a rich understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and its modern interpretations.
The story revolves around a peasant named xw.n-inpw from the Wadi Natrun region who sets out to Egypt to fetch provisions for his family. On his journey, he encounters nmti-nxt, a servant of the Chief Magistrate, rn-si, son of mrw, who deceitfully blocks his path and seizes his donkeys after accusing them of eating his barley. Despite xw.n-inpw‘s protests and offers to compensate for the barley, nmti-nxt beats him and takes his goods.
Xw.n-inpw pleads his case to the Chief Magistrate rn-si, son of mrw, repeatedly over nine petitions, eloquently appealing for justice and condemning corruption. Under orders from Pharaoh nb-kAw-ra, the Chief Magistrate delays responding to the peasant’s pleas to document his eloquent speeches. Meanwhile, provisions are secretly provided to xw.n-inpw and his family.
Eventually, the Chief Magistrate presents the peasants’ petitions to Pharaoh, who is impressed by the peasants’ eloquence. The Pharaoh orders justice to be served. nmti-nxt is summoned, and his possessions, including barley, livestock, and goods, are confiscated and given to xw.n-inpw as compensation. The story highlights themes of justice, eloquence, and the struggle against corruption.
