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.
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Beginning of Time ~ End of Eternity – Calendar of Ancient Egypt: First Month of Inundation – Drunkenness
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:
Book Summary and Review:
The Priests of Ancient Egypt by Serge Sauneron is reviewed. The book explores the role of the priesthood in ancient Egypt, their rituals, temple functions, and sacred knowledge. It emphasizes the concept of Ma’at (universal balance) and the duties of priests as substitutes for the pharaoh in maintaining divine order. The book is structured into chapters discussing priestly functions, temple hierarchies, sacred services, intellectual mastery, and the changing fortunes of Egyptian clergy. It also delves into the cultural and spiritual significance of temples and rituals.
The book is praised for its subsection format, which organizes vast information effectively.
Magazines and Periodicals:
The February 2008 issue of National Geographic features Robert Draper’s “The Black Pharaohs: Conquerors of Ancient Egypt.” The Article discusses the Kushite rulers who united Egypt during the late period (730 BCE), their cultural assimilation, temple restoration, and pyramid building. Draper highlights the irrelevance of race in ancient Egypt and critiques modern racial debates in Egyptology.
Research on the Web:
Articles explore ancient Egyptian bread-making techniques, the geography of durum wheat, and efforts to recreate bread using 4,500-year-old Egyptian yeast.
Electronic Documents:
Topics include the epagomenal days marking the birth of key deities, ancient Egyptian baking and brewing methods, scribal training for civil service, and comparisons between Egyptian and Mesopotamian bread molds.
The episode provides a rich exploration of ancient Egyptian culture, focusing on priesthood, rituals, and food preparation, supported by books, articles, and research.
Ta’wy Podcast Channel
Par Madja’at Ancient Egyptian House of Books Episode 5
This episode reviews the book Fighting Pharaohs: Weapons and Warfare in Ancient Egypt by Robert B. Partridge, which explores the military history of ancient Egypt, detailing the weapons, strategies, and battles that shaped the kingdom’s power. The book examines the evolution of Egyptian warfare, from early conflicts to the sophisticated military campaigns of the New Kingdom. It covers the use of chariots, bows, spears, and swords, as well as the role of pharaohs as military leaders. The text also discusses fortifications, naval warfare, and the influence of foreign technology on Egyptian military advancements. You can find more details here.,
The journal article “Notes on the Opening of the Mouth” by T. J. C. Baly examines the ancient Egyptian Opening of the Mouth ritual, a funerary ceremony intended to restore the senses and vitality of the deceased. The text critically analyzes previous interpretations of the ritual, discussing its symbolic connection to rebirth, the Horus Eye, and the transition to the afterlife. Baly explores the role of the Sem priest, the use of sacred implements, and the ritual’s connection to funerary rites involving the Tekenu figure. His work provides a scholarly foundation for further studies on Egyptian religious practices. You can find more details here, as well as research on the Web, in the Giza Digital Library: The Giza Mastabas Series.
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Par Madja’at Ancient Egyptian House of Books Episode 1
This episode narrates the mythological tale of Horus-Behdety, a form of the Egyptian god Horus, and his battles against the enemies of Ra, the sun god. The story unfolds as Ra and his followers, including Horus-Behdety, embark on a journey to defeat conspirators and enemies who take the forms of crocodiles, hippopotami, and other fiends associated with Seth, the god of chaos. Key events include:
Horus-Behdety’s Transformation: Horus-Behdety transforms into the Winged Disk (Apy) and defeats enemies in the heights of heaven, earning titles such as “Great God, Lord of Heaven.” Battles on Land and Water: Horus-Behdety leads attacks against enemies on land and water, using weapons like spears and chains. He slaughters crocodiles, hippopotami, and other foes, often with the help of metalworkers and divine allies like Nekhbet and Wadjet. Sacred Places and Names: The myth establishes the names of various locations, sanctuaries, and objects based on the events of the battles. For example, cities like Teb, Tekhet-met, and Heben are named after Horus-Behdety’s victories. Seth’s Defeat: Seth, the primary antagonist, is ultimately defeated by Horus-Behdety and Harsiese. Seth’s head is severed, and his fiends are destroyed, symbolizing the triumph of order over chaos. Symbolism of the Winged Disk: The Winged Disk becomes a protective symbol placed in temples and sanctuaries to ward off evil. It represents Horus-Behdety’s power and victory. Festivals and Rituals: The myth establishes specific festivals and ceremonies to commemorate Horus-Behdety’s victories, including the “Festival of Sailing.”
The story emphasizes themes of divine protection, the triumph of order over chaos, and the establishment of sacred traditions and symbols in ancient Egyptian religion.
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Myths and Legends of Ancient Egypt: Horus Behdety and the Winged Disk
