This book is a vivid reconstruction of the practical aspects of ancient Egyptian religion. Through an examination of artefacts and inscriptions, the text explores a variety of issues. For example, who was allowed to enter the temples, and what rituals were performed therein? Who served as priests? How were they organized and trained, and what did they do? What was the Egyptians' attitude toward death, and what happened at funerals? How did the living and dead communicate? In what ways could people communicate with the gods? What impact did religion have on the economy and longevity of the society? This book demystifies Egyptian religion, exploring what it meant to the people and society. The text is richly illustrated with images of rituals and religious objects.

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. The Egyptian mind; 2. Priests; 3. Inside the temple: the world of the gods; 4. Festivals; 5. Contacting the gods; 6. The presence of the gods: how gods communicated with men; 7. Death and funeral rites; 8. Communicating with the dead; 9. Magic to charm and to kill; 10. The Amarna Period: practical aspects of 'monotheism'; Afterword: an appraisal of Egyptian religion.

About the Author

Emily Teeter Ph.D. is a Research Associate and Coordinator of Special Exhibits at the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. She has curated temporary and permanent exhibits of Egyptian art at the Oriental Institute Museum, the Seattle Art Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago. The author and co-author of a wide range of popular and scholarly publications, her most recent books include Ancient Egypt: Treasures from the Collection of the Oriental Institute; Egypt and the Egyptians; and The Life of Meresamun: A Temple Singer in Ancient Egypt.

Reviews

"If you've read Emily Teeter's other books on Egyptology or her catalogues for the exhibits she manages at the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute, you will expect this book to be full of great detail and thorough scholarship, delivered with ease in a flowing style that makes it a fast read and enjoyable throughout. If those are your expectations, you will be rewarded." -Brian Alm, Egyptological