Introduction to Anthropology: Religion in Ancient Egypt (3000-2500 BC)

This essay provides an overview of religion in ancient Egypt, focusing on the period between 3000 B.C. and 2500 B.C. It highlights the central role of religion in ancient Egyptian society, where gods were seen as supreme beings, and religious practices were crucial for problem-solving and seeking favorable outcomes. The essay discusses key beliefs such as the Egyptians' co-worker relationship with their gods, the creation myth involving Atum, and the importance of names and mummification. It also touches upon the significance of pyramids and burial sites as symbols of the quest for immortality. The essay concludes by briefly mentioning the evolution of religious practices to modern Muslim and Christian faiths in Egypt, while referencing relevant scholarly sources.

Running Head: INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY 1
Introduction to Anthropology
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INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY 2
Introduction to Anthropology
Religion in Ancient Egypt
3000 B.C – 2500 B.C
Ancient history proves that religion was an integral part of every Ancient Egyptian.
Egyptians viewed their gods as supreme powerful beings, and most religious practices in ancient
Egypt were focused on seeking help to solve problems, ask for better results especially in times
of war and planting seasons and recovery from epidemics. Egyptians also had a strong
connection with religion and considered themselves to be co-workers with their gods; however,
there were important cultural distinctions which determined how close individuals were close to
their supreme gods (Barry, 2018).
Egyptians had a sacred belief that their gods were responsible for providing everything
for them and their sole purpose as human beings was to thank their gods through sacrifices,
celebration, and worship. According to the Egyptian religion, it was believed that in the
beginning, there nothing but chaos in the form of swirling waters which came from a small hill
anciently known as ben-ben. They believed in the power of several gods, and the most powerful
one was known as Atum. According to the Egyptian religion, Atum created things by using the
powers of the gods of magic. They believed that through magic, the entire civilization was
formed; this made them respect any magical powers which were most used in sacred worship.
The Egyptian religious culture also appreciated human beings and regarded them as an
essential part of creation. The beliefs were guided by the fact that the human soul was eternal as
the gods themselves. They believed that life did not end after death and people who died had
their soul travel to the eternal realm, which was the source of all souls (Jarus, 2016). Names were
important and sacred and therefore, according to the religious and cultural beliefs all Egyptians

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were required to keep their real names a secret as long as they lived, this meant that people were
only allowed to use chosen nicknames. Revealing one’s name meant the loss of one’s magical
powers over to another person. Egyptian rulers had to choose other names once they ascended
upon the throne to symbolically mark them for success and also protect their spiritual journey
into eternity after they died. Egypt is famously known for the Mummy, a way that was
religiously created to preserve the human body after their death without having a sacred
protection of the human body (Legends and Chronicles, 2019).
The existence of pyramids best symbolizes ancient Egyptian's quest for immortality while
archaeological discoveries of burial sites are also an important element in religious
interpretations. Mummification evidences and discoveries have also been made in the recent
years to prove the existence of these past religious beliefs, (Etim, 2010). Current Religious
beliefs in Egypt have evolved to the practice of Muslim Faith and their principal values are based
on Islam. Besides, a high percentage of the country’s population is governed by the law of Islam.
Prayers have also evolved from visitation of ancient shrines and sacred sacrifices to modern
prayers mosques and at home. Egypt also accepts other religion into society, Christianity is
practiced among other religious beliefs.

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Reference
Barry, J. (2018). Ancient Egypt: Anatomy of a Civilization. Routledge USA
Etim, E. (2010). Archeological Reelections on Ancient Egyptian Religion and Society.
European
Scientific Journal, 8(26), 107-115.
Jarus, O. (2016). Ancient Egypt: A Brief History. Retrieved from
https://www.livescience.com/55578-egyptian-civilization.html
Legends and Chronicles. (2019). Ancient Egyptian Culture | Culture of Egypt. Retrieved from
http://www.legendsandchronicles.com/ancient-civilizations/ancient-egypt/ancient-
egyptian-culture/