Welcome to the Theoi Project, a site exploring Greek mythology and the gods in classical literature and art. The aim of the project is to provide a comprehensive, free reference guide to the gods (theoi), spirits (daimones), fabulous creatures (theres) and heroes of ancient Greek mythology and religion.
Egyptian Symbols and Figures: Scroll Paintings
Introduction
This lesson introduces students to the writing, art, and religious beliefs of ancient Egypt through hieroglyphs, one of the oldest writing systems in the world, and through tomb paintings. Hieroglyphs consist of pictures of familiar objects that represent sounds. They were used in ancient Egypt from about 3100 BC to 400 CE.
Ancient Egyptian art has been divided into several era galleries each covering two or three historical periods. There is some doubt about the absolute dates involved here; for more information see the paragraph on chronology before the list of Egyptian Pharaohs.
Ancient Egypt: the Mythology is dedicated to providing the most detailed and accurate information about the gods, goddesses and religious beliefs of the ancient Egyptian people.
The website is divided into five major sections:
the Gods
An encyclopedia of the major gods and goddesses in Egyptian mythology.
Most Popular: Bastet, Anubis, Osiris
New entries: Renenutet, Baal, Ihy, Reshep
the Myths
The major myths & folktales of the ancient Egypt.
Most Popular: Isis & Osiris, The Story of Re, The Great Queen Hatshepsut
the Symbols
A guide to common symbols in ancient Egyptian art and religion.
Most Popular: Scarab, Colors, Eye of Horus
the Land
Articles about Egyptian religion as practiced in local cult centers like Thebes, Memphis & Heliopolis. Also, includes articles about Egyptian history & daily life.
Most Popular: the Ennead of Heliopolis, Common Myths about Cleopatra, the Funerary Texts
the Resources
A collection of links to other quality websites about ancient Egypt.
Introduction -- Anthropoid sarcophagus of Amunemopet, Predynastic Period -- Male idol, Old kingdom I -- Heti as a cross-legged, Scribe, Old kingdom II -- Sarcophagus of Kaiemneferet
The Funerary Arts -- Canopic jars
Middle Kingdom -- Lid and two end panels from a coffin of the official Nakht
Hemunu -- Statue of Hemiunu, enthroned
New Kingdom I -- Statue of the lioness goddess Sekhmet
Treasury -- Jewels of a princess
New Kingdom II -- Relief with the image of Pharaoh Tuthmoses IV
Temple and Tomb -- Funerary stela of the Lady Cherankh
Graeco-Roman -- Cartonnage and Faiyum portrait of a noblewoman
Welcome. Sample the symbols of Egypt's kings and queens.
The artifacts are but a mere sampling of the opulent treasures exhibited at the Florida International Museum in 1996. We hope this tour brings many moments of pleasure
as you explore the colors, textures and history of each piece.
The genesis of our spirit stretches from the first palettes carved in shale nearly five thousand years ago to the mural paintings with which the Copts covered the bas-reliefs of the temples of yore.
Country Profile: Egypt
PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
Except for the Nile valley, Egypt is desert and semi-desert. The most rugged parts are in the Sinai peninsula, where Mount Catherine reaches 2,637 metres (8,650 feet). The western desert, mostly plateau, falls to altitudes below sea level, as in the Qattara Depression, towards the Mediterranean.