The why the egyptians worshiped catsIt is not a mystery, there is much evidence that explains the reasons for the relationship between the Egyptians and cats. Historical records attest that cats were domesticated in Ancient Egypt about 4,000 years ago, possibly moving into towns and cities due to the proliferation of rats and mice. Although recently, in 2004, the remains of a cat were discovered next to a human in a tomb in Cyprus; which would place this domestication in the year 7500 BC
In the Ancient Egypt the male cat was called myeou, especially in the time of Upper Egypt, due to the onomatopoeia of its meow, while the females were called «techau», a term that has been recorded in many tombs of women found in finds archaeological,
In this sense, initially the relationship between the Egyptians and cats could be said to be due to the fact that in Ancient Egypt, these animals played a basic role in controlling these pests, snakes and other species of risk to people. ; so they were highly valued and respected for fulfilling this function and thereby protecting the population’s food; so it is not surprising that a close relationship was soon established between the Egyptians and cats, until total domestication took place.
This is how they began to be worshiped, giving them a place of honor in daily life, so much so that the link between the Egyptians and cats became evident through the images of these observed in the tombs, since it is said that about 3000 years ago cat mummies began to be found in these. In addition, these animals were captured in figures engraved in the tombs; showing that the Egyptians and cats were mixed in the scenes of everyday and family life.
But, the link between the Egyptians and cats went much further, because they were also valued for their apparent power that led them to see them as mysterious entities and the basis of the superstition of Ancient Egypt; to the point that the law protected them, severely punishing anyone who killed or injured one of them, even applying the death penalty. On this point, there are records of the Greek historian Herodotus; that he maintained that a Roman soldier was bludgeoned to death for killing a cat.
The importance of cats in Ancient Egypt was so significant that there are numerous finds represented by decorated statuettes found in tombs; which were made of bronze, even with gold earrings and precious jewels, used as religious symbols; as well as amulets with the figures of cats in earrings, rings, bracelets and pendants.
All these manifestations attested to the close relationship between the Egyptians and cats, including their figure in decorative elements in homes, even in makeup, as a way of feeling protected by these cats; since they were also seen as elements of superstition to attract good luck; and it was believed, for example, that if a man dreamed of a cat, he would have a good harvest.
On the other hand, the relationship between the Egyptians and cats became something cultural, based on religion, because the cat being a feline, it belongs to the same family as the lion, which is the God of the Sun called Ra. Thus, the Egyptians believed that the lion’s eyes reflected the sun’s rays and in turn combated darkness; so these animals were some of the most sacred, valued and protected.
Another important piece of information that evidences the firm relationship between the Egyptians and cats is the consecration that the Goddess Bastet made of this animal, which was the first recorded in Ancient Egypt, and which took place when this goddess of fertility and beauty, was represented with a cat’s head; which was very significant for the Egyptians, taking into account that she symbolized light, heat and solar energy, but having feline features, she also became the representative of the moon, night and mystery; attributing powers to cure diseases and to watch over the souls of the dead.
It is necessary to highlight the fact that in Ancient Egypt only the pharaohs had the honor of having and taming a cat, which was considered sacred, establishing a law that prohibited its sale, mistreatment or death.
Likewise, the death of a cat was considered a family mourning, and many people used to shave their eyebrows as a sign of mourning, while women put makeup on their eyes trying to make them look like those of cats; since they firmly believed that cats through their eyes could see the interior of the human soul.