Egyptian Temples

temples of ancient egypt

Egyptian Temples

First published in 1984. Written by a well-respected Professor of Egyptology at University College, London in the latter half of the nineteenth century, this is a scholarly but readable account of the temples of Ancient Egypt. The work, which rests comfortably between well informed guidebook and specialist tome, surveys the architecture, history and distinguishing characteristics of every important temple. Helpful illustrations are included.

Ancient Egyptian Temple Ritual

Large state temples in ancient Egypt were vast agricultural estates, with interests in mining, trading, and other economic activities. The temple itself served as the mansion or palace of the deity to whom the estate belonged, and much of the ritual in temples was devoted to offering a representative sample of goods to the gods. After ritual performances, produce was paid as wages to priests and temple staff and presented as offerings to private mortuary establishments. This redistribution became a daily ritual in which many basic necessities of life for elite Egyptians were produced. This book evaluates the influence of common temple rituals not only on the day to day lives of ancient Egyptians, but also on their special events, economics, and politics. Author Katherine Eaton argues that a study of these daily rites ought to be the first step in analyzing the structure of more complex societal processes.