When did cats die in ancient Egypt? - briefly
Cats were highly revered and often mummified in ancient Egypt, indicating that their deaths were treated with great respect and ceremony. However, specific historical records detailing the exact time periods when most cats died are scarce, making it challenging to pinpoint precise timelines.
When did cats die in ancient Egypt? - in detail
Cats held a significant place in ancient Egyptian society, revered for their role in protecting grain stores from pests and as companions. However, the exact timeframe of cat deaths in ancient Egypt varies depending on the context and specific circumstances.
The earliest evidence of cats in Egypt dates back to around 6000 BCE, during the Neolithic period. Cats were likely domesticated from African wildcats and became integral to Egyptian life over time. The first known depiction of a cat in Egyptian art appears on a palette from Hierakonpolis, dating to about 3100 BCE, during the Predynastic Period.
During the Old Kingdom (around 2686-2181 BCE), cats were highly valued and often mummified along with their owners, indicating a belief in an afterlife for both humans and cats. This practice continued through the Middle Kingdom (around 2055-1650 BCE) and into the New Kingdom (around 1570-1069 BCE).
One of the most famous examples of cat mummification is from the city of Bubastis, where thousands of cats were buried in sacred cemeteries dedicated to Bastet, the cat goddess. This practice reached its peak during the Late and Ptolemaic periods (around 664-30 BCE). During this time, cats were often mummified en masse, with records indicating that the practice could involve tens of thousands of cats.
The decline in cat mummification began with the Roman conquest of Egypt in 30 BCE and continued through the Byzantine period (around 330-641 CE). The practice largely ended by the Islamic period (from the 7th century onwards), as cultural attitudes towards cats changed.
In summary, while the exact timing of cat deaths in ancient Egypt varied greatly depending on the context, the practice of mummifying and burying cats was most prevalent during the Late and Ptolemaic periods. This tradition reflected the deep reverence and affection that ancient Egyptians held for their feline companions.