Which domesticated animal was considered sacred in ancient Egypt: a horse, a cat, or a dog? - briefly
The cat was regarded as a sacred animal in ancient Egypt. This reverence was due to their ability to control pests and their graceful, independent nature, which the Egyptians associated with divine qualities. This sacred status is evident in the numerous cat statues and mummies found in archaeological sites, as well as in the goddess Bastet, who was often depicted with a cat's head. Bastet was a prominent deity, worshipped for her protective and nurturing qualities.
The horse was not native to Egypt and was introduced much later, during the New Kingdom period, primarily for military purposes. While horses were valued for their strength and speed, they did not attain the same level of reverence as cats. The Egyptian word for horse, "ss," is believed to have been borrowed from the Hyksos, indicating their foreign origin.
Dogs in ancient Egypt were also highly regarded and often depicted in art and tomb paintings. They were valued for their loyalty and hunting skills. However, no specific dog breed was deified to the same extent as the cat. Anubis, the god of the afterlife, was often depicted with a jackal head, which is related to the dog family, but this was more symbolic than a direct reverence for domesticated dogs.
Which domesticated animal was considered sacred in ancient Egypt: a horse, a cat, or a dog? - in detail
In ancient Egypt, several animals were revered, but none achieved the level of sacredness quite like the cat. The domestication and veneration of cats in Egypt can be traced back to around 3100 BCE. Cats were not merely pets; they were integral to the daily life and religious beliefs of the Egyptians. Their ability to control vermin, particularly snakes and rodents, made them valuable in protecting grain stores and homes. Moreover, their graceful and independent nature captivated the Egyptians, leading to their association with various deities.
The most notable deity associated with cats was Bastet, a goddess often depicted with the head of a cat. Bastet was worshipped as a protector of the home and bringer of good health. Her temple in Bubastis was one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in ancient Egypt. Cats were often mummified and buried with elaborate rituals, reflecting their sacred status. The practice of mummifying cats was so prevalent that vast cat cemeteries have been discovered, containing thousands of mummified felines.
While dogs were also common in ancient Egypt and were used for hunting and protection, they did not attain the same level of divine status as cats. Dogs were associated with Anubis, the god of the dead, who was often depicted with the head of a jackal. However, the jackal was more significant in this regard than the domestic dog. Dogs were respected and sometimes mummified, but their religious importance was secondary to that of cats.
Horses, on the other hand, were introduced to Egypt much later, around the 17th century BCE, during the Hyksos period. They were primarily used for warfare and transportation rather than for religious purposes. Although horses were valued for their strength and speed, they did not become symbols of divine worship in the same way that cats did. The horse was associated with the god Set, who was often depicted with the head of a mysterious animal that some scholars believe to be a composite of various creatures, including a horse. However, this association did not elevate the horse to the sacred status enjoyed by the cat.
In summary, among the domesticated animals in ancient Egypt, the cat stood out as the most sacred. Their practical benefits, coupled with their mystical allure, led to their deification and integration into the religious fabric of Egyptian society. Dogs and horses, while respected and utilized, did not achieve the same level of divine reverence as the cat.