Animals

In Egypt there are a lot of different kinds of animals. Each animal has it's own symbol in hieroglyphics. Each one is used for food or clothing and Egyptians felt different about each animal.

Egyptians hunted Ostriches for their large tail feathers. The feathers that they take from the Ostriches would be made into fans to keep the rich people cool.

Hippopotamus were also hunted because the Hippos would often break the crops and try to flip over boats. The Egyptians killed the Hippos by stabbing them to death. The Egyptians also thought that the male Hippo was evil.

In modern America people own either cats or dogs. People who own cats today deeply care for them. Some owners go, as far as, allowing their cats to sleep with them! Ancient Egyptians also owned them. A cat was a worshiped animal in Ancient Egypt. The cats ate rodents in the fields. In Egypt the Egyptian word for cat is Miw.

In the jungle, the lion is on the top of the pyramid because he is the strongest animal. This is why a lion is associated with the Pharaoh's strength. The lion is also the guardian of the sun.

The cobra has the symbol of the goddess of lower Egypt. The cobra is depicted in the shape of a threatening serpent. The cobra is so deadly because it spits poisonous venom.

Today people need alarm clocks to wake up. Ancient Egyptians had Baboons. Baboons are believed to be sun worshipers because they shout at sunrise and sunset. Because they are a peaceful animal they are associated with the god of the scribes, Thoth.

The Astly Heron is the sacred bird of the at Heliopolis. It sits on top of the earth on the edge of the Nile.

In Ancient Egypt and today there are many similarities and differences among the importance of animals. During Ancient Egypt they worshiped animals and today we have them as pets!