The social status of women in ancient Egyptian art as goddesses

Abstract EN

This article presents a group of the most important and influential Egyptian deities, that were mentioned in several historical sources, artwork created by the ancient Egyptians (both sculptures and depictions) and are present in some of the most renowned museums of the world.

It also uses the artwork to identify the social position of women in ancient times.

Although they date back to thousands of years ago, it is still evident that they were civilized and ahead of their time as they used the same lens to view both men and women.

They believed everybody had a significant role to play and assigned many of the crucial duties to both men and women.

This is, without a doubt, one of the reasons behind the greatness and sophistication of the ancient Egyptians and it surely distinguished them from others at the time.

All sources confirm that women were very respected and valued in ancient Egypt.

Hence, the fact that women were able to reach high ranks such as becoming goddesses, who were sanctified and worshipped across the entire country.

The people threw festivals in their honor, gave them offerings, and prayed for them, and sought advice.

Moreover, it was strongly believed that the goddesses protected people from any evil that may harm them, and provided them with strength, health, stability, beauty as well as guided them into their resurrection and journey to the afterlife.

They also believed that the goddesses greatly impacted natural events and phenomena.