Oracular gods in ancient Egypt

Abstract EN

Oracles were commonly used in ancient Egypt.

it was a significant aspect of ancient Egyptian society.

royals and non-royals approached gods in the form of a statue carried on the shoulders of priests during festivals seeking the god’s decision in all sort of issues.

royals asked divine approval or advice in a major decision whether for political reason, military or trade campaigns.

high and minor officials consulted gods for matters related to their promotion, while ordinary people for property disputes, thefts, locating missing items, and others.

there were certain gods, deified kings and queens, deified non-royals who were related with oracles.

according to texts, the most famous were the Theban triad ; Amun, Mut and Khonsu, sacred bulls, rare aspects of Horus, deified king Amenhotep I, Ahmose Nefertari and non-royals like Imhotep and Amenhotep son of Hapu.

this study aims at investigating gods related to oracles in ancient Egypt, when and where they received the oracles.

the paper starts with a historical background on oracles in ancient Egypt then it analyzes gods and places related, and hieroglyphic terms used to describe this action.

the study ends with a main conclusion.