Dr. Tamara Siuda, author of "The Complete Encyclopedia of Egyptian Deities", dives into the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian religion. She discusses the fascinating evolution of deities like Osiris and Antinous, revealing how they adapted through political changes. The conversation explores lesser-known figures such as Medjed and reflects on the persistence of these beliefs in modern times, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Siuda shares insights on her crowdfunding journey to publish her comprehensive work, highlighting the importance of understanding these ancient gods without modern biases.
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insights INSIGHT
Gods' Changing Roles
Ancient Egyptian gods were not static.
Their prominence changed, new ones emerged, and some transitioned from royal to popular figures.
insights INSIGHT
Early Deities
Evidence of divine beings predates writing in Egypt, including Nabta Playa.
Early bovine and hawk cults likely preceded Horus and Hathor.
insights INSIGHT
Early Religious Fluidity
Early Egyptian religion was fluid, with regional gods tied to city-states.
Unification and intercity travel spread gods, with no single dominant deity initially.
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Gods, Goddesses, and Spirits of Ancient Egypt and Nubia
Tamara Siuda
Dr. Tamara L. Siuda's "The Complete Encyclopedia of Egyptian Deities" offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse figures populating the ancient Egyptian pantheon. The book delves into detailed mythologies, descriptions, and references for numerous gods and goddesses, both Egyptian and from neighboring cultures. It examines the significance of these beings and how their status evolved over centuries. The encyclopedia provides valuable insights into the complexities of ancient Egyptian religion and its dynamic nature. It serves as an essential resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian beliefs.
Understanding the deities requires us to move beyond inherited preconceptions and prejudices. Fortunately, there are many gods worthy of the effort. From the deified Sphinx Horemakhet, to the meme-lord Medjed, to the deified lover-boy Antinous, the pantheon is rich in variety and personalities. It is a subject that today’s guest, Dr. Tamara L. Siuda, has devoted a great deal of time. Her new book, The Complete Encyclopedia of Egyptian Deities (2024) is a comprehensive guide to many of these figures…
For a limited time, 20% off the purchase of The Complete Encyclopedia of Egyptian Deities at Llewellyn.com. Code: CEED20. Valid: 1/23/25 – 2/28/25. Offer cannot be combined with other discounts. Must be logged in to your Llewellyn account for coupon to apply to cart.
Dr. Siuda has generously offered a permanent discount code on any item in her bookstore. Visit http://tamarasiuda.com/shop and use the coupon code historical to receive 20% off any order. Valid for one order per customer.
The History of Egypt Podcast 