Egypt: Land of the Gods

Long acknowledged as an integral part of the heritage of western civilization, ancient Egypt’s importance to world history cannot be exaggerated, especially in the context of religions. At least three of the world’s major religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—can trace their roots and/or early dissemination to the land of the Nile. These religions, especially the Coptic Church branch of Christianity, can even find parallels between many of their practices and rituals and the ancient religion of the pharaohs. Today, Egypt’s landscape is dotted with the churches, temples and mosques of these religions that stand alongside the temples of Isis, Osiris, Horus and other ancient Egyptian deities. This special presentation of the History Channel explores the religious history and influences of ancient Egypt. Egypt: Land of the Gods would be useful for classes on Ancient History, World History, Religious History, World Culture, Archeology and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Land of Magic

Objectives
Students will explore the history and influence of world religions in Egypt. They will examine the relationship between contemporary and ancient religions, as well as their commonalities and differences. They will learn the basic tenets of ancient Egyptian religion as well as Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

National History Standards
Egypt: Land of the Gods fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretations, and historical research capabilities for World History eras 3 and 4.

• adulation
• amulet
• bureaucrat
• conquest
• disreputable
• formulary
• genealogical
• marauders
• operative
• perennial
• peril
• predicate

Discussion Questions

1. Compare magic and religion. How is magic “practical religion?”

2. Humans have turned to magic for centuries. Why do people turn to magic for their wishes?

3. Discuss the role of the god Heka in Egyptian magic.

4. The Egyptians practiced magic in state sponsored rituals. What is a state sponsored ritual? What are some of the US state sponsored rituals?

5. There were three basic parts of magic ceremonies. What were they?

6. How did the magic spells and incantations reflect the historical period in which they were written?

7. Egypt was an attractive prize to foreign invaders. What made Egypt so desirable?

8. Discuss the use of magic for harming enemies of the state.

9. Some Egyptians painted images or pictures of their enemies on the bottoms of their sandals. Why?

10. Why were love spells so popular?

11. How did magic continue to be associated with religion in the Coptic Church?

12. How was magic used to protect children?

Extended Activities

1. Research magic on the Internet and use your data to compare Pharonic use of magic with magic that is used for entertainment today.

2. Write a magic text that includes a historial.

Primary Sources

• Follow this link (http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/1100egyptmagic.html) to Ancient History Sourcebook: Tales of Ancient Egypt: Princess Ahura: The Magic Book, c. 1100 BCE