The story of Achilles and Hector is one filled with intrigue and contradictions that have long fascinated scholars and readers alike. In brief, it culminates in Hector’s victory over Achilles, a claim that takes roots in ancient Greek thought, notably among the sophists. To set the scene, the Trojans had managed to breach the defensive…
Seshat, revered as the Egyptian goddess associated with writing, bears names such as Sefkhet-Abwy and Seshet. Her designation translates to “female scribe,” and artistic representations showcase her as a woman adorned in a leopard-skin garment, complete with a headdress featuring a seven-pointed star framed by a crescent shaped like a bow. This visual symbolism reflects…
Overview of Ancient Egyptian Religion Definition and Historical Context Ancient Egyptian religion encompasses the indigenous beliefs that evolved in Egypt from the predynastic era (4th millennium BCE) through to the decline of traditional practices in the early centuries CE. For a detailed historical timeline, one might refer to the broader narrative of ancient Egyptian history.…
In examining Jung’s theory of the unconscious, one finds significant insight through the symbol of the horned or antlered human, which has appeared across diverse cultures globally, from Africa to Asia to Europe. Images showcasing this symbol can be traced back to some of the earliest human civilizations, establishing its mythological roots deeply embedded in…
Chiron: The Wise Centaur of Greek Mythology Chiron, known as Kheiron in Greek, was the most esteemed and knowledgeable among the Kentauroi, a race of centaurs hailing from Thessaly, notable for their equine characteristics. Unique among his brethren, Chiron was the immortal offspring of the Titan Kronos (Cronus) and the nymph Philyra, making him a…
Ancient Egyptian architecture encompasses the remarkable constructions primarily established during the dynastic periods spanning the first three millennia BCE within the Nile Valley’s realms of Egypt and Nubia. This architecture, akin to representational art forms, was designed to uphold specific structures and conventions believed to exemplify the ideal state of existence from the moment of…
An Overview of Greek Mythology Greek mythology encompasses a rich tapestry of tales revolving around gods, heroes, and ancient Greek rituals that date back to Classical antiquity. The recognition of mythical narratives as partially fictional was highlighted by philosophers like Plato during the 5th to 4th centuries BCE. Nonetheless, these myths were largely embraced within…
Mercury and Its Mythological Significance Mercury stands out as the smallest planet in our solar system and also holds the distinction of being the closest planet to the Sun. Its orbital revolution around the Sun takes merely 88 days, which makes it the fastest-moving planet in our celestial neighborhood. Its visibility as a bright object…
Roman Religion: Beliefs and Practices in Classical Antiquity Roman religion, also known as Roman mythology, embodies the beliefs and practices of those inhabiting the Italian peninsula from ancient times until the rise of Christianity in the 4th century. According to Cicero, a prominent orator and politician, the Romans distinguished themselves with a unique wisdom that…
Greek mythology predates Roman beliefs, yet the two share similar deities, including Hestia from Greek tradition and her Roman equivalent, Vesta. Both goddesses preside over the hearth, symbolizing the warmth and safety of the home. Born to Rhea and Kronos, Vesta, like Hestia, was swallowed by her father. In an interesting twist of fate, she…