One of the most pivotal deities in the daily life of ancient Egyptians was Thoth. The civilization was characterized by its quest for survival in a challenging landscape and the preparation for an afterlife. Thoth’s significance extended beyond being the protector of scribes and the initiator of hieroglyphic writing; he was also a vital figure due to his domains encompassing science, magic, mathematics, and lunar cycles, all of which affected the lives of both ordinary people and the elite.
Thoth: The Guardian of Scribes and Sacred Writings
Thoth, alongside Ammit in the “Book of the Dead,” played a critical role in ancient Egyptian beliefs. Hieroglyphics found on stelas, temples, tombs, and papyrus documents provide the backbone of our understanding of this ancient society. They were crucial for everything from chronicling historical events to capturing myths, prayers, spells, and aspects of everyday life. So, what are hieroglyphics?
The term “hieroglyphics” derives from Greek, meaning “sacred writing.” According to traditional Egyptian accounts, Thoth was the architect of this elaborate written form as well as the literary arts for both deities and mortals. According to certain myths, at the dawn of time, Thoth came into existence through the power of language, giving rise to the cosmos itself. Despite this important role, the intricacies of hieroglyphics were often beyond the grasp of all but the wealthiest Egyptians—royalty, priests, and scribes. Even these learned individuals sometimes lost their way in its complexities. Thoth’s high status as the originator of this language naturally positioned him as the protector of scribes and sacred scriptures.
However, Thoth wasn’t the sole deity linked with writing. Seshat, sometimes viewed as Thoth’s consort, took on the responsibility of overseeing the House of Life and recording regnal years. Meanwhile, Thoth’s influence extended to the Hall of Truth in the afterlife, where he documented the outcomes of the heart-weighing ritual, pivotal in determining a soul’s fate. Additionally, Thoth’s afterlife domain, known as the Mansion of Thoth, served both as his home and as a sanctuary for souls in transition, offering them a place to rest and learn protective spells.
The God of Sciences
Thoth is often recognized as the divine figure of sciences. The ancient Egyptians displayed exceptional expertise in various scientific disciplines, including fermentation, medicine, mummification, engineering, and farming. In this demanding environment, scientific knowledge was paramount. Ancient Egyptians innovated numerous tools, including wigs, papyrus, black ink, shadoofs, toothbrushes, and even the calendar we know today.
As the lord of the sciences, Thoth was credited with the development of arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and healing practices. Though he was not the exclusive deity associated with medicine—which also involved gods like Sekhmet, Heka, and Isis—his connection arose from his role as guardian during Isis’ pregnancy and his involvement in restoring Horus’ eye.
The God of Magic
In ancient Egyptian culture, magic was an intrinsic element of existence capable of promoting healing, providing protection, and even cursing. It blended seamlessly into the lifecycle of an individual, influencing everything from birth to death, and was held in high esteem. Taken to signify intelligence, sciences, and the very essence of language, Thoth epitomized the concept of magic.
What positioned Thoth as a key deity regarding magic was the notion that he possessed the greatest amount of Heka (magic). According to the tale of Setne Khamwas and Naneferkaptah, merely reading from Thoth’s book—the Book of Thoth—granted an individual the ability to understand animals and perceive deities.
A notable highlight of Thoth’s magical capabilities includes his intercession for Nut, the goddess of the sky, who had been cursed by Ra. Initially, the Egyptian calendar had just 360 days, and Ra’s jealousy led to Nut being barred from birthing children during this span. Through the addition of five days to the year, which Thoth orchestrated, Nut could at last conceive.
Thoth: The Mathematical Innovator
The ancient Egyptians held a profound appreciation for mathematics and its multifaceted applications. Daily life invariably involved some form of mathematics, from warfare to agricultural practices, astronomy, commerce, and construction.
While mathematical records from Egypt are scarce, two notable papyri showcase their skills: the Rhind papyrus and the Moscow papyrus. The former illustrates fraction usage, while the latter reveals sophisticated calculations involving pyramidal volumes and even a value of Pi approximating 3.16, which closely resembles our contemporary understanding of 3.14. These findings illustrate not only that ancient Egyptians tackled complex mathematical issues but also that their techniques influenced later Greek mathematicians like Thales and Pythagoras. As the embodiment of knowledge, Thoth was often regarded as the creator of mathematics.
Thoth’s mastery extended beyond mere numbers—his grasp over cosmic phenomena, lunar timing, and solar calculations exemplified how he wielded mathematics to pursue both earthly and celestial enlightenment.
Thoth: The Lunar Deity
Like many Egyptian gods, Thoth was associated with celestial bodies, particularly the moon. His mythological roots date back to the Pre- and Early Dynastic periods (circa 5000 – 2686 BCE). He was not originally a lunar figure, yet during the Middle Kingdom (circa 2055 – 1650 BCE), new narratives positioned him as a keeper of cosmic harmony along with his roles in magic and knowledge.
By the New Kingdom (circa 1550 – 1070 BCE), Thoth was credited with the creation of the lunar calendar, essential for regulating agricultural cycles and tracking time. The lunar phases significantly influenced magic rituals, allowing Thoth to merge his divine aspects of magic and cosmic balance effectively. Iconography often depicted him with a lunar disc, whether in the shape of a baboon, an ibis, or an ibis-headed human form.
Hermes Trismegistus: The Intersection of Greek and Egyptian Beliefs
Following Alexander the Great’s conquest of Egypt in 332 BCE, Greek culture began to intermingle with Egyptian tradition. As part of this fusion, many Egyptian deities were incorporated into the Greek pantheon. Among these, Thoth was particularly prominent. The Greeks, revering Hermes as the deity of communication and reasoning, speculated about potential connections between Hermes and Thoth. This speculation eventually gave rise to the amalgamation known as Hermes Trismegistus.
Ancient authors attributed numerous texts to Hermes Trismegistus, including the “Corpus Hermeticum,” which emerged as a significant cultural element that challenged early Christian doctrines. The influence of Hermeticism persists today within various philosophical organizations, illustrating its lasting impact.
