The Cat in Ancient Egypt

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Cat fanciers who view their pets as majestic can trace this reverence back to ancient Egypt, where felines were domesticated around 2000 B.C., long before their European relatives. Over time, cats gained a revered status in royal society, celebrated as embodiments of goddesses, immortalized in bronze statuettes, and even mummified alongside their owners. Their humble origins and protective nature also earned them the respect of commoners, securing a significant role in the personal beliefs of everyday people. Egypt scholar Jaromir Malek utilizes a range of artistic and written sources to explore how cats became esteemed in ancient society. He traces the domestication of cats through art, starting with the tomb of Baket III, where a cat is depicted confronting a rat, and progressing to images of cats beneath the chairs of wives, paralleling the established motif of dogs under husbands' chairs. The book features over a hundred illustrations, many in full color, showcasing cats in tomb paintings, sculptures, papyri, jewelry, ostraka, and sarcophagi. Malek also provides context on ancient Egyptian religion, society, and art, helping readers appreciate how cats earned their esteemed status. Today, cats roam freely in Egypt, a testament to their enduring bond with humans, beautifully captured in this engaging work that appeals to both cat lovers and history enthusiasts.