Introduction to The last stage
Although it may seem unusual to maintain a blog in English on my site, "The Last Stage," I find it necessary for several reasons. Firstly, it broadens the audience that can access the posts. Additionally, many have discovered the blog since I began writing about Ancient Egypt years ago, and with the growth of social media, new readers may find it now. Moreover, the purpose of this blog has evolved, rendering previous content outdated.
To effectively disseminate the history of ancient Egypt and ensure that it is engaging for both beginners and those with prior knowledge, the articles must be meticulously crafted. The bibliography should be comprehensive, utilizing a variety of sources. It is crucial that each article undergoes thorough scrutiny to ensure that the information presented is solid, reflecting our understanding of historical periods that are sometimes theoretical.
These posts, which are translations from the original Spanish blog, will feature several sections:
Initially, we encounter a set of "Basic Aspects," which aim to provide an introduction to various facets of ancient Egypt. Subsequently, there are blocks arranged in no particular order designed to encompass as broad a spectrum as possible within the realm of Kemet culture. These include discussions on symbols, the Egyptian language, society, geography, cities and temples, book reviews, funerary complexes, exhibitions, excursions, and deities. It is possible that new categories may be introduced in the future and some articles may transition between blocks. All such updates will be clearly indicated in the index, which will also be highlighted as a featured entry.
Understanding the mythology or religion of ancient Egypt (Kemet) is challenging. Therefore, I wish to dedicate a few lines to elucidate this subject and offer some guidelines for better comprehension.
What is most striking upon delving into ancient Egypt is the plethora of deities, each unique in form or graphic representation, as well as in function.
Unlike Greek mythology, where Zeus reigns supreme, or Scandinavian lore with Odin at the helm, Kemet's history showcases a variety of gods who have risen to prominence with varying degrees of success and acceptance, sometimes even amalgamating names to solidify their status as preeminent figures of the populace and faith.
Thus, it's erroneous to declare Ra, Horus (Jer), or Amun (Imen) as the paramount deity; such a hierarchy does not exist. Moreover, each god possesses multiple physical manifestations. While some are known by a singular or predominant form, making them easily identifiable, others like Thot (Yejuti) may be depicted as different animals without altering their function or identity.
Furthermore, each deity may symbolize diverse elements that are not necessarily harmonious, with roles that shift depending on the context or era, occasionally even conflicting.
These nuances may seem daunting to those eager to grasp Egyptian mythology comprehensively but are crucial for its exploration. To truly comprehend this mythology, one must cast aside preconceived notions about other religions and cease comparisons; they are incomparable. The only approach is to immerse oneself with an open mind and dedicate ample time to discerning the intricacies of each god.
Therefore, generalizations about Kemet's religion not only do a disservice to truth-seekers amidst the superficial coverage by mainstream media but also perpetuate a stereotyped and oversimplified portrayal of what is arguably one of the most intricate and profound narratives in human history.
As long as individuals rely solely on "what guides have informed them" or "what they have observed on television or the internet," Egypt will remain an enigma. Consequently, this blog is dedicated to illuminating certain facets of society and religion for those encountering them for the first time. It aims to provide focused insights on singular aspects, thereby enabling a gradual build-up towards a comprehensive understanding.
It is essential to recognize that equating Egypt with Kemet is an oversimplification. The remnants present in the country today do not fully represent the civilization that flourished over three thousand years ago; they offer but a glimpse, potentially skewed, of the Kemet civilization.
The relics we observe now—abandoned temples, statues, and pylons—are mere shadows of what once was. The surviving temples are often incomplete, damaged, or severely weathered due to time's toll and the impact of tourism and human interaction over the years.
Assuming that we can extrapolate from these fragments to form a complete image of Kemet's society is a fallacy. Such details often escape the interest of mainstream media and the public at large, particularly the mundane aspects of daily life.
The focus tends to be on grand temples and tombs, royalty and nobility, luxurious items and religious practices. However, these elements could not have existed without the support of the populace. The ordinary people, markets, homes, and cities where they resided are frequently overlooked. While it's fascinating to reconstruct temple architecture, rituals, and chronologies of kings and deities, it's equally important to shed light on everyday life.
The primary reason, in my view, is that we work with what remains: the sacred scriptures and standing monuments that predominantly recount tales of kings, spells for the afterlife, and other elements which scarcely reflect the lives of ordinary people. Nonetheless, it is possible to delve into the realm of everyday life, exploring the thoughts, beliefs, and lifestyles of the common folk. It is simplistic to construct religious ideologies solely based on sacred texts and priestly practices; it is fundamentally incorrect to assume that ordinary people shared these perceptions or were similarly affected in their daily lives.
Thus, when we observe Egypt today, we cannot accurately reconstruct what Kemet was like then. Despite our best efforts informed by contemporary observations and literature, it is unfeasible to extrapolate the most vital aspects of any civilization—its people, environment, and daily activities.
Without further ado, and as we will explore in subsequent chapters, I welcome you to this blog—the space where you can engage with Kemet in a manner that is both straightforward and as comprehensive as possible.
OTHER INTRODUCTION ENTRIES
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