Question

How did ancient egyptians explain the movement of the sun across the sky?

Answer 1

Как древние египтяне объясняли движение солнца по небу?

Солнце – это колесница  Бога Ра, который едет по небу.  А за ним вечно гонится злой змей, который каждый вечер его пожирает. Целую ночь идет битва, но к утру  Ра всегда побеждает своего врага.

Answer 2

Ancient Egyptians' Explanation of the Movement of the Sun across the Sky

The ancient Egyptians had a complex and fascinating understanding of the movement of the sun across the sky. They believed that the sun was a powerful deity named Ra, who traveled across the sky during the day and through the underworld at night. Here is a detailed explanation of how the ancient Egyptians explained the movement of the sun:

1. Ra's Daily Journey: The ancient Egyptians believed that Ra traveled across the sky in a solar barque, a boat-like vessel. Ra would rise in the east at dawn, travel across the sky during the day, and then set in the west at dusk. This daily journey of Ra represented the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

2. The Sun God's Night Journey: During the night, the ancient Egyptians believed that Ra traveled through the underworld, facing various challenges and dangers. This journey was depicted in the "Book of the Amduat," an ancient Egyptian funerary text that described Ra's journey through the 12 divisions of the underworld.

3. The Sun's Rebirth: At the end of each night, Ra would emerge victorious from the underworld and be reborn as the morning sun. This symbolized the triumph of light over darkness and the eternal cycle of life.

4. Solar Temples and Rituals: To honor Ra and ensure the sun's regular journey across the sky, the ancient Egyptians built temples dedicated to the sun god. These temples were strategically aligned with the sun's movement, allowing sunlight to illuminate specific areas during important solar events, such as the solstices and equinoxes. The ancient Egyptians also performed rituals and ceremonies to honor Ra and ensure his continued journey.

5. Symbolism and Mythology: The movement of the sun across the sky was deeply intertwined with ancient Egyptian mythology and symbolism. Ra was often depicted as a falcon-headed deity, symbolizing his ability to soar through the sky. The sun's journey was also associated with the concept of Ma'at, the ancient Egyptian principle of balance and harmony.

In conclusion, the ancient Egyptians explained the movement of the sun across the sky through their belief in the deity Ra and his daily journey in a solar barque. They saw the sun's movement as a representation of the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, and performed rituals and built temples to honor and ensure the sun's regular journey.