Bubastis
Bubastis: An Ancient Egyptian City of Worship
Nile Delta town and temple site, home of Bastet known from the old kingdom but flourished especially in Dynasty 22. It was the capital of
Introduction Bubastis, also known as Tell-Basta or Per-Bast, was an ancient Egyptian city located in the Nile River delta north of Cairo. It held significant religious and historical importance as a center of worship for the feline goddess Bastet. The city reached its peak during the reign of Shoshenq I, who became pharaoh and belonged to the 22nd Dynasty. Bubastis was renowned for its annual festival dedicated to Bastet, described as one of the most joyous and extravagant celebrations in Egypt.
Etymology The name “Bubastis” is derived from the Egyptian phrase “Pr-Bȝst.t,” meaning “House of Bast,” combining the Egyptian word for “house” with the name of the goddess Bastet. Over time, linguistic shifts altered its pronunciation, leading to variations such as Ⲡⲟⲩⲃⲁⲥϯ in Bohairic Coptic.
its nome, located along the Nile River in py-bst Ezekiel. It was the feline goddess Bastet, and therefore the principal depository in Egypt of mummies of cats. Its ruins are located in the suburbs of the modern city of Zagazig.
History
- Second Dynasty: According to Greek historian Manetho, a catastrophic event occurred near Bubastis during the reign of Hotepsekhemwy.
- Twelfth Dynasty: In the Middle Kingdom, Bubastis was home to a large mudbrick palace believed to be associated with Amenemhat III.
- Twenty-Second Dynasty: Bubastis became a royal residence under Shoshenq I, marking its height during this dynasty and the subsequent 23rd Dynasty.
- Persian Rule and Decline: After being captured by the Persians, Bubastis saw a gradual decline. The city’s walls were dismantled during this period.
Religion Bubastis was a prominent center for worshipping Bastet, often identified with Artemis by the Greeks. The cat was considered sacred to Bastet, depicted with either a cat or a lioness head. The city housed tombs containing mummified cats, reflecting the deity’s significance in Egyptian religious practices.
Festival and Celebrations The festival of Bubastis was described as one of the most elaborate celebrations in Egypt by Herodotus. It involved processions on barges along the Nile, accompanied by music and dancing. The festival culminated in a grand feast at Bubastis where large quantities of wine were consumed amidst joyous festivities.
Christian Bishopric During the 4th and 5th centuries, Bubastis had Christian bishops serving in the region. Names like Harpocration, Hermon, and Iulianus are mentioned in historical documents from that period.
Excavations Archaeological excavations at Bubastis have unearthed significant findings such as the tomb of vizier Iuty from the New Kingdom era. Ongoing projects like the German-Egyptian “Tell Basta Project” continue to explore and uncover more about this ancient city.
In conclusion, Bubastis stands as a testament to Egypt’s rich history and religious practices centered around deities like Bastet. Its festivals, archaeological remains, and historical significance offer valuable insights into ancient Egyptian culture.
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