Research Article: Ancient Egypt 2675-332 B.c.e.: Religion

Fortunately for the modern scholar, the Egyptians decorated the walls and ceilings of their temples with scenes and texts relating to the activities which went on in the temples. A few papyri relating to the temple rituals have also survived, and by putting the two together, scholars have been able to draw a fairly detailed picture of the rituals that went on within the temple. These rituals fall into two main categories: those which were intended to satisfy the god's needs, conducted on a daily basis; and those representing the god's function, either cosmic or political. These were the festivals celebrated during particular times of the year. The Egyptians believed that the well-being of Egypt was dependent on their continued performance of temple rituals. The Papyrus Jumilhac states that "if the gifts are poor on its [the sanctuary's] tables, then the same thing will happen in the entire country; life...
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