Sacred kings and holy viziers: a comparison of royal and non-royal deification in ancient Egypt

Abstract

A number of individuals in ancient Egypt, who were the recipients of a cult, became 'saint'- like or in some cases even deities after their death. Although largely a late phenomenon, a number of kings and viziers from Egypt's Old, Middle and New Kingdoms came to be venerated as gods in particular localities, some came to be nationally recognized divinities. The general consensus is that these individuals were deified because they contributed greatly to the prosperity of the country or left a lasting impression on posterity. This paper explores the phenomenon of the posthumous deification of both royal and nonroyal individuals in ancient Egypt. It compares aspects of the worship of these persons as well as the possible reasons for their apotheosis. It aims to determine the ways in which deified humans were perceived by the ancient Egyptians, the roles they played in the everyday lives of their followers and whether or not the deification of both royal and nonroyal individuals was same in this respect. It supposes that the posthumous deification of royal individuals was an extension of their pioneering activities and political success in particular regions and realized in their role in enhancing the prosperity of Egypt. Otherwise, it was the result of their establishing new economic-religious domains, whereby in the interests of those attached to their cultinstitutions, they came to be looked upon as otherworldly benefactors who provided for the livelihood of their adherents. In most cases, private persons were deified for their exceptional qualities and in retrospect of their contributions to society. They were seen as religious experts, legendary architects, inventors, physicians, authors, local leaders and competent administrators who came to be venerated as viable patron saints and summoned after their death to intercede for the well-being of their followers. In comparison, both royal and nonroyal deification entailed someone being locally recognized for their accomplishments. As men, their apotheosis was a reflection of their personal achievements and qualities; as elite men, with special privileges, deification perhaps was advantageous in that through these men people could achieve greater regularity in their lives or be provided with greater benefits in both this world and in the hereafter.