Lion

The Lion in Ancient Egypt

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Protective lion amulets have been found from as early as the Predynastic Period, believed to grant their wearers eternal rejuvenation in the hereafter. The sphinx, perfect symbol of divine and royal power, derives from the image of a lion. The lion was a symbol of the strength and power of the pharaoh, and was often carved on the arms of the pharaoh's throne as a royal emblem. Ramses II was described as a "mighty lion, with sharp claws, with fearsome roars, hurling his voice into the wadi where the desert prey is found." Amulets of lions, made of amethyst, limestone, carnelian, faience, lapis lazuli, silver, and feldspar, were popular. Special golden lion amulets were awarded for bravery in battle.

The lion head hieroglyphic symbol was used in words such as “power” and “strength,” and the lion was associated with several gods, such as Ra, Aker, Maahes, and Bes. Lionesses, considered more dangerous, were the favored form of fierce goddesses such as Sekhmet, Tefnut, and Mafdet.

Beds and chairs were sometimes adorned with lion's paws or heads, making sure that the individual would rise renewed after sleep or rest. On the roofs of temples, carved lion heads were even used as gargoyle rainspouts - the lion form was believed to drive Set, who hurled down the storms, away from the holy place.

A solar symbol, tame lions and lionesses were kept in temples, worshiped, and mummified when they died. These lions were feed on beef and lived in special domed structures. An ancient Greek historian called Aelian said: “In Egypt, they worship lions, and there is a city called after them. . . the lions have temples and numerous spaces in which to roam; the flesh of oxen is supplied to them daily. . . and the lions eat to the accompaniment of song in the Egyptian language.”

Pharaohs hunted lions as a show of strength and courage - Amenhotep III claimed to have killed 102 of them personally. Lions were also tamed and kept as pets, and some of them are pictured wearing decorated collars. Only royalty could have a lion for a pet, and a person was considered to be blessed by the gods if one could tame such a fearsome beast. Of a great magicain it was said, "He knows how to make a lion walk behind him with its leash on the ground." Archaeologists presume that pet lions had their deadly claws and fangs removed before being given pet status.

Ramses II's tame lioness, "Slayer of His Enemies," accompanied him into battle, and is portrayed in his tomb lying beside the throne and running alongside the royal chariot. Queen Berenike II is said to have loved to walk in the palace gardens accompanied by her pet lioness. Ramses III, Ramses IV, Tutankhamen, and Egypt's very first pharaoh, Aha, also kept lions as pets.

The lion became extinct in Egypt during the Late Period.

The Felines of Ancient Egypt