Antelope

The Antelope in Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Names:**

//Nwd'w// or //Nudju// (Addax)

//Dbn'w// or //Ssa// (Hartebeest)

//Niau, Imat,// or //Nerau// (Ibex)


 * Hieroglyphics:**

(Addax) (Hartebeest) or or (Ibex)

There were several species of antelope that were present in ancient Egypt, including the Addax, Hartebeest, Black Wildebeest, Nubian Ibex, and the now extinct Bubal Hartebeest.

In addition to being hunted by pharaohs and noblemen for sport, attempts at domestication were made. The North Palace at Amarna contained a yard for housing antelopes, with a trough in one corner and stone tethering rings. Live antelopes, horns, and skins were a common tribute item from Nubia.

The Nubian Ibex was semi-domesticated and bred at the time of the Middle Kingdom, and fattend for the table. The antelope was associated with the goddess Satis, and a white antelope was the symbol of the 16th Upper Egyptian nome.

The Herbivores of Ancient Egypt