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Old Kingdom sun cult on the basis of theophoric anthroponyms

Publication at Faculty of Arts |
2016

Abstract

Beliefs connected to the sun formed a significant part of the ancient Egyptian religion. Even in the Old Kingdom there were a number of gods with solar aspects: Re, Khepri, Atum, Horus, Sokar, Akhti, Nemti, Nefertem, Weneg, or Shu.

Their characteristics are mainly studied on the basis of religious texts, but theophoric anthroponyms may provide some additional insights. This study summarizes the personal names mentioning one of these divinities and attempts to investigate solar beliefs on the basis of this perspective.