Bubastis – An Ancient City With a Mysterious History
Nestled in the northeastern corner of the Nile Delta, Bubastis was a city that held a special place in the ancient Egyptian imagination. The city was a place of worship for the goddess Bastet, and it was believed to be the center of her cult. Today, the ancient city of Bubastis is a fascinating archaeological site, and its ruins offer a unique insight into the past.
Bubastis – A Place of Worship for Bastet
Bubastis was the most important city in the cult of Bastet, the ancient Egyptian goddess of cats, protection, and fertility. According to Egyptian mythology, Bastet was the daughter of Ra, the sun god. Her cult was centered in Bubastis, where she was worshipped as the protector of the Pharaoh and the divine guardian of the cat.
The temple of Bastet in Bubastis, known as the Per-Bastet, was the most sacred place in the city. It was built on a grand scale, and archaeologists have discovered vast amounts of gold, silver, and bronze statuettes of the goddess inside. The temple was surrounded by a vast lake, and it is thought that pilgrims would take boats across the lake to pay their respects to the goddess.
The History of Bubastis
Bubastis has an ancient history, stretching back around 4,000 years. The city is mentioned in the Bible, and it was an important political and economic center in the Middle Kingdom of Egypt. During the 18th Dynasty, the Pharaohs Thutmose III and Amenhotep III built temples in the city, and the city was known for its wealth.
The ruins of Bubastis were first discovered in 1887 by the French archaeologist Gaston Maspero. Since then, numerous excavations have been carried out at the site, revealing a wealth of information about life in the ancient city. Among the finds are numerous statues of Bastet, as well as a temple dedicated to the goddess.
Exploring the Ruins of Bubastis
Today, the ruins of Bubastis are a popular archaeological site and tourist destination. As well as the temple dedicated to Bastet, the site also contains the remains of a temple to the god Thoth, a royal palace, and a series of tombs.
The ruins of Bubastis are an important source of insight into the culture and history of ancient Egypt. Visitors to the site can explore the ruins and learn more about the city’s fascinating past.
Visiting Bubastis
Bubastis is located in the northeastern corner of the Nile Delta, about 75 km north of Cairo. The site is easily accessible from Cairo by car or bus, and there are regular buses from the city to the archaeological site.
The ruins are open to visitors from 9am to 5pm every day, and admission is free. Visitors to the site should be aware that it can get very hot in the summer months, so it is important to wear sun protection and carry plenty of water.
Conclusion
Bubastis is an ancient city with a fascinating history. It was once the center of worship for the goddess Bastet, and its ruins offer a unique insight into the culture and history of ancient Egypt. Today, the ruins of Bubastis are a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the site and learn more about its mysterious past.