NEW YORK, BRONX (ORDO News) — A team of researchers working to restore artwork on the ceiling of the Esna Temple has discovered amazing ancient paintings depicting Egyptian gods in a New Year’s scene. This discovery provides a unique look at the Egyptian New Year and its connection to the cosmos.
The paintings, brought to life after years of restoration, show the Egyptian gods Orion (also known as Sach), Sothis and Anukis sailing on nearby boats as the sky goddess Nut swallows the evening sky above them. This painting reveals the mythology associated with the Ancient Egyptian New Year, which is considered an important event in Egyptian culture.
According to the University of Tübingen in Germany, which joined the restoration project with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the scene depicts symbols related to the ancient calendar. Orion represents the constellation of the same name, and Sothis represents Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. Sirius remained invisible in the night sky of Ancient Egypt for 70 days a year, and its return to the sky was associated with the Ancient Egyptian New Year. This moment also coincided with the beginning of the seasonal flood of the Nile River, which was an important event for the ancient Egyptians.
The water goddess Anukis is credited with controlling the flood waters of the Nile, which is also reflected in the paintings. These astronomical and mythological elements of the painting provide a unique insight into how the ancient Egyptians connected cosmic phenomena with their religious and agricultural calendars.
Built over 2,200 years ago and surviving Roman rule, the Temple of Esna differs from many other temples in that it is not dedicated to any particular god. This makes it a unique place to explore ancient religious and astronomical beliefs.
Once the restoration of the ceiling is completed, the research team plans to continue work by cleaning the columns, walls and front of the temple. This will reveal new details and colors in images that have long been hidden under a layer of dirt and grime.
The discovery at the Esna Temple allows scientists to better understand the meaning and purpose of decorations in ancient Egyptian temples. It also highlights the importance of astronomy and cosmic phenomena in the religious practices and culture of the ancient Egyptians.
The ancient Egyptians used various calendars, including lunar and solar, and each had its own purpose. The lunar calendar served for religious rituals and festivals, while the solar calendar, consisting of 365 days a year, was used for daily life and agriculture. The Ancient Egyptian New Year, celebrated with the advent of Sirius in the sky, was an important moment in their cultural and religious practice and was celebrated in mid-July according to the modern calendar.
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News agencies contributed to this report, edited and published by ORDO News editors.
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