Animal cults were common in Egypt throughout its history, although they reached an acme of popularity in the Late and Graeco-Roman Periods. Animal cults focused on one specific animal in whom the spirit of the god would reside and be worshipped as such for the duration of the animal’s lifetime. Upon its death it was mummified, and another one, chosen for its special markings, would take its place.
Some popular cults were those of:
HATHOR: worshipped as a COWS
HORUS: worshipped as of a HAWK or FALCON
SOBEK: worshipped as of a CROCODILE
(learn more about these mummies)
THOTH: worshipped as a BABBOON or IBIS
ANUBIS: worshipped as a DOG, FOX or JACKAL
KHNUM: worshipped as a RAM
APIS : worshipped as a BULL
(learn more about these mummies)
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