Depictions on ancient Egyptian coffins and tombs suggest a link between the sky goddess Nut and the Milky Way. A recent study led by an astronomer sheds new light on this connection.
Depiction of the goddess Nut in the tomb of Ramses VI. A wavy curve may symbolize the Milky Way.
Credit: Theban Mapping Project; Photographer Francis Dzikowski, November 1999
Or Graur, associate professor of astrophysics at the University of Portsmouth, analyzed 125 representations of Nut. These paintings, dating back 5,000 years, reveal previously unknown details about the goddess. The findings were published in the
Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage.
Some paintings show Nut lying down, her body dotted with stars and crossed by a dark curve. This feature resembles the Great Rift, a dust lane dividing the Milky Way. Graur interprets this as a representation of our galaxy.
In the Valley of the Kings, similar patterns accompany images of Nut. The ceiling of Ramses VI's tomb is a striking example. These elements strengthen the hypothesis of an association between Nut and the Milky Way.
Nut was considered the protector of Earth, symbolized by the god Geb. Her connection to the Milky Way may reflect this protective role. Graur notes that the Milky Way is one of several astronomical objects linked to Nut.
Rogério Sousa, a professor of Egyptology, supports this interpretation. He emphasizes the importance of the astronomical contribution to this study. This interdisciplinary collaboration enriches our understanding of ancient Egyptian beliefs.
Who was the goddess Nut in Egyptian mythology?
Nut was a major deity in ancient Egypt, personifying the sky. She was often depicted as a woman arched over the Earth, her body covered in stars. The Egyptians believed she swallowed the Sun each evening and gave birth to it each morning.
Her role extended beyond the solar cycle. Nut was also associated with protecting the dead, welcoming them into her celestial body. This belief explains her frequent presence on coffins and in tombs.
The connection between Nut and the Milky Way adds an astronomical dimension to her worship. This association reflects the importance of the sky in Egyptian spirituality, where celestial phenomena were integrated into their worldview.
How did the ancient Egyptians perceive the Milky Way?
The Milky Way held significant importance in Egyptian astronomy and religion. It was seen as a celestial river, a path for the souls of the deceased. This view aligns with that of other ancient cultures, which saw the galaxy as a bridge between worlds.
Depictions of Nut with patterns resembling the Milky Way suggest a similar interpretation. The galaxy may have symbolized the goddess's body, a sacred space where cosmic cycles unfolded.
This perception shows how the Egyptians incorporated astronomical observations into their mythology. The Milky Way was not just a celestial spectacle but a key element in their understanding of the universe and the afterlife.