Herodotus to Elucidate Upon Egyptian Term Paper

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Most notably, he sheds light on the status of women in Egyptian culture while examining purified bulls and calves (2.41). In the passages that precede page 41, he mentions women on a number of times, but merely to illustrate Egyptian culture and not in the account of religion. However, he described that there was equality in status of men and women in an Egyptian society and both genders were able to interact with Greek men in religious contexts. These contexts are however vague and unspecified in his book. In fact Herodotus has thrown minimal light on the subject of women however his portrayal of mythical phoenix is, by no means a vague description. Herodotus describes it as sacred and associates it with the sun, indicating the phoenix's special religious status. He offers little critical analysis of the phoenix story, except in way of highlighting that he is quoting the opinion of Heliopolitans rather than his own. Beyond this he does not pursue with elaborating on the bird or raising its significance or status from other animals he writes about.

This now, can be termed as Herodotus's failure to lay a critical reflection on things he quotes however, it can be argued that it is because of the broadness of his scope that he looks over the subtleties. Herodotus is more interested in the fact that phoenix is a part of Egyptian religious belief than the details of its story.

Herodotus's discussions on mummification (2.85-90) also elucidate his emphasis upon rituals in religion. In the beginning the passage leaves an impression to the reader, of wonder as to why Egyptians practice mummification. Later, Herodotus lifts the curtains of mystery and allows the reader to conclude through his analogy with the disposal of dead bulls and cows (2.41). He wrote that Egyptians practice mummification because they are concerned with the treatment of the dead, humans and animals alike.

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His description of religion signifies information not merely about Egyptian culture, but also about the ancient concepts of religion in the general sense. He focuses more profoundly on belief, ritual, practice and performance, revealing that they were significant elements of ancient religion.

CONCLUSION

To the readers of his work, the text emanates an appreciation of what was peculiar of Egyptians in terms of their rituals, beliefs and practices. He believed and assessed highly and fairly of whom Greeks held Barbarians especially in the context of religion, he acknowledged the peculiarity of Egyptian culture, its richness of heritage and its grandeur as a civilization. No where does he give an impression of inferiority while talking about Egyptians which adds a quality of fair judgment in his being a historian. Therefore from what Herodotus explains a writer learns that Egyptians were culturally rich, developed and intelligent civilization who had their own fascinating and very interesting religious rituals and customs. The two things that never failed to inspire all historians of all times were the pyramids and the ritual of mummification. The phoenix that was the emblem Egyptian religion also surfaces in his writings, but since his scope was far broader than the religious beliefs, Herodotus gives but an overview of Egyptian religion. His admiration and respect for religion has been profound however, and he has often debated upon the correlation of Egyptian and Greek Gods at risk of his credibility as a historian. However, the justice of his observation does not waver and he feels for his responsibility as a historian and acknowledges Egypt as a great nation.

Reference:

The Columbia Encyclopedia, sixth edition, 2004, Herodotus, Columbia University Press: New York, pg: 21859

Mark A. Rivera, Herodotus and Egypt, retrieved online on….....

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