The Invertebrates of Ancient Egypt

Invertebrates are the most varied and abundant animals on earth, far exceeding the number of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and amphibian species combined. Their astonishing variety is also reflected in the culture of ancient Egypt in which artworks, artifacts, texts, and physical remains feature a broad range of insects, arachnids, crustaceans, and more—from butterflies and beetles to centipedes and sea urchins—attesting to their importance in many aspects of daily life. Despite their prevalence, however, they are less appreciated than the other animals that played a role in Egyptian culture. The Invertebrates of Ancient Egypt highlights these intriguing creatures by providing the first comprehensive evaluation of currently available information for 32 culturally important invertebrates. Each entry in the book begins with details about the biology and behaviour of the animal, to increase appreciation of the Egyptians’ lived experience with the invertebrate. It then presents a synthesis of artistic, textual, and/or archaeological evidence for the species, bringing together data from across Egyptology and other disciplines, often for the first time. Fully illustrated and with extensive references throughout, the volume is an essential handbook for anyone interested in the animals that impacted the art, religion, symbolism, medicine, and everyday lives of the ancient Egyptians.