Bubastes

Bubastes (also known as Per-Bastet) was an ancient Egyptian city located in the Nile Delta. It served as the capital of the 18th nome of Lower Egypt. The city was dedicated to the cat goddess Bastet, whose main temple stood there.

History

Bubastes rose to prominence during the late Old Kingdom and early Middle Kingdom. However, its golden age occurred during the Twenty-second Dynasty (c. 945-715 BC), when it became the capital of Egypt under Libyan rulers. The city's strategic location in the Delta contributed to its importance as a trade and religious center. After the Twenty-second Dynasty, Bubastes declined in political significance, though it remained an important religious center until the Roman period.

Archaeology

The archaeological site of Bubastes, now known as Tell Basta, has yielded evidence of continuous occupation from the Predynastic Period through the Roman Period. Excavations have revealed sections of the temple of Bastet, including decorated blocks and relief carvings depicting religious processions and festivals. Other discoveries include remains of houses, workshops, and cemeteries. The site has suffered from extensive looting and agricultural encroachment, making comprehensive excavation challenging.

Temple of Bastet

The Temple of Bastet was the most prominent feature of Bubastes. Herodotus, the Greek historian, provided a detailed description of the temple in the 5th century BC, noting its impressive scale and the importance of the annual festival held in honor of Bastet. The temple complex was richly decorated and featured elaborate gateways, courtyards, and sanctuaries. Cats were considered sacred to Bastet, and mummified cat remains have been found at the site, suggesting that the temple served as a major burial ground for these animals.