Who is the Egyptian god of horses?

Who is the Egyptian god of horses?

Table of Contents  

• Quick Summary  

• When did horses first appear in Egypt?

• What is the Egyptian horse called?

• What kind of horses were used to pull Egyptian chariots?

• Ancient Egyptian horse breeds

• Conclusion  

Quick Summary  

In Egyptian scriptures, there is nowhere any mention of a horse deity, which is directly associated with the horses. But during the 18th century, the Hyksos introduced the deity Resheph, who became a popular symbol of royalty and god of war. Also, the gods directly did not see as the horses; they are portrayed as being controlled by the pharaohs and protecting the pharaohs on horses and chariots. With these, the goddess Astarte is also symbolized as a horse and chariot in warfare in some places. 

In this blog, you will know about horses in ancient Egypt and their role. When they are introduced and how they are recognized. As a travel agent company, we understand that travelling to a place full of ancient monuments comes with a lot of curiosity and questions about history. So, that’s why we are here to make the experience of an Egypt voyage truly a learning experience. Let’s start with knowing about the historical significance of horses in Egypt. 

When did horses first appear in Egypt?

Horses are not native to Egypt, as early scriptures of early hieroglyphs don’t have any proof of it; they first appeared in Egypt around 1650-1550 BCE during the second intermediate period of Egyptian history. The ruler Hykos, who ruled during the 1650 BCE period and largely controlled northern Egypt, is the one who introduced horses and chariots in Egypt for warfare and presented them as protectors. 

Before the Middle Kingdom, proof of donkeys being seen as the primary transport animal exists, but there is no evidence of horses being present in the Old or Early Kingdoms. Let’s further see what names the horses, who are considered as royal stables, are known for and how Amenhotep II has a strong connection with the horses in Egyptian history. 

What is the Egyptian horse called?

The late Egyptian term for “horse” or “mare” is “ssmt” or “sesemut,” which is commonly used to refer to horses. The symbol of a horse in Egypt is seen as a mark for wealth and high status, often seen on the chariots, as scriptures and hieroglyphic translations show.   

In the military, in Egyptian history, the horses play a vital role. The title ims-r ssmt, in English, the translation of which goes like “overseer of the horses,” or also “master of horses,” is given. It is seen as a high-ranking position. The history of Egyptian horses is not much related to worshipping, but they are strongly seen as warfare warriors and symbolize protection and strength. The passengers on the Egypt river cruise can see them on the ancient monuments located in Luxor, as they were developed during the modern and new kingdoms. 

What kind of horses were used to pull Egyptian chariots?

The Egyptians used horses and chariots for riding purposes. A chariot is a wheeled vehicle that comes with a platform to sit and stand on; the horse, a living creature, pulls it. The mechanism  provides power and movement and was often used in ancient warfare, racing, and ceremonies. These horses for royal purposes are trained effectively before serving for the pharaoh. 

The chariots of Egyptians have lightweight, fast, and high-endurance horses. While selecting them to add to the royal groups of horses.  Factors that Egyptian horses are tested on are slim build, long legs, deep chest, high energy, and responsiveness. On the cruising experience, you will explore monuments and museums along the Nile sailing. So, during your historical gateway, tour guides come on board with the travelers, as Nile Cruisen, have them. From them tourists can ask questions about history; special evenings with storytelling sections are also organized on selective cruise itineraries. 

Ancient Egyptian Horse Breeds

There is no such proof for the statement that the horse belongs to native Egyptians; well, they are taken from Syria, Mitanni, and Anatolia, as they originated early from there. Also, later on, the Proto-Arabian types of horses are introduced in Egypt through the desert trade routes, likely to be the ancestors of horses. They are highly valued for their intelligence and endurance. 

A particular name of the Egyptian horses is still not clearly stated, but Egyptians may have used a distinct breed of horses from what is commonly found today. In Egyptian history the horses are considered high-ranking royal stables, so they are not used for labor purposes and are closely controlled by the state.  

The passengers of the Nile cruise in Egypt can see the representation of horses on the walls of the Karnak and Luxor temples, as they were expanded largely by new kingdoms. During the reigns of Hatshepsut, Thutmose III, Ramses II, and Amenhotop II, during their times, the innovative chariots were added to the military and for commuting purposes. 

Conclusion  

Horses in Egyptian history do have a significance, not as a deity, but surely as a symbol of divine kingship, royalty, and protection of the pharaoh. While on your Nile cruise from Luxor, you can visit the Karnak and Luxor temples; there you can see the ancient visualization representation of the horses.