The worship of Egyptian gods dates to the Predynastic Period in Egypt (c. 6000 to c. 3150 BCE) but is no doubt much older as the veneration of these deities was already established in rudimentary form through rock carvings dated to c. 6000 BCE, suggesting the gods were recognized before this time.
By the time of the Old Kingdom (c. 2613-2181 BCE), the Egyptian pantheon had developed further, and during the era of the Middle Kingdom (2040-1782), it was fully articulated, as evidenced by texts and artwork depicting the stories of the gods, which would reach their most complete expression during the New Kingdom (c. 1570 to c. 1069 BCE) through texts including the Egyptian Book of the Dead.
This collection presents twelve of the most important Egyptian gods, worshipped or at least acknowledged for their power, for over 6,000 years before the present Common Era. This list includes only male deities. Female deities are listed in the collection of Ancient Egyptian Goddesses.
