CULTS

Cults: translation

Divine: offered by the priests on behalf of a god in his temple, this took the form of rituals that included the daily care and preparation (including the presentation of food-offerings) of the god's statue, and the regular festivals celebrating major events in his mythology. The temples specifically designed for this purpose are termed 'cultus temples'.

Funerary (or mortuary): offered by special priests on behalf of the deceased king or tomb-owner, this cult was designed to ensure the individual's continued existence after death. The rituals included the presentation of food-offerings. The royal funerary cult was performed in the mortuary (funerary) temples, while the rites for non-royal tomb-owners were carried out in their funerary (tomb) chapels.