Bastet, the Egyptian Cat Goddess

ancient egypt · mythology · cats · goddess

Goddess of cats. Bastet was worshipped as a powerful goddess who had the head of a lion or the body of a domestic cat. Ancient Egyptians loved cats and believed Bastet protected their homes and families from danger.

Very ancient deity. People started worshipping Bastet as far back as Egypt's Second Dynasty, which was thousands and thousands of years ago. She was one of the most important goddesses in ancient Egyptian religion.

City named after her. The city of Bubastis in ancient Egypt was named after Bastet and was the center of her worship. Thousands of people would travel there to celebrate festivals in her honor.

Known by many names. The Egyptians called her Bast or Bastet, while the ancient Greeks knew her as Ailuros. She may have originally come from Nubia, a region south of Egypt.

Fierce protector. Bastet started out as a lion goddess representing fierce strength and protection, but later became gentler and was shown as a domestic cat. Both forms showed her role as a guardian against evil.