Goddess Hathor

Goddess Hathor was one of the principal goddesses of the ancient Egyptian religion. She was the goddess of sky, music, dance, joy, love, sexuality and maternal care. Also, the goddess appeared as the heavenly mother of Horus and Ra.

Hathor’s divine position in ancient Egyptian religion

The Ancient Egyptians depicted Hathor in their temples during the Fourth Dynasty (c. 2613–2494 BC) of the Old Kingdom. At that time she became one of Egypt’smost essential deities.

During the New Kingdom (c. 1550–1070 BC), other goddesses such as Mut and Isis absorbed Hathor’s characteristics; and, thus, affected her position in royal ideology. Despite this fact, she remained one of the most widely worshipped deities.

After the end of the New Kingdom, the goddess Isis became more famous among the Ancient Egyptians. Moreover, This goddess increasingly overshadowed goddess Hathor. Once again, the Ancient Egyptians continued to revere and worship Hathor during the Greco-roman Period. The most obvious example of the continuity of her cult is this impressive temple located in Dendera.

Hathor’s dedicated Temples

• The temple of goddess Hathor in Dendera.

Temple of Hathor in Dendera

Just as visitors come into the Dendera temple complex, they notice that you are looking onto the impressive Temple of goddess Hathor. It is the dominant building in this complex and one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples.

History of the Temple of Hathor

The temple is a wondrous marvel to explore! The Ptolemies modified it on the same site dating back to the Middle Kingdom. This process continued right up until the time of the Roman emperor Trajan.

Ptolemies essentially contracted the existing Temple of Hathor during the Late Ptolemaic period. Specifically, Ptolemy XII and Cleopatra VII widely contributed to the construction during their reign. Later, the Romans made more additions to this building. Although the Ptolemies built this temple, its design follows the pattern of other classical Egyptian temples. So far, the only exception is the front design of the hypostyle. According to an inscription above the entrance of this front, Emperor Tiberius constructed it during his reign.