Africa is widely regarded as the cradle of humanity, and ancient Egypt stands as one of the world’s first great civilizations. Nearly 5,000 years later, its achievements continue to captivate people across the globe. From the legendary Library and Lighthouse of Alexandria to the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Egyptians built wonders that still inspire awe, pioneered early systems of mathematics and medicine, and developed sophisticated art, architecture, and writing that influenced cultures far beyond the Nile Valley. With iconic rulers like King Tutankhamun and Cleopatra, it’s no surprise that Egyptology remains a vibrant field today.

What makes ancient Egyptian civilization especially remarkable is that it emerged largely from scratch, without a prior advanced society to model itself after. In turn, it became a template for those that followed. The Greeks and Romans were so impressed by Egyptian achievements that they frequently— and often inaccurately— credited Egypt as the source of many of their own cultural and intellectual traditions.

Like all early societies, the ancient Egyptians lived in a world full of mystery, danger, and unexplained forces. To make sense of life, death, and the chaos around them, they turned to mythology and religion. Through rich teleological stories, they brought order and meaning to the universe. As a result, their gods were deeply intertwined with every aspect of existence.

Baboons held a special place in Egyptian religious life.