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Timeline of Cats in Ancient Egypt

  • 4000 BCE

    Domestication

    Domestication
    Cats had already been domesticated and were highly valued for their ability to control rodent populations, which posed a significant threat to grain stores and crops.
  • 3150 BCE

    Mafdet

    Mafdet
    The feline goddess Mafdet had already emerged as a protector and embodiment of justice. She was often depicted as a cat-headed woman.
  • 3130 BCE

    Dynasties I-III:

    Dynasties I-III:
    Cats had become deeply integrated into Egyptian society and were considered to be sacred animals.
  • 2055 BCE

    Middle Kingdom

    Middle Kingdom
    The goddess Bastet had risen to prominence, often depicted as a cat-headed woman or a lioness. She was associated with protection, fertility, and joy.
  • 1650 BCE

    Worship of Bastet

    Worship of Bastet
    The cult of Bastet had been established in the city of Bubastis, where a large temple was built in her honor.
  • 1550 BCE

    New Kingdom

    New Kingdom
    Cats had become a symbol of the pharaoh's power and were often depicted in royal tombs and artwork.
  • 1070 BCE

    Punishments

    Punishments
    The killing of a cat had become a capital offense.
  • 332 BCE

    Late Period

    Late Period
    The worship of cats had continued to be widespread, but the importance of cats had declined somewhat with the rise of other deities.
  • Popularization of the Internet

    Popularization of the Internet
    Cats had already begun to gain great popularity on the Internet, and the first viral cat videos were already appearing.
  • Feline influencers

    Feline influencers
    Cats appeared with social media accounts, accumulated millions of followers and became real influencers