BrainBlast!

The Cool Cats of Ancient Egypt


Listen Later

From pest control to divine royalty, find out how cats conquered the hearts and homes of the ancient world. Ever wondered why the Egyptians treated their feline friends like superstars?

In this episode of BrainBlast, hosts Alex and Jordan take a deep dive into the fascinating history of cats in Ancient Egypt. Discover how these agile hunters transitioned from protecting grain silos to being worshipped as the fierce goddess Bastet. We explore the quirky cultural traditions of the time—including why grieving families would shave off their eyebrows—and the high stakes of harming a cat in a society that revered them above all else.

What You’ll Learn:

  • The Origin of "Mau": Why the Egyptian word for cat sounds so familiar.
  • Ancient Pest Control: How cats earned their keep by protecting food supplies from mice and snakes.
  • Divine Felines: The role of the goddess Bastet as a protector of the home.
  • Mummy Milk Bowls: The elaborate ways Egyptians honored their pets in the afterlife.
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

BrainBlast!By Randall Saenz