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Because, according to old Egyptian knowledge, the cheetah in ancient Egypt was a significant animal, since it was employed as a depiction of the high priest to signify his strength and might. While visiting ancient Egyptian temples, you may see a man dressed in cheetah skin standing amid the people, recognizable by his powerful image supplied by the skin he wears.

Cheetahs were originally described in the late 18th century. Four subspecies are now classified as endemic to Africa and central Iran. An African subspecies was introduced into India in 2022. It is presently found mostly in tiny, dispersed populations in Northwestern, Eastern, and Southern Africa, as well as central Iran. It inhabits a variety of environments, including Serengeti savannahs, dry Saharan mountain ranges, and steep desert terrain.

Cheetahs live in three major social groups: mothers and their cubs, male “coalitions,” and lonely males. Females live a nomadic lifestyle, seeking for prey in broad home ranges, but males are more stationary and create considerably smaller territories in locations with abundant prey and access to females.

The cheetah is active throughout the day, with peaks at dawn and sunset. It eats on small- to medium-sized food, often weighing less than 40 kg (88 lb), and favors medium-sized ungulates including impala, springbok, and Thomson’s gazelles. The cheetah usually pursues its target for 60-100 metres (200-330 feet) before charging at it, trips it during the chase, and bites its throat to choke it to death. It reproduces throughout the year.

After approximately three months of gestation, mothers give birth to three or four cubs. Cheetah cubs are extremely vulnerable to predation from other big animals. They are weaned about four months and are self-sufficient by about 20 months of age.

 

Cheetah in Ancient Egypt

The cheetah is the quickest terrestrial animal and the best hunter thanks to its speed, fitness, and light muscles. The cheetah is inherently fitted for hunting; with fixed claws that are poised 24 hours a day, it is considered the best hunter animal ever!

The Ancient Egyptians were aware of this, and because the High Priest was the most powerful man in the political system (often even more powerful than the monarch), he was granted cheetah skin as his official dress code.

High Priest wearing a cheetah skin

The cheetah in ancient Egypt was a one-of-a-kind mammal with fixed claws. These creatures used to reside in Africa, and the cheetah is the only member of this family that has survived.

Symbolism and Worship:

The cheetah was deeply intertwined with ancient Egyptian religious beliefs and symbolism. Mafdet, an ancient Egyptian deity from the First Dynasty, was sometimes depicted as a cheetah, signifying the revered status of this majestic animal within the religious pantheon.

Ancient Egyptians believed that the spirits of deceased pharaohs were escorted to the afterlife by cheetahs, underscoring the spiritual significance attributed to these creatures.

Royal Associations

The cheetah’s significance extended to the political and social spheres of ancient Egypt. The High Priest, a figure of immense power within the political hierarchy, was granted cheetah skin as part of their official dress code, symbolizing the strength and might associated with this revered animal.

Taming and Hunting

Cheetahs were not only revered but also tamed and trained for hunting purposes in ancient Egypt. They were utilized as hunting companions, with depictions showing them being taken to hunting fields in carts or by horseback, hooded and blindfolded, and then released to pursue prey.

Cultural Significance

The presence of the cheetah in ancient Egypt extended beyond religious and political realms, as it was also kept as a pet by ancient Egyptians, reflecting its status as a revered and cherished animal within the society.

The role of The cheetah in ancient Egypt was multifaceted as a symbol of religious significance, a royal emblem, a hunting companion, and even a cherished pet underscores its profound impact on the cultural tapestry of this ancient civilization.

Watching the Cheetah in Ancient Egypt by joining one of our Egyptologist tour guides is a great opportunity to learn about the ancient Egyptian temples and see the high priest figures in each one as the tour guide points out and explains every detail. Enjoy a wonderful Nile Cruise with Egypt Fun Tours by joining one of our Egypt travel packages.

Read about the Cheetah on Wikipedia

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Cheetah in Ancient Egypt

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November 7, 2024

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November 4, 2024

Despite a late start due to car trouble, Mohamed more than made up for it with his incredible knowledge and dedication. His explanations were detailed and thoughtful, and he went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. A memorable and informative tour, thanks to Mohamed’s hard work!

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October 12, 2024

I am a California woman who traveled to Egypt alone and thanks to Egypt Fun Tours I had a great time. Hani, Mohammed, Kamal and David (my driver) were very professional and very knowledgeable, I appreciate how respectful they were and how protective they were with me.

They show me everything I wanted to see in Cairo and nearby places like Saqqara, Memphis, etc. Thanks to them I had a great time in Egypt, they were so so helpful than on my second day they helped me to move from my hotel in Giza to the Steigenberger hotel in downtown Cairo.

The tour price is super good includes a guide (expert in the field) a driver, lunch and drinks, they took me to amazing places for lunch, the food was super super delicious, for a foodie like me that was a highlight. We went out fo the tourist traps and I got to see the Cairo that if you are in a bus tour you will never get to see.

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I did visit the pyramids in Giza, downtown Cairo, new Cairo, several museums, Coptic Cairo and Muslim Cairo with them and I learned a lot from them, I felt like they were family to me and it was EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT.

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October 12, 2024

I had waited 60 years to get to Egypt, in fact it was my 60th birthday gift to myself. I went with my oldest daughter and the experience was excellent. It was meticulously planned by the tour company and was designed for me and my daughter. I never had a minute where I was concerned. We were met by a tour rep at the airport and every step of the way. The guides were beyond expectations. Mydo the best tour guide of Egypt was excellent and very knowledgeable. Tarek our guide for the south, was equally as knowledgeable. I can’t say enough about both. Hani the tour director is the greatest, personable and so very helpful and truly cares that you have the best experience of your life. It was a dream come true. All the holidays we stayed at were 5 star in my opinion. I don’t have a bad word to say about this tour company. My daughter and I were treated exceptionally well by all and by all in Egypt

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September 28, 2024

Wonderful tour with the guide Hamada. I did not feel rushed at all, he explained a lot of facts about the city, the mosque , the water storage room, and also brought me to no hassle shops. He picked a great place to eat and have Turkish coffee and a cold lemon mint drink. We took a took took when we got tired from walking. He also happens to be a great photographer and helped take beautiful pictures. Overall a wonderful tour and great experience.

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