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In Social Studies / Middle School | 2014-10-05

What are some facts about Akhet?

Asked by kya12

Answer (2)

Akhet, also known as the inundation, is a term that was very significant in ancient Egyptian culture. It refers to the season when the Nile River flooded, which usually occurred between June and September. This flooding was critical because it deposited rich, fertile soil on the banks of the Nile, allowing the Egyptians to grow crops.
The ancient Egyptians divided their year into three seasons: Akhet (the inundation), Peret (the planting and growing season), and Shemu (the harvest season). The season of Akhet coincided with the appearance of the star Sirius in the sky, an event that ancient Egyptians believed was directly linked to the Nile flooding. This event was celebrated with festivals and ceremonies.
Akhet was not just a season; it was also used in architecture. The term can refer to the horizon where the sun rises and sets, and it is represented in the Akhet hieroglyph, which depicts two mountains with the sun disk between them. This symbol is often associated with the concept of rebirth and regeneration.

Answered by LevonHelm | 2024-06-24

Akhet was the inundation season in ancient Egypt, occurring from June to September when the Nile flooded the surrounding lands, making them fertile for agriculture. It held significant religious importance as the Egyptians viewed the floods as a divine blessing related to gods like Isis and Osiris. The season marked the start of their agricultural cycle and was celebrated through festivals, embodying the themes of rebirth and renewal in their culture.
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Answered by LevonHelm | 2025-01-16