Astronomy was a major influence in kingship rituals and religious beliefs of the Ancient Egyptians. The key god for the pharaoh was one called Horakhti. This is often referred to as ‘the Sun God’ by Egyptologists and explained as ‘an aspect of the Sun God Re’ in the horizon. However, astronomical studies over recent years have revealed the true identity of the God called Horakhti and it is causing a stir among Egyptologists and Astronomers. Horakhti is known to be the original god of Kingship from the beginning of Pharaonic civilisation, up until the end, when the Greeks and Romans conquered Egypt. Without the god Horakhti there could be no king, therefore, no unified state of Egypt. For the ancient Egyptian kings, Horakhti was the most important thing in the sky. What is it?
Chris O’Kane has an award-winning background in film, photography and video production and a lifelong interest in astronomy and space science. He was an eyewitness reporter to the First Space Shuttle launch in April 1981, a past President of the Astronomical Society of Glasgow and is now a Trustee for the society. He has lectured widely on astronomy-related subjects across the world to many societies, institutes and Science Festivals. Chris has worked with professional and amateur astronomers, astronauts and scientists, including bestselling authors Robert Bauval and Graham Hancock. He has travelled to Egypt to study temple sites and ancient astronomy. Chris regularly hosts and presents at Glasgow’s Stars Over the Botanic Gardens for the Astronomical Society of Glasgow and other venues.
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