African Food and Art

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Sobek God of the Nile River

Sobek, God of the Nile River, is an Ancient Egyptian crocodile symbolling power, virility and fertility.

Nile River God Sobek is protector of the Nile River feared and loved by the Ancient rulers of Crocodilopolis also known as the Egyptian Faiyum region. Sobek is first mentioned in the Pyramid Texts, which are the oldest sacred texts in the world.

Nile River God Sobek is protector of the Nile River feared and loved by the Ancient rulers of Crocodilopolis also known as the Egyptian Faiyum region.

Nile River God Sobek

Sobek appearance is that of a man with the head of a crocodile and an elaborate sun disk headdress. Sobek was worshiped as the creator of the world who arose from the fertile Nile River waters and created the order in the universe. Sobek rescued Horus’ four sons by gathering them in a net from the waters where they arose in a lotus bloom.

Sobek is the God of the Nile because he controlled the waters and the fertility of the soil. He is known under several titles; Lord of the Waters, SBK and Protector of Faiyum. He is also patron of the Military because of his strength, power and prowess.  Ancient Egyptians both loved and feared crocodiles, their depiction of Sobek was a means to appease these ferocious creatures.

He gained celebrity status during the Middle Kingdom when the 12th Dynasty King, King Amenemhat III revered Sobek. Live crocodiles were kept in pools at temples built to honor Sobek. The Egyptian Faiyum region was the center of Sobek worship. 

Did you know?

Crocodiles and alligators, what is the difference; Crocodiles have a longer, more V-shaped head then alligators, Alligators have shorter, wider heads that are more U-shaped, the fourth tooth of a crocodile sticks out when its mouth is closed, Crocodiles tend to have a lighter appearance than alligators, Crocodiles are more aggressive than alligators and Crocodiles in the wild are found all over the world while alligators are only found in the USA and China.


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