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31 Jul 2023
Book Of The Gate in Ancient Egyptian

BOOK OF GATES One of three major myths about the sun god compiled in the New Kingdom (1550–1069 B.C.), the Book of Gates refers to the 12 gates separating the hours of the night. It is a vast body of writings, spells, and incantations collected from the religious literature stored in temple libraries. The gates divide the 12 hours of the night and separate the enemies that the sun god will encounter. Similar myths tell a slightly different story of RE's perilous journey through the 12 hours of the night and of his joyous rebirth in the eastern sky each morning (see AMDUA and BOOK OF DEAD). The Book of Gates is dominated by giant serpents, guardians of the gates, who assist the sun god during his journey, and by an unquenchable fire that will consume the enemies of Osiris. Early Christian descriptions of hell may have been derived from this theme

In the Book of Gates, Re appears with a man's body and a ram's head when he approaches the first gate of the DUA, Each of the 12 hours of the night has a gate that is guarded by a particular serpent. Re must pass through the gate of each hour and overcome the perils of that hour before he can advance to the next gate. The following is a brief description of what is found during each hour of the night.

  • The First Hour The first gate is called He whose Name is Hidden and is protected by the serpent known as The Guardian of the Desert and is greeted by the souls of the dead who reside in the Mountains of the West.
  • The second Hour The second gate is called Inten- city of Flame and is protected by the huge serpent Saa-Set, who opens the entrance so Re, resting in a shrine on his boat, can pass safely through the gods and demons.
  • Third Hour The gate is named Mistress of Nur- turing and is protected by the serpent called the Stinger, who stands on its tail next to nine gods who are wrapped like mummies (mummy- form) and are called the Second Company.
  • Fourth Hour The gate is named Mistress of Continuity, protected by the serpent called Eye of Fire and two jackal-headed mummies called Aau and Tekemi.
  • Fifth Hour The gate is named Throne of her Lord, protected by the serpent called the All-Seeing Eye and by 12 mummiform gods
  • Sixth Hour The gate is named the Gleaming One, protected by the serpent called the Hidden Eye.
  • Seventh Hour The gate is named the Fiery Heat, protected by the serpent called the Face of Flames and nine gods in mummy-form shape. Horus calls upon the monstrous serpent with the unquenchable fire to destroy the enemies of his father, Osiris, by burning their corpses and cooking their souls.
  • Eighth Hour The gate is named Exalted in Veneration, protected by the serpent called Earth Tusk, and the guardians of each end of the hall are Anhefta and Ermen-ta.
  • Ninth Hour The gate is named the Sacred Gate, protected by the serpent Setu. The guardians of the hall are the serpents Nemi and Kefi. It is here that the evil serpent, the archenemy of the sun god Apep, is met and subdued in chains
  • Tenth Hour The gate is named Hidden Entrance, protected by the serpent named the Effluent One, and the hall is guarded by Metes and Chateau. The evil Apep is attacked with knives, and various gods of light and stars appear in preparation for the sun god's return to the sky.
  • Eleventh Hour The gate is named the gate of Sacred Power and is protected by the serpent called Lord of the Dawn and Enveloper. The guardians of the hall are Pai and Akhekhi. Re-emerges triumphantly from the last hour of the night and proceeds to the eastern horizon to be reborn.

There are different versions of the Book of Gates. Those written in Thebes are called the T! EBAN REEN, and those originating in Sais, the capital of the Site or Twenty-sixth Dynasty (664 - 525 B.C), called the SATE RE, are the most common. In each case, the names of gates and the gods differ somewhat. An example of the text can be found on the alabaster sarcophagus of Seti I, now on display in the Sir John Soane's Museum in Lincoln's Inn Fields in London.

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Egypt offers some of the best tours in the world, combining history, culture, and natural beauty. From exploring the Great Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to sailing on a luxury Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, every experience is unforgettable. You can also enjoy relaxing beach escapes in the Red Sea or discover ancient wonders on tailor-made Egypt tours that suit every traveler’s interests.

Your Egypt Tours is one of Egypt’s leading and most trusted travel agencies, known for its personalized service and expert care. As a top-rated company for Egypt tour packages, we ensure every Egypt trip is safe, seamless, and unforgettable,  offering competitive prices, excellent customer service, and the highest standards of quality. With us, you’re always in good hands.

The average cost of a one-week trip in Egypt is around 1600 USD, including visits to tombs, temples, and a Nile cruise. Prices vary depending on the Egypt tours and the level of luxury you choose.

It’s not recommended to drink tap water in Egypt, as it’s highly chlorinated and may cause stomach issues for travelers. During your Egypt tours, it’s best to drink bottled water and use tap water only for washing or brushing your teeth.
 

The best time to enjoy Egypt tours is from September to March, when the weather is mild and pleasant. During these months, temperatures are ideal for sightseeing and Nile cruises. Summer (May to September) can be very hot, but it’s also a good time for budget travelers.

Egypt is generally hot and sunny most of the year, with winter falling between November and January, and summer peaking from June to August. Winters are mild, while summers can get very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan. The pleasant weather from September to March makes it the best time to enjoy Egypt tours and explore the country's top attractions comfortably.

Yes, Egypt is a very safe country to visit, with a low crime rate and strong security measures in all tourist areas. The government ensures that accommodations and attractions remain clean and well-monitored for travelers’ comfort. When you book Egypt tours, you’ll find professional guides and organized arrangements that make your trip worry-free and enjoyable.

Egypt offers adventures for every traveler. Explore the majestic Pyramids of Giza, sail along the Nile on a Luxury cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and discover ancient temples and tombs that tell the story of the Pharaohs. Dive or snorkel in the Red Sea at Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, or enjoy a relaxing beach escape. Book one of our Egypt tours to experience the perfect mix of history, culture in one unforgettable journey.

Yes, you can, summer is still a great time to explore Egypt! While temperatures can rise to around 45°C, seaside resorts like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Marsa Alam offer refreshing escapes with diving and snorkeling opportunities. Sightseeing in the early morning or evening helps you avoid the midday heat. Summer also brings great deals on hotels and services, making it ideal for travelers on a budget. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Egypt tours during summer can still be an enjoyable and memorable experience.

 

Egypt has a modest dress code, especially for women, since it’s a Muslim country. Light, comfortable clothing is fine, but avoid short shorts or skirts. When visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders and knees. During Egypt tours, you can dress casually and comfortably; formal wear is optional unless you want to make your Nile cruise dinner extra special.

You can easily obtain a visa upon arrival at Cairo Airport, the process is simple for USA, UK, Canadian, Australian, and European citizens. The visa costs $25 USD and can be purchased at the visa office before immigration. You can also apply for an E-Visa through the official portal: www.visa2egypt.gov.eg. During your Egypt tours, our team can assist you with all visa-related inquiries to make your arrival smooth and stress-free.

Your Egypt Tours travel agency recommends two weeks so that you can enjoy the temples and tombs of Luxor and Aswan, explore the sights of Cairo, and relax in the Red Sea islands and nature reserves.

The best Egypt Nile River cruise depends on your preferences, budget, and how many nights you wish to spend on board. For a truly unforgettable experience, we recommend a 5-star luxury Nile cruise that offers exceptional comfort and service. If you prefer a more private and intimate journey, choose a Dahabiya Nile cruise, ideal for small groups of around 15 people. For adventurous travelers, the traditional Felucca boats provide a simple and authentic way to sail the Nile during your Egypt tours, though they offer fewer amenities.

The best time to visit Egypt is generally from October to April where it is suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
 

Egypt travel usually have guided tours to archaeological sites, museums, and historical landmarks. Also have optional activities may include hot air balloon rides over Luxor, snorkeling in the Red Sea, or desert safaris.
 

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