How the goddess Ma’at influenced every aspect of ancient Egyptian life and death

Ma'at was both a goddess and an ethereal concept to the Egyptians. At its very simplest, Ma’at represented the idea of ‘divine order’: something that was believed to have existed since the creation of the world.

However, it was also a tangible presence in everyday life, which influenced everything from the entire legal system and individual personal conduct.  

In the creation myth, Ma'at was born from the sun god Ra's breath. As a goddess, she was venerated for her principles influencing the moral and ethical codes of society.

Additionally, Ma'at was often associated with Thoth, the god of wisdom and writing, who was said to be her husband.

This association emphasizes the common link that exists between wisdom and knowledge: core principles of Ma'at.  

The most recognizable symbol associated with Ma'at is the feather: specifically the ostrich feather.

It was often depicted in hieroglyphs and art. Alternatively, Ma'at could also be represented as a goddess in human form, often shown with the feather of truth on her head.

In some depictions, Ma'at is shown with wings, emphasizing her role as a protective force and her omnipresence. 

By the time of the Middle Kingdom, around 2055 BC, references to Ma'at increase dramatically.

Then in the New Kingdom, particularly during the reign of Amenhotep III (1386–1353 BCE), there was a surge in the construction of temples dedicated to Ma'at.

The relationship between Ma'at and the pharaoh was central to the functioning of ancient Egyptian society.

As the earthly embodiment of Ma'at, the pharaoh was responsible for upholding justice, order, and harmony within the kingdom.

This divine mandate meant that the pharaoh's actions were deeply intertwined with his religious and moral obligations.

If the king upheld truth and justice, then in return, Ma'at legitimized the pharaoh's rule and ensured the prosperity and stability of the nation.

Failure to uphold Ma'at could lead to social unrest, natural disasters, and even the loss of divine favor, all of which were seen as signs that the pharaoh was not fulfilling their sacred duty. 

As a result, the pharaohs frequently inscribed their dedication to Ma'at on stelae and in tombs, proclaiming their achievements in maintaining balance and justice.

These inscriptions served as a record of their commitment to Ma'at and as a means of securing a favorable legacy.

In fact, the pharaohs often incorporated the image of Ma'at into their regalia and monuments.

The importance of Ma'at in the pharaoh's rule is also evident in the coronation ceremony when a new ruler took the throne.

During this ritual, the new pharaoh would pledge to uphold Ma'at and ensure the well-being of the people and the land.   

The principles of Ma'at played an important role in the creation of laws and the administration of justice.

Judges, who were often priests of Ma'at, were expected to embody these principles in their decisions, and to act with impartiality and integrity. 

This had a flow-on effect on the wider bureaucratic system that developed in ancient Egypt.

Officials of the pharaoh were expected to be appointed based on their ability to uphold Ma'at, and they were held accountable for their actions through regular audits and assessments.

It was hoped that this system of checks and balances would ensure that the administration remained aligned with the principles of Ma'at.

Interestingly, records from the New Kingdom period (circa 1550–1070 BCE) show that there were specific officials known as "Overseers of Ma'at". 

Adherence to Ma'at was a guiding force for all members of society. Ordinary Egyptians sought to live in harmony with Ma'at by being honest, fair, and respectful in their interactions with others.

This was meant to be reflected in their personal relationships, business dealings, and social conduct.

For example, in trade and commerce, merchants were expected to follow the principles of Ma'at by providing fair prices and honest weights and measures.

Furthermore, the concept of Ma'at influenced the way Egyptians approached their work and professions.

Artisans, scribes, and builders took pride in their craftsmanship, striving for excellence as a form of adherence to Ma'at. 

The impact of Ma'at on daily life can also be seen in the moral and ethical teachings of the time.

Wisdom literature, such as "The Maxims of Ptahhotep" and "The Instructions of Ani," emphasized the importance of living in accordance with Ma'at.

These texts provided guidance on everything from managing household affairs to maintaining good relationships with neighbors.

They stressed virtues like kindness, generosity, and humility, which were seen as manifestations of Ma'at in one's character. 

The most common place modern readers encounter references to Ma'at is in ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife.

Adherence to Ma'at during one's life was believed to be crucial for a favorable outcome in the afterlife.

The 42 Negative Confessions, part of the Book of the Dead, were declarations made by the deceased asserting their adherence to Ma'at in various aspects of life.

These confessions covered a wide range of moral and ethical principles, from avoiding theft and murder to not polluting the water or speaking falsely.

The recitation of these confessions was a crucial part of the journey through the underworld.

In a way, it unburdened the heart from the ‘sins’ committed in life against Ma’at. 

However, the most iconic representation of this belief is the weighing of the heart ceremony, which is also depicted in the Book of the Dead.

In this ritual, the deceased's heart was weighed against the feather of Ma'at.

If the heart was lighter or equal in weight, it was meant to indicate a life lived in harmony with Ma'at.

As a result, the soul was granted passage to the afterlife. However, a heart heavier than the feather, which indicated that it was over-burdened by wrongdoing, was devoured by the fearsome creature Ammit, and the annihilation of the soul. 

Curiously, there is evidence that ancient Egyptians sought to placate Ma’at, even before they died.

Offerings of food, drink, and goods could be made to goddess to win her approval or seek forgiveness.

These offerings were often accompanied by prayers and spells to ensure that Ma'at would be well-disposed to the person at the moment of judgement.