Cultural Diversity and Biodiversity

Cultural diversity and biodiversity are significant factors that play

a vital role in affecting how a region functions and thrives. While
looking at the factors individually, it is apparent that each plays a
separate part in influencing the type of society and community that is
built within that region. A more in-depth look into a specific
environment can also possibly show how both elements intertwine and
influence one another. Throughout a plethora of different countries
located around our world, it can be shown that the connection between
cultural diversity and biodiversity takes form in all different types of
ways. While thoroughly examining Egypt, I have noticed that this
connection can be seen starting back in ancient times.
A major biodiversity that is linked to cultural identity within Egypt
is associated with the animals that have resided within this country. In
Ancient Egypt, there were a variety of animals and creatures that lived
within this environment that heavily influenced the culture of the
people. One animal that was deeply worshipped and seen as a symbol
of religion was the cat. According to J Hills (2010) article, the ancient
Egyptians had a distinct problem with mice, rats and snakes all of
whom threatened the grain stores. It is thought that the ancient
Egyptians learned that wild cats preyed on these scavengers and so
began to leave out food (such as fish heads) to tempt the cats to visit
them regularly. This suited the cats perfectly as being close to human

settlements not only provided them with a ready supply of food (the
vermin and the food left by humans) but also helped them to avoid
larger predators. As this symbiotic relationship developed cats were
welcomed indoors and eventually consented to move in with their
human friends and rear their kittens in the safety of the home
(para.2). With this, it is clearly shown that cats livelihoods were
drastically changed due to the shelter and food provided by the
Egyptians, whereas the Egyptians benefited from the cats instinctive
predatory skills. This biodiversity progressively altered the cultural
diversity of the people as well. Cats ultimately helped the community
thrive by providing a way to remove the pests that destroyed there
crops and invaded their homes. In return, cats became a worshipped
item among the people of Egypt. One example is the Egyptian cat
goddess, Bast. Bast was a goddess of music, dance, pleasure and
fertility, Bast was protector of women and children as well as domestic
cats. Bast is also associated with qualities of the lion, such as strength,
agility and loyalty (Pagan Roots, 2011, para.2). This goddess was
extremely admired and thought of as one of the better-known religious
symbols during this time period. Another example of the relationship
between biodiversity and cultural diversity can be seen in the famous
Ancient Egypt insect, the Scarab Beetle. The Scarab Beetles are
insects that are seen all throughout the world. The Scarab Beetle of
Egypt, known as the dung beetle, lives off of undigested nutrients in

the waste of other animals and mostly reside underground. According

to Egyptian Myths (2014), It seemed to the ancient Egyptians that the
young scarab beetles emerged spontaneously from the burrow were
they were born. Therefore they were worshipped as "Khepera", which
means, "he was came forth." This creative aspect of the scarab was
associated with the creator god Atum (para.3). With this, the Scarab
Beetle was often made into fine jewelry or used as good luck charms. I
believe that the biodiversity seen within the animal life present during
Ancient Egypt overall affected the cultural diversity that formed during
this time period.
Although Ancient Egypts cultural diversity was great affected by
the biodiversity within this region, this connection still plays out in
todays world. Egypt is still known to sell the Scarab Beetles jewelry in
markets, especially to those visiting. It is still widely seen as a good
luck charm and a sacred artifact that represents Egypts past times.
Another big attraction that entices tourists is the continuing
discoveries of Ancient history. A recently discovered church dedicated
to the goddess cat Bast was found, along with 600 different artifacts
and sculptures of cats (Bossone, 2010, para.1). The significant history
held in Egypt is still greatly affecting the economy in todays world. The
antiquity Egypt has to offer is intriguing and gives the chance for
prosperity due to the incoming money from tourists.

Overall, I believe there is a strong tie between biodiversity and

cultural identity that dates back to Ancient Egypt times. The bond
between the animals residing in this environment and the people of
Egypt still carry on in todays culture.
Work Cited
21, 2. (n.d.). Photos: Queen's Cat Goddess Temple Found in Egypt. Retrieved April 8, 2015,
from http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/01/photogalleries/100121-cat-templeegypt-pictures/
C L Francisco. (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from http://clfrancisco.com/temple-of-bast-atbubastis/
Ancient Egypt: The Mythology - Scarab Beetle. (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from
http://www.egyptianmyths.net/scarab.htm
Bast. (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from http://paganroots.com/information/gods/egyptiangods-goddesses/bast/
Animals of Ancient Egypt. (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from http://resources.woodlandsjunior.kent.sch.uk/homework/egypt/animals.htm
Cats in Ancient Egypt. (n.d.). Retrieved April 8, 2015, from
http://www.ancientegyptonline.co.uk/cat