Ancient Egyptian religion was a complex system of
polytheistic beliefs and rituals which were an integral part of
ancient Egyptian society. It centered on the Egyptians' interaction with many
deities who were believed to be present in, and in control of, the forces and elements of nature. The practices of Egyptian religion were efforts to provide for the gods and gain their favor. Formal religious practice centered on the
pharaoh, the king of Egypt, who was believed to possess a divine power by virtue of his position. He acted as the
intermediary between his people and the gods and was obligated to sustain the gods through rituals and offerings so that they could maintain
order in the universe. The state dedicated enormous resources to Egyptian rituals and to the construction of the
temples.