It is a common misconception that all ancient Egyptians avoided eating fish. In reality, many Egyptians consumed fish regularly, as it was an abundant and readily available food source, providing substantial sustenance and even being preserved through salting. However, specific, high-ranking individuals within Egyptian society were indeed forbidden from eating fish due to religious and ritualistic prohibitions.
Religious Prohibitions on Fish Consumption
The primary reason certain Egyptians abstained from fish was rooted in their religious beliefs and the sacred roles held by particular groups.
Priestly Abstinence
- Sacred Duties: Classical authors widely noted that Egyptian priests were strictly forbidden from consuming fish. This prohibition was likely connected to concepts of ritual purity required for their sacred duties, specific cultic practices, or symbolic associations that made fish unsuitable for their consumption. The precise theological reasons could vary, but the ban was consistently observed among the priestly class.
The Pharaoh's Adherence
- Royal Purity: As the King of Egypt also served as the nominal High Priest of every cult throughout the land, the religious prohibition against eating fish naturally extended to the Pharaoh himself. This meant that the ruler, at the apex of both political and religious authority, also adhered to this dietary restriction, reinforcing his divine connection and ritual purity.
Therefore, while fish was a staple for the general populace, the leaders of the religious and political spheres consciously abstained, differentiating their diet based on their sacred status and responsibilities.
