The Connection Between Love and Death in Ancient Egypt and the Book of Canticles (song of Songs)

Abstract Book of the 9th World Conference on Research in Social Sciences

Year: 2025

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The Connection Between Love and Death in Ancient Egypt and the Book of Canticles (song of Songs)

Vasiliki-Maria Vasileiou

ABSTRACT:

An exceptionally interesting subject, that does not seem to have received much attention is the relationship between love and death in the ancient world and, in particular, in Ancient Egypt and the Bible. Love was always an important issue in people’s life and this is reflected in the development of love poetry from such an early age. Many Egyptian love poems, dated to the New Kingdom period (c.1570-1069 BC) and, more specifically, to the 18th Dynasty period (c.1539-1292 BC), came to light, proving the significance of love. Those poems are known in the global bibliography by the term “Egyptian Love Poetry”. The same connection, between love and death, has been equally identified in the Old Testament text and, specifically, in the book of Song of Songs, where strong love can cause illness (love-sickness) and even lead to death. Such a connection, of love and illness, has also been identified in the texts of Egyptian love poetry.

Keywords: Bible, Egyptian Love Poetry, Love-Sickness, New Kingdom, Old Testament