Changes

Ra is the aspect of the [[Heliopolitan triad]] most associated with other deities, his associations with Amun (as Amun-Ra) and Horus (as Ra-Horakhti) being most important. The latter was particularly prominent in the [[19th Dynasty]], with numerous temples dedicated to Ra-Horakhti in [[Nubia]]. Ra was also associated with other major cults, including [[Sobek]] (Sobek-Ra), Osiris, [[Hathor]]/[[Sekhmet]], and [[Bast]], the goddesses being seen as daughters of Ra.

Ra is the aspect of the [[Heliopolitan triad]] most associated with other deities, his associations with Amun (as Amun-Ra) and Horus (as Ra-Horakhti) being most important. The latter was particularly prominent in the [[19th Dynasty]], with numerous temples dedicated to Ra-Horakhti in [[Nubia]]. Ra was also associated with other major cults, including [[Sobek]] (Sobek-Ra), Osiris, [[Hathor]]/[[Sekhmet]], and [[Bast]], the goddesses being seen as daughters of Ra.

== Cult Centre and Other Centres of Worship ==

== Cult Centre and Other Centers of Worship ==

Heliopolis, located in the [[Ain-Shams]]/[[Matariyeh]] area of [[Cairo]], was the cult centre of Ra, and, indeed, the Atum–Ra-Khepri Heliopolitan triad, though many shrines and temples existed elsewhere. The site was heavily quarried from the [[Ptolemaic period]] onward, and little now remains

Heliopolis, located in the [[Ain-Shams]]/[[Matariyeh]] area of [[Cairo]], was the cult centre of Ra, and, indeed, the Atum–Ra-Khepri Heliopolitan triad, though many shrines and temples existed elsewhere. The site was heavily quarried from the [[Ptolemaic period]] onward, and little now remains

During the 5th Dynasty, the design of the pyramid complex was modified to incorporate a Sun temple, and, beginning with [[Unas]], the Pyramid Texts are found inscribed in the burial chamber.  

During the 5th Dynasty, the design of the pyramid complex was modified to incorporate a Sun temple, and, beginning with [[Unas]], the Pyramid Texts are found inscribed in the burial chamber.  

In these texts it is clear how the Heliopolitan solar mythology has influenced not only the imagery, but the nature of the royal afterlife. The Pharaoh now hopes to ascend to heaven where he may join the solar barque and sail with the Sun God (Pyramid Texts #407).  

In these texts it is clear how the Heliopolitan solar mythology has influenced not only the imagery, but the nature of the royal afterlife. The Pharaoh now hopes to ascend to heaven where he may join the solar baroque and sail with the Sun God (Pyramid Texts #407).  

The solar cult also affected the non-royal afterlife. The [[Coffin Texts]] include numerous references to the Sun God, and maintain much of the celestial image of the afterlife found in the Pyramid Texts. In the New Kingdom the Coffin Texts are displaced by the more Osirian Book of the Dead, which would be used by both royals and commoners. However, the Solar Cult retains an important position in the new text, with numerous prayers to the Heliopolitan gods.  

The solar cult also affected the non-royal afterlife. The [[Coffin Texts]] include numerous references to the Sun God, and maintain much of the celestial image of the afterlife found in the Pyramid Texts. In the New Kingdom the Coffin Texts are displaced by the more Osirian Book of the Dead, which would be used by both royals and commoners. However, the Solar Cult retains an important position in the new text, with numerous prayers to the Heliopolitan gods.