How did the ancient Egyptians view foreigners and outsiders?

The ancient Egyptians had a complex view of foreigners and outsiders, which changed over time and depended on various factors such as politics, trade, and war. Generally, they divided the world into two categories: themselves, who they considered civilized, and the others, who they deemed barbarians. The Egyptians believed that they were superior to all other civilizations, and they looked down upon the foreigners who were considered inferior.

However, not all foreigners were viewed with contempt. For instance, the Egyptians had a positive relationship with some neighboring civilizations, such as the Nubians, and they traded with them regularly. The Egyptians also employed mercenaries from foreign countries in their armies, and some foreign officials held high-ranking positions in the government.

Moreover, the ancient Egyptians were open to adopting foreign deities, and some foreign gods were integrated into their religious beliefs. For example, the goddess Hathor, who originated from Libya, became an essential part of the Egyptian pantheon.

In conclusion, the ancient Egyptians' view of foreigners and outsiders was nuanced and changed over time. While they generally considered themselves superior to other civilizations, they were open to positive relationships with some neighboring cultures, and they adopted foreign gods into their religious beliefs.