The cult of Isis in Italy under the Empire

Abstract

1. Introductory. The Egyptian Isis - origin unknown - a primordial deity. Hieroglyphic texts prove her to have held a different position from all other goddesses, whose attributes she gradually absorbs until she becomes 2. The Hellenised Cult. " Le culte alexandrien qul se repandit dans le monde greco-romain sortait du Serapeum d'Alexandria. Policy of Ptolemy Soter aimed at a religion acceptable alike to Greeks and Egyptians. His methods. The next stage - Serapis = . osiris - Apis. The story of Ptolemy's dream in Plutarch De Is. et Os. 28 and Tac. Hist. 4. Establishment of the new cult in the Serapeum, its immediate success. Characteristics : 1. syncretism, 2. philosophy (Plutarch) 3. personal salvation and immortality as V offered by mysteries. 3. Diffusion. Very early communication between Italy and Egypt. Constantly increasing trade with E.Mediterranean. Introduced into Sicily and Delos, thence to Puteoli, from there finally to S. Italy, Naples and Pompeii. Chief media of dissemination were 1. merchants, 2. soldiers, 3. embassies, 4. Importation of Egyptians and others for menial work.( Tac. Ann. 14.44 ) 4.The Cult in Rome and Italy - reasons for popularity - festivals and mysteries with special reference to Plutarch and Apuleius. 5.The Cult in Rome and Italy. History from the founding of the College of Pastophores by Sulla in 80 B.C. to the destruction of the Serapeum at Alexandria in 391 A.D. 6.Relation to and analogies with Christianity. Why the exitiabilis | superstition finally triumphed. 7.Conclusion.