By Jacqueline Engel
This head portrays Serapis, one of the most important gods in the Greek and Roman periods. Protector of the Ptolemaic rulers, according to Roman historian Tacitus, Serapis’s cult was established by Ptolemy I following a dream.
The founder of the Ptolemaic dynasty wanted to ensure the prosperity of his new capital, Alexandria. The cult soon spread across Egypt and the Mediterranean.
Serapis combines Greek iconography with Egyptian traditions.
In appearance he resembles the Greek god Zeus-with curly hair and a beard with locks.
His name, Serapis, derives from Osiris-Apis, the sacred bull of Memphis.
His divine wife was Isis and their son Harpocrates. Serapis’s cult was intended to unify the Egyptian and Greek populations.
Roman Period
Probably 1 Century AD
Medinet of Fayum
LA CIVILTA' EGIZIA 