Serapis

Egyptian Religion Gods Home

Serapis
TitleThe Fertility god
Cult CenterAlexandria
GenderMale
Patron - Dominion fertility - healing - the underworld
Dedicated templesSerapeum of Alexandria
The temple of Serapis in Memphis
Burial of Apis Bulls in Serapeum of Saqqara
AppearanceWears the modius (a small pot indicating fertility) on his head
bearded figure seated on a throne with the three-headed dog of Hades, Cerberus, at his feet.

  • Created by the Ptolemaic Pharaoh Ptolemy I, he was a composite of several Egyptian and Hellenistic deities who was introduced at the beginning of the Ptolemaic Period
  • His name was Aser-hapi (i.e. Osiris-Apis), which became Serapis,
  • Married to Isis and father of Horus
  • His cult quickly spread from its center in Alexandria, reaching Ancient Rome.
  • The cult of Serapis survived into and Roman period
  • The destruction of Sarapeum in Alexandria by early Christians in 385 A.D. that marked the end of his cult.

  • Page last updated: 15 Feb 2008
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