Additional remarks on the purification iconography at the Greco-roman temples of upper Egypt

Abstract EN

This paper provides an analytical comparative study of specific scenes depicted on the walls of six remarkable Graeco-Roman divine temples of Upper Egypt; namely Dendera, Esna, Edfu, Kom-Ombo, Phila and Kalha.

Indeed, employing the creative vocabulary at their disposal, the Ptolemies followed by the Roman Emperors adorned those great temples' walls with reliefs and scenes of high symbolized value.

Thus, the study focuses on certain depictions where the Ptolemaic and Roman rulers were portrayed wearing garments, emblems, traditional Egyptian symbols, and being purified typically as Egyptian Kings.

The methodology followed aimed at analyzing these scenes as well as comparing them with the corresponding ancient Egyptian scenes in terms of location, details, and depicted characters.

Findings revealed some distinctive innovations and developments as well as asserting that this kind of representation goes to be more than just a religious tradition, it sometimes has a political character which justifies the purposeful ideological and propaganda value associated to it.

The kingship's prestige is confirmed by these expressive visual narratives, which, based on the field study, are often in sites where the public had unfettered access.

All with the goal of being accepted as legitimate kings and successors of the ancient Egyptian kings.