Isis-Hellas

Abstract

For centuries after the death of Alexander the cult of the Egyptian gods, and of Isis in particular, was widespread in the Mediterranean. The fact is of considerable importance in the history of religious ideas; yet it has not received much special attention. Perhaps this is not altogether surprising. The range of the search is wide and the task daunting. The subject of Isis–Hellas is unclaimed by Egyptology. For its proper exploration the classical scholar must delve into many fields. Besides the epigraphical and numismatic evidence many literary texts have to be read. Sculpture, painting, magical amulets and papyri can all be turned to account. Some fresh approach may suddenly throw the Isiac faith into a strange light as when Merkelbach four years ago found links between its mysteries and the romantic tales by such writers as Achilles Tatius and Heliodorus. Abundant proof for the existence of the Egyptian cult on the Greek mainland and in the Aegean and Asia Minor has been brought forward by Rusch, Brady and Magie. Yet we have to bear in mind how strong it also became during the Imperial Age in Italy, as was shown years ago by Lafaye and more recendy by the Dane Alfoldi and the Vietnamese Tran Tam Tinh. No wonder then that a comprehensive and definitive work on Isis in all her countless guises (Isis Myrionymos) has still to be written.