Rome versus the Egyptian priesthood

Sean P Rigby explores Roman influence on the post-pharaonic religious life of Egypt.

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Published: 14 February 2024 • View live issue

Period: Roman & Byzantine Egypt

Location: Africa › Egypt › Lower Egypt

An Egyptian priest, depicted in a Roman relief from the Temple of Kalabsha. The traditions of the priesthood came under threat following the Roman conquest of Egypt. Image: Sarah Griffiths (SG)

When Octavian (Augustus) took over Egypt in 30 BC, the relationship between the state and religion changed. In his propaganda war against Mark Antony and Cleopatra, Octavian had portrayed Egypt as the barbarian ‘other’ compared to Rome. This is exemplified by the description of the Egyptian gods at the Battle of Actium by Virgil as:

Barking Anubis, and monstrous gods of every kind, brandish weapons against Neptune, Venus, and Minerva.

(Aeneid 8.671-713)