Serapis, a fascinating hybrid god, bridged the gap between Greek and Egyptian cultures.

He embodied both the bountiful harvest and the promise of life beyond death.

In a stroke of political genius, Ptolemy I Soter, Pharaoh of Ptolemaic Egypt during the 3rd c. BC, established the cult of Serapis.

This new deity served a strategic purpose: to unify the diverse population of his kingdom, bridging the gap between the Greek and Egyptian cultures.

To solidify the Serapis cult as a symbol of unity within his Ptolemaic kingdom, Pharaoh Ptolemy I Soter ordered the construction of a magnificent temple in Alexandria, the Serapeum.

This grand sanctuary, along with others built throughout Egypt, became a focal point for the worship of Serapis, a deity carefully crafted to bridge the gap between Greek and Egyptian cultures.

Although Serapis was originally a god of the dead, Zeus-Serapis became the god of the sun, the god of healing, and the most powerful and important god.

The popularity of Zeus-Serapis continued into the Roman period and inscriptions honouring ‘Zeus Sun Great Serapis’ were common.

He was worshipped in particular at a large temple in Alexandria called the Serapeum.