Serapis Historical Novel

Serapis is a historical novel that features a story of the cult of Graeco-Egyptian deity that was pushed forward during the third century BC on the orders of Greek Pharaoh Ptolemy I Soter of the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt as a means to unify the Greeks and Egyptians in his realm. A serapeum was any temple or religious precinct devoted to Serapis. The cult of Serapis was spread as a matter of deliberate policy by the Ptolemaic kings, who also built the immense Serapeum of Alexandria. Serapis continued to increase in popularity during the Roman Empire, often replacing Osiris as the consort of Isis in temples outside Egypt._x000D_ "As they reached the middle of the steep bridge across the canal he involuntarily stood still, riveted by the view of the southwest. In his excitement he threw up his arms, his eyes glistened with moisture and with the enthusiasm of youth, and, as was always the case when his emotions were stirred by some glorious work of God or man, an image rose to his mind, all unbidden—the image of his eldest son, now dead, but in life his closest and most sympathetic comrade. He felt as though his hand could grasp the shoulder of that son, too early snatched away, whose gifts had far transcended those of the surviving Orpheus—as though he too could gaze with him on the grand scene that lay before him."_x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_

Serapis is a historical romance novel that features a story of the cult of Graeco-Egyptian deity pushed ahead during the third century BC on the demand of Greek Pharaoh, Ptolemy I, Soter of the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt as a means to merge the Greeks and Egyptians in his realm. The cult of Serapis was spread as a matter of calculated policy by the Ptolemaic kings, who also built the massive Serapeum of Alexandria. Serapis continued to grow in admiration during the Roman Empire, often replacing Osiris as the consort of Isis in temples outside Egypt. This work is written in a very poetic and tranquil language and keeps the reader's attention throughout the story. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Egyptian history or those who enjoy reading historical romances. The author, Georg Moritz Ebers (1837 – 1898), was a German Egyptologist and novelist. Ebers wrote the work with the vision of popularizing Egyptian legends through historical romances

"Serapis" is a historical novel written by German author Georg Ebers. The novel follows the character of Publius, a Roman centurion who is sent to Alexandria to investigate the disappearance of a group of soldiers. The novel explores the tension between the traditional Egyptian religion and the new cult of Serapis, which was created by the Ptolemaic dynasty as a fusion of Greek and Egyptian religious beliefs. The conflict comes to a head when the Roman emperor Hadrian arrives in Alexandria and attempts to resolve the tensions between the two religions. The novel is notable for its vivid descriptions of ancient Alexandria, its customs, and its people. Ebers' extensive research into the history of the period is evident in the novel's attention to detail and historical accuracy. The novel also explores themes such as power, loyalty, and the clash of cultures.

Georg Ebers was one of the 19th century's most famous Egyptologists, and his knowledge of Ancient Egypt helped him write popular historical novels which were full of the mysterious intrigue that people attached to the Egyptians at the time.