Augustus and Isis Relief, Kalabsha Gate Flashcards
When was it made?
30BC
What is it made of?
Limestone
Where was it originally located?
Bab al-Kalabsha (Egypt)
Where is it currently located?
Egyptian museum, Berlin
What is the Kalabsha Gate’s significance?
An example of Augustus’ diverse presentation throughout the empire
What is the Kalabsha Gate?
Part of a temple complex dedicated to a Nubian God named Mandulis
Who is the temple dedicated to?
Mandulis
What do other reliefs from Mandulis’ temple show?
Other Egyptian deities crowing Augustus, implying that they approved of his rule of Egypt.
Augustus making offerings to the Egyptian deities- he wanted to maintain his pious image but make it work in a religious setting
Describe Augustus’ half:
Cartouches above and to the right of his head
Augustus shirtless but with a large collar, also wearing a short skirt
Pharoah style
Augustus presents Isis with an offering
Describe the cartouches:
- They are what makes Augustus identifiable
- They say ‘The Roman’, and ‘Caesar the God, son of a God’
Describe Augustus’ clothing:
- Shirtless but with a large collar-style necklace
- This was fashionable amongst Egyptian royalty
- Also wearing an elaborate Egyptian-style crown
- Short skirt also typically Egpytian
Describe the style of the relief:
- Augustus depicted in the style of the Pharaohs
- Relief sculpture is Egyptian in style, in contrast to idealised realism of Augustus’ official sculpture in Rome
What is Augustus offering Isis?
The hieroglyphic symbol for ‘field’ three times.
This signifies prosperity and Augustus’ own prosperity
What is Isis the Goddess of?
Life and magic
What were Roman attitudes to Egyptian gods?
- Some foreign practices were welcomed into Roman religion, and Isis was a favourite of some Roman citizens
- This meant it wasn’t scandalous for to Augustus to associate himself with foreign gods
