N.F. The Augustan Relief on Kalabsha Gate

Question 1

What type of source is the Augustan relief at Kalabsha Gate

Answer 1

A legacy source

Question 2

Why is the Augustan relief at Kalabsha Gate a legacy source

Answer 2

As it is in Egypt it is likely that Augustus had no knowledge of it

Question 3

Was Kalabsha Gate a successful legacy source

Answer 3

It does not represent Augustus as a successful Roman instead he is serving Egyptian deities. This is an unsuccessful source as not only did it survive it communicates a message he did not approve of.

Question 4

Who are the figures on Kalabsha Gate

Answer 4

Augustus and Isis

Question 5

How is Augustus depicted on the relief at Kalabsha Gate

Answer 5

• He is depicted as a Egyptian King - he even has a cartouche with his name above him.
• He is topless, wearing only an crown of unified Egypt, an arm band, a usekh collar and a skirt. All of this is VERY unroman

Question 6

What is Augustus doing on the relief on Kalabsha Gate

Answer 6

He is performing an Egyptian religious action in giving an offering of wheat to Isis.

Question 7

What is Isis the goddess of

Answer 7

She is the Egyptian goddess of magic, healing and protection.

Question 8

How could the Augustan relief on Kalabsha Gate be interpreted as a successful legacy sources

Answer 8

By offering gifts to Isis the goddess of protection Augustus is bring protection to the empire which is an image he wanted to convey. HOWEVER, Augustus wants to be responsible for that protection and peace and not because he prayed to an Egyptian god in his eyes the Roman ones were the ones worthy of this.
The presentation of these gifts also creates an image of a pious leader which is something that Augustus promoted through his propaganda of a religious leader.

Question 9

How do we know that Augustus is the Egyptian king depicted on the relief on Kalabsha Gate

Answer 9

Egyptian kings had their names written on Cartouches and above the Egyptian King’s head are written (in cartouches):
- “The Roman”
- “Caesar the god, son of a god”

Question 10

Define cartouche

Answer 10

a cartouche is an oval meant to represent a scroll, indicating that the text enclosed is a royal name

Question 11

Who is the temple the Kalabsha Gate is connected to dedicated to

Answer 11

The Nubian sun god - Mandulis

Question 12

What are the interpretations of Augustus’ input on the relief on Kalabsha Gate

Answer 12

1. He didnt know about it, it was local people
2. Augustus projected a mixed image of himself to cater to the native Egyptians and the Romans managing the province

Question 13

How did Augustus satisfy the want of ruler-worship in the provinces and balance the abhorrance of state-sanctioned ruler-worship in Rome

Answer 13

Augustus encouraged the worship of a new cult: the cult of Rome and Augustus. Officially the provinces worshipped him in association with Roma (the personification of Rome) which satisfied the desire for ruler-worship while keeping the impression that no ruler-worship was taking place.

Question 14

When was the Augustan relief on Kalabsha Gate dated to

Answer 14

~ 30 BCE

Question 15

What is the Augustan relief at Kalabsha Gate made of

Answer 15

limestone

Question 16

is it ridiculous that Augustus is presented as offering wheat to Isis

Answer 16

The Romans didnt impose their religion onto the people of the Empire and some foreign practices were brought into Roman religion. Isis was popular among some Roman citizens despite her Egyptian origin. Therefore it was not ridiculuous but unlikely chosen by Augustus who prefered to associate with gods connected to the Julian Clan or personified his values.