Worship of Isis

Question 1

Who was Isis

Answer 1

One of the oldest and most important Egyptian goddesses. Goddess of new life, people hoped if they followed her then there would be life after death

Question 2

What was one of the most important Isis festivals

Answer 2

Held 5th March when sailing season began and the grain ships could sail across the Mediterranean. A statue of Isis was carried in a procession down to the great harbour

Question 3

What was the procession like at the festival of Isis

Answer 3

Procession headed by dancers and musicians. Women scattered roses and the statue was carried on the shoulders of priests, procession ended with a high priest wearing garlands of roses and shaking a sacred rattle known as sistrum

Question 4

What would the newly built ship at the harbour be like

Answer 4

Its stern shaped like a goose’s neck and covered with gold plate. First a priest would dedicate the ship to Isis and offered prayers then ship loaded with gifts of herbs and spices, finally mooring ropes were unfastened and ship sent out to sea

Question 5

What happened after the ceremony at the harbour

Answer 5

The statue of Isis taken back to the temple in the cella or sanctuary. Spectators crowded into the open area in front of the temple and priests recited prayers for the safety of the Roman people and their emperor

Question 6

How could you join the brotherhood of Isis

Answer 6

First had to make a sacrifice, abstain from food or go on a pilgrimage then body washed by priest in a ceremony of baptism
Then taught about sacred mysteries of Isis which was forbidden to be spoken of outside the brotherhood
Then a 10 day fast before undergoing initiation

Question 7

How did the worship of Isis spread

Answer 7

Spread from Alexandria across the ancient world. Temples of Isis have been found in London and the black sea