Roman Egypt, annexed as a province directly under imperial control in 30 BCE after the defeat of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, continued indigenous Egyptian temple cult under Roman patronage even as it became a major center of early Christian monasticism, most notably through Anthony of the Desert and the Pachomian communal monastic movement, and of Gnostic Christian thought, evidenced by finds such as the Nag Hammadi library. Its unique legal status as effectively the emperor's personal domain, governed by an equestrian prefect rather than a senatorial governor, set it apart administratively from every other Roman province.
Facts
Religion and State
State ReligionThe Roman civic and imperial cult as the official religion of the province, with the indigenous Egyptian temple cult continued under Roman patronage, the emperor depicted as pharaoh in temple reliefs and the temples administered under close state control. 1 Religious PolicyContinued indigenous Egyptian temple cult under Roman patronage, governed as the emperor's personal domain under an equestrian prefect rather than a senatorial governor, while also becoming a major center of early Christian monasticism and of Gnostic Christian thought. 1 Attributions
Associated ReligionIndigenous Egyptian temple cult continuing under Roman patronage, alongside the rise of Christian monasticism and Gnostic Christian thought. 1 Origins
Origin RegionRoman province from 30 BCE 1 State religion (class)Polytheism / civic cult 1 Connections
Associated With
This source names Egypt directly: "Roman Egypt, annexed as a province directly under imperial control in 30 BCE after the defeat of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, continued indigenous Egyptian temple cult under Roman patronage even as it..."
Source The Oxford Classical Dictionary, 4th editionSimon Hornblower, Antony Spawforth and Esther Eidinow (eds.)
Related To
Sources
1. The Oxford Classical Dictionary, 4th edition
Simon Hornblower, Antony Spawforth and Esther Eidinow (eds.), Oxford University Press, 2012s.v. Egypt, Roman provinceView the Source Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.