A fresco of the rite of the goddess Isis found in Herculaneum
The Worship of Isis
This fresco was found in Herculaneum from an unrecorded site and was discovered during the 18th century. It is most likely that it was found in a house of one of the rich rather than in a temple. The Egyptian references in this artefact like the two sphinx's, the palm trees, the Egyptian horned alter and the ibis birds are important details as they show the cult's origins as Isis an Egyptian goddess and this shows how the Romans embraced certain aspects of foreign cultures. Notice how the high priest is white while most of the priestly attendants are black as this could show some exoticism and how black people in the ancient world traditionally held an affinity with the Isis cult. The jar of Nile water held by the high priest is an important symbol in the cult of Isis and Isis herself is often shown holding a situla (a pail containing water from the sacred Nile). In the High Priest's jar there would also be sacred Nile water which symbolised the flooding of the Nile. Many other priestly figures also hold sistrums. This is important to observe because sistrums were rattle-like instruments often associated with the worship of Isis and Isis was often depicted holding a sistrum as the sistrum's were shaken to ward off the flooding of Nile (therefore balancing the symbolism of the situla) and to frighten away Set (who killed dismembered Isis's husband). During the services for the cult of Isis, the sistrum would usually be shaken by the worshipers, the would be songs, music (as shown by the flutist) and dancing. A great deal of the congregation in this artefact seem to be women and this is important as this cult particularly appealed to women since they could aspire to be as great a wife and mother as Isis and because the cult offered them rights and privileges traditional cults did not grant women.
This fresco was found in Herculaneum from an unrecorded site and was discovered during the 18th century. It is most likely that it was found in a house of one of the rich rather than in a temple. The Egyptian references in this artefact like the two sphinx's, the palm trees, the Egyptian horned alter and the ibis birds are important details as they show the cult's origins as Isis an Egyptian goddess and this shows how the Romans embraced certain aspects of foreign cultures. Notice how the high priest is white while most of the priestly attendants are black as this could show some exoticism and how black people in the ancient world traditionally held an affinity with the Isis cult. The jar of Nile water held by the high priest is an important symbol in the cult of Isis and Isis herself is often shown holding a situla (a pail containing water from the sacred Nile). In the High Priest's jar there would also be sacred Nile water which symbolised the flooding of the Nile. Many other priestly figures also hold sistrums. This is important to observe because sistrums were rattle-like instruments often associated with the worship of Isis and Isis was often depicted holding a sistrum as the sistrum's were shaken to ward off the flooding of Nile (therefore balancing the symbolism of the situla) and to frighten away Set (who killed dismembered Isis's husband). During the services for the cult of Isis, the sistrum would usually be shaken by the worshipers, the would be songs, music (as shown by the flutist) and dancing. A great deal of the congregation in this artefact seem to be women and this is important as this cult particularly appealed to women since they could aspire to be as great a wife and mother as Isis and because the cult offered them rights and privileges traditional cults did not grant women.
Analysis
This fresco depicting the worship of Isis adds to out knowledge of religion and religious cults in Roman life while shedding light on what went on in ceremonies for the cult of Isis. The cult of Isis was a foreign cult and also a mystery cult as there were secret truths to be told during initiation which members were never allowed to reveal to those outside the cult.1 The depiction of a ceremony or ritual from the cult of Isis gives us an intimate view on how that cult operated and what they valued. The artefact also shows us the decorous ways of Isis worship which also reveals to us that one reason for people to join the cult of Isis was because they liked the more refined and ceremonious approach to worship a foreign god/goddess. All of the Egyptian symbols in this artefact show how frequent contact with the East led to rites and worship of Eastern gods/goddess' like Isis infiltrating Roman towns. The spread of the Roman Empire through Egypt was also a contributing factor. This highlights how Romans were intrigued by mysterious and exotic activities and religion and so Egyptian goddess' like Isis became very popular.
Others reasons for the popularity of the cult of Isis were because the cult offered a more personal connection with the deity being worshipped (compared to relying on someone else like a paterfamilias for their spirituality) and there was also an emphasis on the individual follower as each member was able to achieve individual deliverance for themselves. This religious cult also attracted many due to the promise and belief in life after death, something which was hardly looked over with much hope in the worship of the traditional Roman deities. This was especially appealing to slaves and those in lower classes who had not had such a fortunate life on earth.2 This reveals to us how different people in Roman society became members of different religious and foreign cults based on their background, what they coveted in life and after life and how they reacted to the 'mysterious.'
This fresco depicting the worship of Isis adds to out knowledge of religion and religious cults in Roman life while shedding light on what went on in ceremonies for the cult of Isis. The cult of Isis was a foreign cult and also a mystery cult as there were secret truths to be told during initiation which members were never allowed to reveal to those outside the cult.1 The depiction of a ceremony or ritual from the cult of Isis gives us an intimate view on how that cult operated and what they valued. The artefact also shows us the decorous ways of Isis worship which also reveals to us that one reason for people to join the cult of Isis was because they liked the more refined and ceremonious approach to worship a foreign god/goddess. All of the Egyptian symbols in this artefact show how frequent contact with the East led to rites and worship of Eastern gods/goddess' like Isis infiltrating Roman towns. The spread of the Roman Empire through Egypt was also a contributing factor. This highlights how Romans were intrigued by mysterious and exotic activities and religion and so Egyptian goddess' like Isis became very popular.
Others reasons for the popularity of the cult of Isis were because the cult offered a more personal connection with the deity being worshipped (compared to relying on someone else like a paterfamilias for their spirituality) and there was also an emphasis on the individual follower as each member was able to achieve individual deliverance for themselves. This religious cult also attracted many due to the promise and belief in life after death, something which was hardly looked over with much hope in the worship of the traditional Roman deities. This was especially appealing to slaves and those in lower classes who had not had such a fortunate life on earth.2 This reveals to us how different people in Roman society became members of different religious and foreign cults based on their background, what they coveted in life and after life and how they reacted to the 'mysterious.'
The temple of Isis in Pompeii
The cult of Isis was also prevalent in Pompeii. In fact, the temple of Isis is very well-preserved and was the only temple to be fully restored by the Roman people in Pompeii after the harmful earthquake in 62AD. Above the main entrance-way there is an inscription: 'Numerius Popidius Celsinus, son of Numerius, restored the Temple of Isis with his own money from the ground up after it had been destroyed by an earthquake. Because of his generosity, the town councillors enrolled him into their membership without charge when he was only six years old.'
More benefactors of the temple are listed below. This gives us insight into how Romans used religion and benevolence towards religious cults can be used for social advancement, as Popidius, the Father had clearly got his son into and elite group in society through benefaction. We can also conclude that the honour also shows the political influence held by devotees of Isis at this date.3
The temple is situated next the Large Theatre and the walls were covered in frescos and also artwork showing other Roman deities. Isis does not demand exclusive worship, you could be a follower of Isis but also sacrifice to Jupiter.4 The temple was also not open to public view as the cult of Isis was really a religion for initiates.5 Daily rituals and ceremonies were taken part in at the temple at dawn and in the afternoon.
The cult of Isis is just one example of a religious/foreign/mystery cult in ancient Rome, others include the cult of Dionysius, the cult of Cybele and Mithraism but the cult of Isis was especially established in the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
More benefactors of the temple are listed below. This gives us insight into how Romans used religion and benevolence towards religious cults can be used for social advancement, as Popidius, the Father had clearly got his son into and elite group in society through benefaction. We can also conclude that the honour also shows the political influence held by devotees of Isis at this date.3
The temple is situated next the Large Theatre and the walls were covered in frescos and also artwork showing other Roman deities. Isis does not demand exclusive worship, you could be a follower of Isis but also sacrifice to Jupiter.4 The temple was also not open to public view as the cult of Isis was really a religion for initiates.5 Daily rituals and ceremonies were taken part in at the temple at dawn and in the afternoon.
The cult of Isis is just one example of a religious/foreign/mystery cult in ancient Rome, others include the cult of Dionysius, the cult of Cybele and Mithraism but the cult of Isis was especially established in the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Conclusions
The evidence of the religious cult of Isis and the worship of Isis in Herculaneum and Pompeii is unique as it shows us exactly at the specific time of 79AD that this foreign religious cult in particular was widespread and this proves that the eruption of Mt Vesuvius was significant as it preserved these artefacts so we know which cults were prevalent at this time and our knowledge of how this cult worships is expanded even further with the preservation of a fresco showing a ceremony of the cult of Isis. Religion and being part of religious cults was an important part of Roman social life and were accepted in Roman society. From the preserved fresco in Herculaneum we can discover how Romans took part in religious worship rituals and what these rites involved. It is a unique piece of evidence as since Isis was also a mystery cult not much was known about their secret ceremonies and rituals and this would limit our understanding but thanks to this fresco we are able to see some of the important symbols of the cult and how they conducted some of their worship ceremonies. We can dissect how priests lead the worship ceremonies and how many symbolic objects, sacred to the goddess Isis were used, like the jar of sacred Nile water. Without the significant event of the eruption of Mt Vesuvius we would never have been able to look upon such an artefact revealing unique details of the rituals of a religious cult from the classical world. From studying the cults and their beliefs we can also see what fascinated the Romans such as exoticism and mystery, justifying their attraction to foreign mystery cults. We can also understand how different practises in different religious cults appealed to different Romans of different classes and backgrounds. This allows us to comprehend how religion was important to Romans in everyday roman social life, for example many women became members of the cult of Isis as they looked up to Isis as a model Mother and Wife and they utilised their religion for guidance in their own lives, so everyday life and religion were intricately interconnected. It would be impossible to uncover all these unique contributions on ancient Roman religion and social life if it weren't for the eruption of Mt Vesuvius which significantly preserved the artefacts where we source our knowledge from. In Pompeii the temple of Isis is unique as it has much cultural diversity since it is dedicated to the worship of an Egyptian goddess and has structural features of Greek architecture like the fluted pillars, this is a unique contribution as it shows us how other cultures influenced the Romans. Since Pompeii had a port it is evident that there was such a wide range of religious cults and foreign cults like the cult of Isis as travellers could easily arrive at Pompeii and bring their culture and religion with them. The preservation of the temple revealed how the cult had more of an extravagant nature, with high walls surrounding the temple (for secrecy), and initiation hall and a chamber below for storing holy water from the Nile river. The writings inscribed in the temple also show how religious places also supported a wider social, economic and political setting since people could direct their benevolence at these religious places and thereby secure themselves or them family positions in elite groups. If the eruption had not preserved the temple then we would be unaware of this wealth of knowledge, such as advancement through being a benefactor, influential foreign cults and the structure of cult temples that come from studying the temple of Isis. The presence of religion in Pompeii and Herculaneum, in general show us how they believed in some sort of 'bigger picture' and there worship of gods and goddess' show us how they believed in greater or superior beings. The fact that there were temples tell us about Roman social life and how worshiping at the temples and practises like sacrifices and religious symbolism was a part of daily Roman life.
If Mt Vesuvius had not erupted then it is very likely that later on with the introduction of a new religion - Christianity, many temples, religious cults and religious artefacts/relics would be destroyed as the Christians would want to set up their religion and eradicate the signs of old religions. The Romans beliefs in many different gods and goddess' would have gone contrary to the strict Christian belief in one God and this would have been extra fuel for the destruction of Roman temples and artefacts. Practically all Romans people would soon become enamoured with their new religion and been great supporters of Christianity so they too would have soon supported this destruction of their old ways. And so, the eruption of Mt Vesuvius was a very significant event as it preserved the artefacts and evidence of religion and religious cults in the classical world and saved them from being wiped out as Christianity came along. Otherwise, if the eruption of Mt Vesuvius had not occurred, then our understanding of Roman social life and religion would be limited.
The evidence of the religious cult of Isis and the worship of Isis in Herculaneum and Pompeii is unique as it shows us exactly at the specific time of 79AD that this foreign religious cult in particular was widespread and this proves that the eruption of Mt Vesuvius was significant as it preserved these artefacts so we know which cults were prevalent at this time and our knowledge of how this cult worships is expanded even further with the preservation of a fresco showing a ceremony of the cult of Isis. Religion and being part of religious cults was an important part of Roman social life and were accepted in Roman society. From the preserved fresco in Herculaneum we can discover how Romans took part in religious worship rituals and what these rites involved. It is a unique piece of evidence as since Isis was also a mystery cult not much was known about their secret ceremonies and rituals and this would limit our understanding but thanks to this fresco we are able to see some of the important symbols of the cult and how they conducted some of their worship ceremonies. We can dissect how priests lead the worship ceremonies and how many symbolic objects, sacred to the goddess Isis were used, like the jar of sacred Nile water. Without the significant event of the eruption of Mt Vesuvius we would never have been able to look upon such an artefact revealing unique details of the rituals of a religious cult from the classical world. From studying the cults and their beliefs we can also see what fascinated the Romans such as exoticism and mystery, justifying their attraction to foreign mystery cults. We can also understand how different practises in different religious cults appealed to different Romans of different classes and backgrounds. This allows us to comprehend how religion was important to Romans in everyday roman social life, for example many women became members of the cult of Isis as they looked up to Isis as a model Mother and Wife and they utilised their religion for guidance in their own lives, so everyday life and religion were intricately interconnected. It would be impossible to uncover all these unique contributions on ancient Roman religion and social life if it weren't for the eruption of Mt Vesuvius which significantly preserved the artefacts where we source our knowledge from. In Pompeii the temple of Isis is unique as it has much cultural diversity since it is dedicated to the worship of an Egyptian goddess and has structural features of Greek architecture like the fluted pillars, this is a unique contribution as it shows us how other cultures influenced the Romans. Since Pompeii had a port it is evident that there was such a wide range of religious cults and foreign cults like the cult of Isis as travellers could easily arrive at Pompeii and bring their culture and religion with them. The preservation of the temple revealed how the cult had more of an extravagant nature, with high walls surrounding the temple (for secrecy), and initiation hall and a chamber below for storing holy water from the Nile river. The writings inscribed in the temple also show how religious places also supported a wider social, economic and political setting since people could direct their benevolence at these religious places and thereby secure themselves or them family positions in elite groups. If the eruption had not preserved the temple then we would be unaware of this wealth of knowledge, such as advancement through being a benefactor, influential foreign cults and the structure of cult temples that come from studying the temple of Isis. The presence of religion in Pompeii and Herculaneum, in general show us how they believed in some sort of 'bigger picture' and there worship of gods and goddess' show us how they believed in greater or superior beings. The fact that there were temples tell us about Roman social life and how worshiping at the temples and practises like sacrifices and religious symbolism was a part of daily Roman life.
If Mt Vesuvius had not erupted then it is very likely that later on with the introduction of a new religion - Christianity, many temples, religious cults and religious artefacts/relics would be destroyed as the Christians would want to set up their religion and eradicate the signs of old religions. The Romans beliefs in many different gods and goddess' would have gone contrary to the strict Christian belief in one God and this would have been extra fuel for the destruction of Roman temples and artefacts. Practically all Romans people would soon become enamoured with their new religion and been great supporters of Christianity so they too would have soon supported this destruction of their old ways. And so, the eruption of Mt Vesuvius was a very significant event as it preserved the artefacts and evidence of religion and religious cults in the classical world and saved them from being wiped out as Christianity came along. Otherwise, if the eruption of Mt Vesuvius had not occurred, then our understanding of Roman social life and religion would be limited.
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1 M. Beard, The Fires of Vesuvius
2 R. Ling, Pompeii: history, life & afterlife
3 P. Zanker, Pompeii Public and Privite Life
4 M. Beazley, The History of Europe
5 M. Beard, The Fires of Vesuvius
1 M. Beard, The Fires of Vesuvius
2 R. Ling, Pompeii: history, life & afterlife
3 P. Zanker, Pompeii Public and Privite Life
4 M. Beazley, The History of Europe
5 M. Beard, The Fires of Vesuvius
