Title: Isis in the ancient world /
Authors: Witt, R. E. 1903-1980.
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press,
Year: 1997
Subjects: Isis; Civilization, Greco-Roman
Abstract: "Worship of the Egyptian goddess Isis dates as far back as 2500 B.C. and extended at least until the fifth century A.D. throughout the Roman world. The importance of her cult is attested to in Apuleius's Golden Ass, and evidence of its influence has been found in places as far apart as Afghanistan and Portugal, the Black Sea and northern England. The first study to document the extent and complexity of the cult's influences on Graeco-Roman and early Christian culture, R.E. Witt's acclaimed Isis in the Ancient World is now available in paperback."--Jacket.
Contents: The ancient goddess of the Nile -- Isis, giver of life -- Osiris : brother, husband, son -- The spread of the Egyptian faith -- In the house of Isis -- To the shores of Italy -- The holy servants of Isis -- Telling forth her praises -- The one whose names cannot be numbered -- The all-loving mother -- Great Artemis-Isis -- Mystery and sacrament -- The procession to the ship -- Healing the sick -- The guardian guide and herald -- The young king and lord of all -- The goddess darling of Roman emperors -- Xenophon's Isiac romance -- The Pauline view -- The great forerunner.