The mystery of Sphinx discovered in Temple of Isis Pompeii

The mystery of Sphinx discovered in Temple of Isis Pompeii

The fusion of ancient Egyptian art with Roman culture is showcased in exhibitions about Egyptian influence in the Roman world. The Roman terracotta sphinx from the Temple of Isis in Pompeii dating back to the 1st century was found in a niche within the Hall of Beginnings Holy of the Beginning next to a statue of Venus. Following the annexation of the site other notable discoveries include the terracotta sphinx from the Temple of Isis the marble sphinx in the House of Faoon and a bronze sphinx-shaped stand most of these are on display at the Naples Archaeological Museum. Several sphinxes were discovered in Pompeii.

"Oedipus and the Sphinx" from the archaeological site of Ostia Antica, near Rome. Oedipus confronts and unravels the mystery of the Sphinx. A black and white mosaic of ancient Roman art.

The Temple of Isis in Pompeii was one of the first buildings discovered during excavations. Situated on a raised platform with stairs leading to the main sanctuary pronaos it is surrounded by classical columns and was dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis. It is a Roman architectural style influenced by Greek and Egyptian architecture rebuilt after a major earthquake in 62 AD, and is one of the first ruins discovered in Pompeii.

The female sphinx, made of grey tuff, was discovered in Pompeii in 1903. It stood flanking the entrance to a Roman villa in the Fondo Prisco area. Traces of stucco remain on some parts of the statue's surface.

The Roman fascination with Egyptian culture Aegyptiaca is further evidenced by the bronze sphinx found in Pompeii particularly in the House of Fawn. A white marble sphinx demonstrates its use as home decoration in Pompeii with the construction of Egyptian-style temples incorporating Roman emperor statues. This began after Emperor Augustus conquered Cleopatra's kingdom the wealthiest in the Roman Empire which produced grain to feed Rome. The blend of Egyptian Greek and Roman cultures marked a period when Alexandria became a major trading center an ancient civilization emphasizing cultural stability and the abundance of the Nile River basin.