Leiden University Student Repository

Schönbach, Christina (2012)

Made in 'Egypt' - Aegyptiaca in their Archaic Greek religious contexts

Master thesis | Archaeology (MA/MSc)

This thesis tries to answer questions about aegyptiaca at certain Greek sanctuaries in the Archaic period. We hope to shed light on aspects of Greek-Egyptian contact and exchange, as well as the Greek perception of ‘Egyptian’, and Greek religious practice. As background are discussed the theories behind material culture studies, the general history of Greek-Egyptian contact, the Greek view on Egypt as discussed by Herodotus, and the nature of Greek sanctuaries and votive dedications. Then, a closer look is taken at certain sanctuaries: Samos, Ephesus, Perachora, Artemis Orthia, Delphi and Olympia. The aegyptiaca at these sites are discussed. Based on these data alone a conclusive answer to our question cannot be found. However, it becomes clear that these items were part of a complex and wide exchange system, rather than the result of direct contact between Archaic Greece and Egypt.

Aegyptiaca

Archaic Greece

Greek religion

Mediterranean Archaeology

Cultural Contact

Religious contact

Author

Schönbach, Christina

Faculty

Faculty of Archaeology

Specialisation

Classical Archaeology

Supervisors

Naerebout, F.G.
Bintliff, J.L.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en