Sometimes sudden and dramatic destruction is the best way for a city or ancient building to be preserved and frozen in time. This happened in the Greek islands when the ancient Mionian city Akrotiri was covered in volcanic ash by a volcano. But the most famous city to be buried by a volcano is the Roman city of Pompeii thousands of years later. There are plenty of excellent buildings and attractions to discover in Pompeii and one of those buildings that should be on the bucket list is the Temple of Isis.
The Temple of Isis in Pompeii is an example of how religion and cultures are fluid and they influence other cultures. Here visitors can see where ancient Romans worship the ancient cult of the Egyptian goddess Isis.
Temple of Isis in Pompeii
The Temple Of Isis In Pompeii – An Egyptian Goddess Worshipped By Romans
The cult of Isis was a mystery cult that was reserved for the initiated. At the Temple of Isis in Pompeii, visitors can see a large hall behind the temple that was dedicated to meetings of the initiated. It is believed that the cult of the goddess Isis was more popular in the lower classes of Pompeii (ancient Rome was a very classist society).
Take the time to see the preserved paintings at the Temple of Isis that include depictions of scenes of myths of the goddess.
It is believed that the Temple of Isis in Pompeii was first built in the 2nd century BC. It was later destroyed by an earthquake but subsequently rebuilt before it was buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The Temple of Isis is one of many excellent discoveries in Pompeii. When it was discovered, the ancient furnishings and decoration were also found almost intact (ancient buildings were not boring white as the ruins have eroded and deteriorated to appear today).
Vesuvius and Pompeii Roman City
The Temple of Isis is one of many ancient temples preserved at Pompeii that should be on the bucket list when exploring the city.
The Importance Of Isis & How The Romans Came To Worship Her
Isis was an important Egyptian goddess. She is first mentioned as far back as the Old Kingdom of Egypt (circa 2686 to 2181 BC). She was the goddess of healing and magic and was central to Egyptian beliefs. She was considered the divine mother of the ancient pharaohs.
Over time her cult spread throughout the Mediterranean Sea in the Greco-Roman worlds. In fact, she is known today by her Greek name (her Egyptian name was Aset). Her name means “Queen of the Throne” – indicating just how important she was and her regal headdress (it was a throne-like hieroglyph headdress).
With the conquests of Alexander the Great, the Greeks ruled Egypt for hundreds of years. During that time, they came to worship Egyptian gods like Isis. As the Greek world declined, it was absorbed by the rising power of Rome. The Romans absorbed a lot from the Greeks, including some of their deities taken from the Egyptian religion.
Ancient Roman fresco in Pompeii Mystery Cult
Isis’s devotees in the Roman Empire were only a small proportion of the population, but at Pompeii, visitors can see one of her best-preserved temples. Her worship continued until Christianity swept over the empire – although perhaps some of her influences can still be seen in Christianity.
What To Know About Visiting The Temple Of Isis & Pompeii
The Pompeii archeological site is massive – plan to spend at least one day exploring it (or break it up over two days). It is within easy reach of the southern Italian city of Naples and there are plenty of day tours running from Naples every day. The archeological site can also be reached by a small local train from downtown Naples. Take the Circumvesuviana train that runs from Naples to Sorrento and get off at the Pompeii stop.
- Opening Hours: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm Daily (High Season)
- Location: Via del Tempio d’Iside, 30, 80045 Pompei
- Entry Fee: $21.00 (Pompeii Archeological Site)
These days the temple no longer has its old furnishings and statues. To see them, go to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, where they are on display (open Wednesday to Monday from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm).
Amphitheater of Pompeii exterior
There are plenty of other intriguing buildings to discover in Pompeii – including ones related to mystery cults. Explore the Villa of Mysteries and see the preserved paintings of another mystery cult.
Pompeii wasn’t the only Roman city to be buried by the eruption of Vesuvius. Other Roman cities to discover in the area include Herculaneum (perhaps the best-preserved Roman town) and the forgotten Roman city of Stadiae.
