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Severus Alexander, 13 March 222 - March 235 A.D., Roman Provincial Egypt
Ptolemy Soter wanted to integrate the Hellenistic and Egyptian religions by finding a deity that could win the reverence of both groups. The Greeks would not accept an animal-headed figure, so a Greek-style anthromorphic statue was chosen as the idol, and proclaimed as the equivalent of the highly popular Apis. It was named Aser-hapi (i.e. Osiris-Apis), which became Serapis, and was said to be Osiris in full, rather than just his Ka (life force). Ptolemy's efforts were successful - in time Serapis was held by the Egyptians in the highest reverence above all other deities, and he was adored in Athens and other Greek cities.RX92523. Billon tetradrachm, RPC Online VI T10247 (22 spec.); Dattari 4344; Milne 2893; BMC Alexandria p. 211, 1649; Kampmann 62.32; Emmett 3133/2 (R1); Geissen -, VF, attractive style, well centered, spot of corrosion, light marks, small edge split, Alexandria mint, weight 12.983g, maximum diameter 13.0mm, die axis 0o, 13 Mar - 28 Aug 222 A.D.; obverse A KAI MAP AYP CEYHP AΛEΞANΔEPOC EVCEB, laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right, seen from behind; reverse bust of Serapis right wearing kalathos decorated with lotus, L - A (year 1) flanking across field; from the Errett Bishop Collection; SOLD
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