Egyptian iconography in ancient Maltese art

Abstract

For millennia ancient Egypt has been the source of inspiration for many cultures that evolved in the surrounding lands. Its influence can still be seen in prestigious architectural masterpieces in the modern western world. There were times when the passion for ancient Egyptian art forms became so strong that one could speak of full-fledged "Egyptomania". One such cultural phenomenon took place in the early Roman Empire when, in spite of the initial resistance of the Roman senate and Emperor Augustus himself, it did not limit itself to iconography and art forms borrowed wholesale from that civilisation, but extended to the establishment of religious sanctuaries dedicated to Egyptian divinities, both in Rome itself and in most other cities of the Empire. Augustus, who started by officially banning the establishment of Egyptian cults in the capital. ended up by having his final resting place, his Mausoleum, decorated with Egyptian art motifs with religious symbolism.