How Do You Spell SERAPIS?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛɹɐpˌiz] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Serapis" can be a bit confusing due to the way certain letters are pronounced. In IPA phonetic transcription, "Serapis" is spelled /səˈræpɪs/. The "s" at the beginning of the word is pronounced as a "z" sound, and the "r" in the middle is rolled. The "a" in the second syllable is pronounced as a short "a" sound similar to that in "cat" or "apple". The final "is" is pronounced as "iss" with a short "i" sound. Overall, the spelling of "Serapis" accurately reflects its pronunciation in IPA.

SERAPIS Meaning and Definition

1. Serapis is a term that originates from ancient Greek and refers to a deity that emerged in the Hellenistic period. In Greek religion, Serapis was a syncretic god, combining elements from Greek and Egyptian mythology. This amalgamation occurred during the reign of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt, particularly under Ptolemy I Soter and his successor, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, who sought to harmonize the two cultures.

   As a god, Serapis is often depicted with a full beard and incorporates features from Zeus, Hades, Dionysus, and Osiris. He represented a blend of Greek and Egyptian beliefs, embodying aspects of fertility, death, and the afterlife. Serapis gained significant popularity, particularly among the Greek and Roman communities in Egypt, where he was considered a healer and a protector against evil.

   In terms of architecture, Serapis was also associated with the Serapeum, a temple that served as a significant religious and cultural center in Alexandria. The grand Serapeum housed statues, offerings, and various sacred artifacts devoted to Serapis. The existence of this remarkable structure reflected the influence and reverence surrounding the deity within the ancient world.

   Despite the initial success and widespread devotion to Serapis, his worship declined with the rise of Christianity, as it clashed with the new dominant religion. The Serapeum eventually faced destruction, with the temple being demolished by decree of Emperor Theodosius in the late 4th century CE, effectively marking the end of the Serapis cult and the decline of Egyptian polytheism.

2. A chief divinity of the anc. Egyptians, at first a symbol of the Nile, and so of fertility.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for SERAPIS

• derapis
• se rapis

Etymology of SERAPIS

The word "Serapis" is derived from a combination of the Greek and Egyptian languages. The Greek name "Serapis" (Σέραπις) originated from the Egyptian deity "Osiris-Apis" (Wsir-Hp), which was a syncretic hybrid of the Egyptian god Osiris and the bull god Apis.

During the Hellenistic period, when the Greek ruler Ptolemy I established the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt, there was a blending of Greek and Egyptian religious beliefs. As part of this syncretism, the Greek-speaking population began to worship a deity that combined aspects of their god Serapis with the Egyptian god Apis, resulting in the name "Serapis" being used to refer to this combined deity.

The worship of Serapis became widespread throughout the Hellenistic world, particularly during the reign of Ptolemy I and his successors.