We cannot expect accurate
theology from an amateur antiquarian.
theology from an amateur antiquarian.
Tacitus
D.
108.
[451] Meaning 'king's son', and therefore portending sovereignty.
[452] i. e. Ptolemy Soter, who founded the dynasty of the
Lagidae, and reigned 306-283 B. C.
[453] They inherited the priesthood of Demeter at Eleusis and
supplied the hierophants who conducted the mysteries.
[454] i. e. the sovereign god of the underworld.
[455] It is evident from these words that the worship of
Serapis was ancient in Egypt. It seems to be suggested that
the arrival of this statue from Pontus did not originate but
invigorated the cult of Serapis. Pluto, Dis, Serapis, are all
names for a god of the underworld. Jupiter seems added vaguely
to give more power to the title.
We cannot expect accurate
theology from an amateur antiquarian.
[456] Ptolemy Euergetes, 247-222 B. C.
[457] According to Eustathius there was a Mount Sinopium near
Memphis. This suggests an origin for the title Sinopitis,
applied to Serapis, and a cause for the invention of the
romantic story about Sinope in Pontus.
[458] Cp. chap. 68.
[459] i. e. Mucianus was too cunning to give Domitian any
excuse for declaring his suspicions.
BOOK V
THE CONQUEST OF JUDAEA
Early in this same year[460] Titus Caesar had been entrusted by his 1
father with the task of completing the reduction of Judaea. [461] While
he and his father were both still private citizens, Titus had
distinguished himself as a soldier, and his reputation for efficiency
was steadily increasing, while the provinces and armies vied with one
another in their enthusiasm for him. Wishing to seem independent of
his good fortune, he always showed dignity and energy in the field.
His affability called forth devotion. He constantly helped in the
trenches and could mingle with his soldiers on the march without
compromising his dignity as general.
[451] Meaning 'king's son', and therefore portending sovereignty.
[452] i. e. Ptolemy Soter, who founded the dynasty of the
Lagidae, and reigned 306-283 B. C.
[453] They inherited the priesthood of Demeter at Eleusis and
supplied the hierophants who conducted the mysteries.
[454] i. e. the sovereign god of the underworld.
[455] It is evident from these words that the worship of
Serapis was ancient in Egypt. It seems to be suggested that
the arrival of this statue from Pontus did not originate but
invigorated the cult of Serapis. Pluto, Dis, Serapis, are all
names for a god of the underworld. Jupiter seems added vaguely
to give more power to the title.
We cannot expect accurate
theology from an amateur antiquarian.
[456] Ptolemy Euergetes, 247-222 B. C.
[457] According to Eustathius there was a Mount Sinopium near
Memphis. This suggests an origin for the title Sinopitis,
applied to Serapis, and a cause for the invention of the
romantic story about Sinope in Pontus.
[458] Cp. chap. 68.
[459] i. e. Mucianus was too cunning to give Domitian any
excuse for declaring his suspicions.
BOOK V
THE CONQUEST OF JUDAEA
Early in this same year[460] Titus Caesar had been entrusted by his 1
father with the task of completing the reduction of Judaea. [461] While
he and his father were both still private citizens, Titus had
distinguished himself as a soldier, and his reputation for efficiency
was steadily increasing, while the provinces and armies vied with one
another in their enthusiasm for him. Wishing to seem independent of
his good fortune, he always showed dignity and energy in the field.
His affability called forth devotion. He constantly helped in the
trenches and could mingle with his soldiers on the march without
compromising his dignity as general.
