Draft:Emblem of Alexandria Governorate
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The emblem of the Alexandria Governorate prominently features the figure of Isis Pharia, also known as "Isis of the Sea," standing next to the Lighthouse of Alexandria (Pharos). This design reflects the ancient connections between the goddess Isis and maritime navigation, as well as Alexandria’s rich cultural history during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
Historical background
[edit]In antiquity, Alexandria was one of the most important seaports in the Mediterranean, and Isis was one of its key deities. Isis was revered as Isis Pelagia, the protector of sailors and the goddess of the sea. Her epithet "Pharia" connects her directly with the Pharos Lighthouse, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Lighthouse, located on the island of Pharos, served not only as a beacon for ships but also as a symbol of protection and guidance, much like the role of Isis for sailors navigating dangerous seas.[1]
Coinage and depictions
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Coins from the Roman period minted in Alexandria frequently depict Isis Pharia holding a billowing sail, with the lighthouse standing in the background. These coins, such as the Hadrian Drachm, vividly illustrate the connection between Isis and the Pharos, with the goddess shown wielding her symbolic sistrum and the lighthouse symbolizing safety in the background. These representations reflect her role as a guardian of maritime navigation.[2]
The figure of Isis Pharia was not only associated with Alexandria’s maritime commerce but also with the city's prominence in global trade routes. The goddess’s protective attributes were seen as essential for safe passage through Alexandria's harbors.[1] The Navigium Isidis, an annual festival in ancient Alexandria, marked the beginning of the sailing season and was dedicated to Isis, further cementing her status as the protector of maritime journeys.[1]
Archeological discoveries
[edit]Archaeological evidence also attests to the connection between Isis and the Pharos. Excavations between 1994 and 1998 in Alexandria’s harbor uncovered the remnants of what is believed to be the Temple of Isis Pharia, including a large red-granite statue of Isis and fragments of the Pharos Lighthouse. Although no definitive evidence confirms the presence of a formal Isis Pharia temple on Pharos Island, scholars suggest that the temple was closely associated with the lighthouse.[3]
Symbolism in the emblem
[edit]In the modern emblem of the Alexandria Governorate, the image of Isis Pharia beside the Lighthouse of Alexandria encapsulates both the city’s historical significance and its maritime heritage. The emblem serves as a reminder of Alexandria’s ancient role as a center of culture, commerce, and seafaring, with Isis symbolizing protection and guidance, much as she did for sailors in antiquity.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Isidora (31 August 2013). "Isis the Lighthouse Goddess". Retrieved 5 September 2024.
- ^ "Exceptional Hadrian Isis Pharia Drachm". Retrieved 5 September 2024.
- ^ Bricault, Laurent (2020). Isis Pelagia: Images, Names and Cults of a Goddess of the Seas. Leiden - Boston: Brill. pp. 23–42.