| Apis | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Other Names |
Hapis, Hapi-ankh |
|
First Appearance |
Egyptian Mythology |
|
Created by |
Unknown |
Origin[]
Anthropomorphical representation of Apis, Ptolemaic Period (3rd–2nd centuries BC).
Apis (or Hapis), a sacred bull of ancient Egyptian religion, was worshiped in Memphis as the son of Hathor and later seen as an intermediary between humans and major deities such as Ptah, Osiris, and Atum. Originally sacrificed and reborn in ritual, Apis grew in importance over time, becoming one of Egypt’s most revered sacred animals. Greek and Roman writers recorded his divine conception, distinctive markings, role in prophecy, and elaborate rituals surrounding his death and burial. Excavations at the Serapeum of Saqqara uncovered more than sixty Apis bull tombs dating from Amenhotep III to the Ptolemaic dynasty, reflecting the lasting significance of the cult.
Public Domain Appearances[]
All published appearances of Apis from before January 1, 1930 are public domain in the US.
Notes[]
- The pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk uses Apis as its logo.
- In modern day Egypt, an entire district of the city of Alexandria is named after the Apis bull.