Factors of formation and specific aspects of syncretic processes in Meroe religion

This study reveals the syncretic processes in Meroe religion, tracing their formation from early Nile Valley cultures to Hellenistic times. It identifies the cult of gods, myths, and rituals as central to these processes, highlighting concepts like 'unity and multitude' that facilitated the adaptation of Egyptian deities into Meroitic culture. The research demonstrates an 'inversion' process where Egyptian gods became 'own' in Meroe, while Meroitic deities integrated into the Egyptian pantheon. This led to the emergence of new syncretic deities combining Greek, Egyptian, and Meroitic features, marking a unique religious evolution. The study also notes the spread of Hellenistic features through Egypt and the mutual influence between 'borrowed' and newly formed deities, covering various aspects of religious life up to the Christian era. This represents one of the earliest recorded instances of religious teaching spreading beyond its historical borders and adapting to an alien culture.

Kormysheva, E. E. (2020). Factors of formation and specific aspects of syncretic processes in Meroe religion. Orientalistica, 3(4), 921–937. https://doi.org/10.31696/2618-7043-2020-3-4-921-937