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SAQQARA
Serapeum
The Serapeum has been closed for visitors for a few years now, unfortunately. Because the story relating to this underground temple or sacred ground is quite fascinating.
The Serapeum was the centre of a cult relating to the Apis bull, a bull selected from the sacred flock of bulls and cows. It was believed to be the incarnation of the blessed soul of Ptah and Osiris after his death. All through its life it was treated as a deity with its own priests and a harem of cows.
When it died it was buried at the Serapeum with the finest of ceremonies. The bull was lain in a sarcophagus which could weight up to 80 tons, and a new sacred bull was selected.
It is told that women during the first 40 days of the selection of a new Apis bull, would pose in front of it exposing their private parts for fertility.
The cult of the Apis bull lasted from early 14th century BCE until 30 BCE. The Serapeum was known of since ancient times, but not located until 1851 by Auguste Mariette. Despite the acts of robbers over long time, one sarcophagus was found intact, complete even with the fingerprints and footprints of the workmen.
The Serapeum was also used by dignitaries and princes as a tomb, people seeking the holy presence of the divine powers.
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