Confiscation or Coexistence: Egyptian Temples in the Age of Augustus

Roman administrators confiscated one-third of Egypt's land and property belonging to temples, removing their economic support and leading to the collapse of Egyptian religion. Andrew Connor's book challenges this consensus, offering a revised interpretation of key documents and exploring the relationship between the temples and the Roman state in its historical, intellectual, and linguistic contexts.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 24 October 2022
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

In the aftermath of Augustus' annexation of Egypt, Roman administrators arrived in the country and embarked on a massive confiscation of the land and other properties belonging to the temples. This seizure, estimated to encompass up to one-third of Egypt's land, was widely accepted as having dire consequences for the temples. The loss of their economic support and subjugation to the Roman state led to the collapse of Egyptian religion, as the temples became subservient to the Roman authority.

However, in his book "Confiscation or Coexistence: Egyptian Temples in the Age of Augustus," author Andrew Connor challenges these prevailing narratives. Connor argues that the interpretative consensus that emerged following the publication of key documents, such as P. Tebt. 2.302, BGU 4.1198, and P. Berl. Leihg. 1.5, needs to be reassessed. He bases his revised interpretation on a thorough examination of the papyri themselves, providing a fresh perspective on these texts.

The book situates the interpretation within a broader discussion of Roman interactions with Egyptian religion, encompassing material from both within and outside Egypt. Connor aims to contextualize the development of an interpretative consensus in early 20th-century scholarship within the broader framework of empire and colonization during that time. By exploring these papyri through their historical, intellectual, and linguistic contexts, alongside a range of other important texts related to the temples and the Roman state, Connor offers a comprehensive analysis of the complex relationship between the temples and the Roman Empire.

In conclusion, "Confiscation or Coexistence: Egyptian Temples in the Age of Augustus" by Andrew Connor is a valuable contribution to the study of ancient Egypt. By challenging the established narratives and offering a revised interpretation of key documents, Connor provides a fresh perspective on the relationship between the temples and the Roman state. His book sheds light on the complex dynamics of power, religion, and colonization in the ancient world and offers valuable insights into the collapse of Egyptian religion.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472133222