Greek settlers living in ancient Egyptian cities ‘translated’ Egyptian gods into their own familiar deities. The ancient Greek Ptolemies, who ruled Egypt for over 300 years, introduced Greek versions of Egyptian gods to encourage cultural integration in their kingdom. They also sought the support of Egyptian priests in order to be recognised as legitimate pharaohs, and renovated temples and built magnificent new ones. After 30 BC, aspects of this Greco-Egyptian religion also spread across the Roman Empire.

Religious life played an important role in the ancient Egyptian cities of Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus. Greeks and Egyptians lived and worshipped side by side, acknowledging similarities and differences in their practices. Underwater finds at Thonis-Heracleion include religious offerings from across the Mediterranean world, reflecting diverse beliefs.

Discover more about the deep connections between the ancient civilisations of Egypt and Greece in the BP exhibition Sunken cities: Egypt’s lost worlds (19 May – 27 November 2016).