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This link leads to a pretty good article about the Serapeum of Saqqara.
The Serapeum is a catacomb found in Egypt associated with the Cult of Apis where the sacred Apis Bulls were laid to rest after the mummification process. These bulls were thought of as being the incarnation of the god Ptah who(according to wikipedia) is the patron of craftsmanship, metalworking, carpenters, shipbuilders, and sculpture. There was also very specific, uniform markings and colorings associated with the Apis bulls. All were black and white with a white belly, a white forehead and throat blaze, and a red saddle-like mark on their backs. Only 67 bulls have been found so far with one bull being worshiped at a time until it passed. Any death of such a bull would take its toll upon the entire nation. Baby calves that died were placed in a separate catacomb which has not yet been found. The catacombs containing the Apis Bulls was first excavated beginning on November 1st, 1850, under the supervision of Auguste Mariette; famous French scholar, archaeologist, and Egyptologist. Entry was gained to the first chamber on November 12th, 1951, with the second chamber being discovered in 1852. A body of a man was found upon entry into the first chamber. It ended up being Prince Khaemwese, son of Ramesses II and high priest of Ptah, who claimed he wished to be interred with his precious bulls and not in a royal tomb of his own.
The Serapeum is a catacomb found in Egypt associated with the Cult of Apis where the sacred Apis Bulls were laid to rest after the mummification process. These bulls were thought of as being the incarnation of the god Ptah who(according to wikipedia) is the patron of craftsmanship, metalworking, carpenters, shipbuilders, and sculpture. There was also very specific, uniform markings and colorings associated with the Apis bulls. All were black and white with a white belly, a white forehead and throat blaze, and a red saddle-like mark on their backs. Only 67 bulls have been found so far with one bull being worshiped at a time until it passed. Any death of such a bull would take its toll upon the entire nation. Baby calves that died were placed in a separate catacomb which has not yet been found. The catacombs containing the Apis Bulls was first excavated beginning on November 1st, 1850, under the supervision of Auguste Mariette; famous French scholar, archaeologist, and Egyptologist. Entry was gained to the first chamber on November 12th, 1951, with the second chamber being discovered in 1852. A body of a man was found upon entry into the first chamber. It ended up being Prince Khaemwese, son of Ramesses II and high priest of Ptah, who claimed he wished to be interred with his precious bulls and not in a royal tomb of his own.
I think it is very interesting that these bulls were treated like the wealthy and royal upon death. Mummification is an extensive process. The Egyptians also had very lavish funerals for these bulls. Kind of beautiful to see animals respected in this manner. This also makes me wonder when the worship of cattle began in religions such as Hinduism. In an archaeology of domestication lecture the other day, my professor even mentioned that cows are spoken of in the King James book of Genesis. Oh holy cows! Moo<3
- Maia B
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