Mammisis of Egypt

Birth Houses (Mammisis) are important components of late Egyptian temple complexes but have not been investigated in detail since the fundamental study of Fr. Daumas published in 1958. In the meantime, new archaeological findings as well as re-evaluations of the theology and piety of Greco-Roman Egypt have considerably expanded our traditional understanding of these extraordinary buildings. Therefore, reassessment of phenomena and expanded research approaches need to be undertaken.

This book presents the printed versions of the lectures given by international Egyptologists at the IFAO in Cairo in 2019 as part of the 1st Colloquium on “Mammisis of Egypt”. In the publication, criteria and reconsiderations are put up for discussion that can be decisive for the identification and definition of Mammisis. The spectrum of topics ranges from theological basics (including the significant birth cycle) and typical features, through historical development and cultic events to the architecture of these temple buildings. Special motifs, theoretical and iconographic concepts and finally the persistence of certain rites in modern Egypt are also covered. One chapter introduces current scientific projects and their methods that are dedicated to selected mammisis or chapels (Coptos, Deir el-Medina, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, Bahariya, Kellis, Jebel Barkal).

Numerous illustrations complement the contributions. They contain new material from excavations that is being published for the first time.

Birth Houses (Mammisis) are essential parts of late Egyptian temple complexes. Since the fundamental study of Fr. Daumas they have not been studied in detail.
The present book is the fruit of the 1st international colloquium held at the IFAO 27-28 March 2019 on “Mammisis of Egypt”. 14 contributions from international specialists provide an overview of the current state of research and new approaches to mammisis. The publication includes studies on the theology and architecture of these buildings as well as on iconographic details. In addition, current results of archaeological projects from the Egyptian Nile valley (Coptos, Deir el-Medineh, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae), the oases (Bahariya, Dakhla/Kellis) and Sudan (Gebel Barkal) are presented.