| Mnevis | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||||
| Name inhieroglyphs |
| |||||
| Major cult center | Heliopolis | |||||
| Symbol | black bull, solar disk | |||||
| Offspring | Apis (according to the priesthood of Mnevis) | |||||
Mnevis (Ancient Greek:Μνέυις,Coptic:ⲉⲙⲛⲉⲩⲓ)[1] is theHellenized name of anancient Egyptianbull god which had its centre of worship atHeliopolis, and was known to the ancient Egyptians asMer-wer orNem-wer.[2]
Although initially a separate god, it was later assimilated to thesyncretized godAtum-Ra as his physical manifestation, and also considered as theba ofRa. Mnevis is often depicted as a black bull wearinga solar disk anduraeus.[2] As reported byPlutarch, the Mnevis bull was second only to theMemphiteApis bull in importance. Similarly to the Apis bull, the Mnevis bull's movements were thought to be driven by divine will, and used as anoracle. The priesthood of Mnevis also went as far as to claim that Mnevis was none other than the father of the more famous Apis.[2]
The Mnevis bull was entitled to twoconcubines, more precisely two cows representingHathor andIusaaset. When the bull died, he was embalmed and buried with all honours in a dedicatednecropolis which was located not far from the temple at Heliopolis.[2] Another burial ground was reserved for the so-called Mothers of Mnevis, which were considered the embodiment of the cow-goddessHesat. After a Mnevis bull's death a replacement for him was sought, usually a completely black bull. There was only ever one Mnevis bull at a time.[2]
The cult of Mnevis was among the very few to be tolerated during the "Amarna heresy" of KingAkhenaten, probably because ofits solar attributes. It is known that Akhenaten ordered the construction of a necropolis for Mnevis bulls inAkhetaten, although it has not yet been found.[2]
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
Media related toMnevis at Wikimedia Commons| International | |
|---|---|
| Other | |
