Two snakes are here depicted within a naos (a type of shrine) They represent Isis-Thermouthis and Serapis (Serapis is the bearded one on the right). Isis was the consort of Serapis, and the two came to embody the forces of male and female fertility. They are sometimes represented on door jambs as human headed serpents. A similar stone relief with Isis and Serapis in snake form, but also Harpocrates was found at Athribis and dates from the Roman Period (Gubel 1995).

Serapis was a composite god combining the Egyptian god Osorapis (himself a combination of Osiris and Apis) with the attributes of Greek gods such as Zeus, Dionysos. Serapis is first known under Ptolemy I (305 –285 BC) and had his cult centre at Alexandria at the Serappeum.

Isis-Thermouthis combines Isis with the cobra goddess Renenutet (Greek Thermouthis). Renenutet was a protector of the king and the harvest. As a corn goddess she is associated with Osiris in his youthful form, and was thus identified with Isis.

From 30BC, when the Romans conquered Egypt, the cults of Isis and Serapis spread to the farthest corners of the Roman empire, even to London.

For more information on snakes in ancient Egypt click here

Gubel, E. ed. 1995. Egypte onomwonden. Egyptische oudheden van het museum Vleeshuis. Antwerpen

Munro, Peter., 1973 Die Spätägyptischen Totenstelen. J.J. Augustin

Watterson, Barbara, 1998. The House of Horus at Edfu.Tempus.