Ptolemaic Policy Of Religion In Egypt

Ptolemaic policy of religion to Egypt is that this dynasty carries out the policy toEgyptian native religion,which is one part of politics of Ptolemy reflects the cultural exchangebetween Greek and Egypt. In ancient Egypt period, Egyptian religion is close to monarchicalpower. As the Ptolemy dynasty establishment, the rulers still use religion to consolidate ruler.The Ptolemy dynasty forms a unique Egyptian religious policy in the background of thecultural exchange and fusion of Hellenistic world and according to the need of real rule.With the distinct cultural exchange features, the policy reflects the ruler’s idea that thePtolemy dynasty follows ancient Egyptian and Greek tradition and tries to combine themtogether. This policy includes two aspects: one is showing support to Egyptian religion. Theother is blending the Greek culture into the Egyptian religion This policy of Egypt involvesEgyptian gods, the priests group, temples, the temple architecture and decree steles andfuneral system, making Egyptian native religion in these respects retains the original tradition,providing security for continuation of Egyptian religion, at the same time fusion andinnovation. Through this policy, the rulers makes use of theocracy to increase kingship andlimits the theocracy of the priest so as to consolidate rule; Egyptian religion widely spreadand impact through this policy. Rulers and Egyptian religion form win-win situation.The ruler of Ptolemy guides, promotes the fusion beween Egyptian religion and Greekculture through the policy, showing the ruler’s role in cultural exchanges and fusion. Becausethis policy blends Greek culture in Egyptian religion on the basis of Egyptian religion, thiskind of fusion innovation does not tackle the core of Egypt religion, but injects new vitalityfor Egypt religion, promotes its development, and expands its influence of the Hellenisticworld, and proves that cultural exchange and fusion is mutual in the Hellenistic period.The policy to Egyptian religion is related to the politics at the first time, and its purposeis to solidify its rule. The ruler’s attitude to this cultural exchange decides the developingdirection and reflects the politic restriction to religion.