Mandulis

Template:Short descriptionTemplate:Template otherTemplate:Wikidata imageTemplate:Compare image with Wikidata Mandulis (also Merul and Melul) was a god of ancient Nubia also worshipped in Egypt. The name Mandulis (Μανδουλις) is the Greek form of Merul or Melul, a non-Egyptian name. The centre of his cult was the Temple of Kalabsha at Talmis, but he also had a temple dedicated to him at Ajuala.Template:Sfn

The worship of Mandulis was unknown to Egypt under the native Pharaohs, the Temple of Kalabsha being constructed under the Ptolemies (305 to 30Template:NbspBC). The temple was popular during the Roman period. It was expanded under the emperors Augustus (27Template:NbspBC–ADTemplate:Nbsp14) and Vespasian (ADTemplate:Nbsp69–79). A series of dated inscriptions can be found in the temple from the reign of Vespasian down to ADTemplate:Nbsp248 or 249. In one of these he is identified as the "Sun, the all-seeing master, king of all, all-powerful Aion."Template:Sfn

Besides his own temples at Kalabsha and Ajuala, Mandulis was worshiped in the Temple of Petesi and Pihor at Dendur and at Philae. An inscription at Dendur identifies him as the "great god, lord of Talmis", clearly indicating the centre of his cult. At Philae, he is depicted in humanoid form on a wall next to the last known hieroglyphic inscription, which was dedicated to him in ADTemplate:Nbsp394.Template:Sfn

Iconography

File:Mandulis.svg

drawing of Mandulis based on a relief from the Temple of Kalabsha

Mandulis was often depicted wearing the Hemhem crown. He was sometimes shown in the form of a falcon but with a human head.Template:Sfn