Individuals’ Voluntary Contributions to Religious Buildings in Roman Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

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Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Minia University

Abstract

This paper aims to shed light on individuals’ voluntary contributions to the religious buildings in Roman Egypt through inscriptions on monuments, stelae, ostracas and papyri from the first century BC to the second century AD. The projects included the construction of new temples or parts of temples, rebuilding and renovating the demolished parts of temples, and work on the walls and gates surrounding the temples. It also analyzes the impact of these voluntary activities, such as alleviating social tensions in Egyptian society, stabilizing the Romans’ rule, and providing places for worship and public services. The paper also discusses the Roman administration’s attitude towards these voluntary architectural works, which was largely positive, as the Roman emperors—especially in the second century—encouraged citizens to contribute to construction.

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