"Serapis" is a historical novel written by German author Georg Ebers. The novel follows the character of Publius, a Roman centurion who is sent to Alexandria to investigate the disappearance of a group of soldiers. The novel explores the tension between the traditional Egyptian religion and the new cult of Serapis, which was created by the Ptolemaic dynasty as a fusion of Greek and Egyptian religious beliefs. The conflict comes to a head when the Roman emperor Hadrian arrives in Alexandria and attempts to resolve the tensions between the two religions. The novel is notable for its vivid descriptions of ancient Alexandria, its customs, and its people. Ebers' extensive research into the history of the period is evident in the novel's attention to detail and historical accuracy. The novel also explores themes such as power, loyalty, and the clash of cultures.
Georg Ebers was a German author, Egyptologist, and scholar born on March 1, 1837, in Berlin, Germany. Ebers studied at the universities of Berlin, Zurich, and Leipzig, where he earned his doctorate in Egyptology. He then worked as an assistant professor at the University of Leipzig before becoming a professor of Egyptology at the University of Berlin in 1870. Ebers' most famous work is "An Egyptian Princess," which tells the story of a romance between an Egyptian princess and a young Greek warrior. The novel was a huge success and was translated into many languages. Ebers' contribution to the field of Egyptology was also significant. He conducted several expeditions to Egypt and made important discoveries, including the Ebers Papyrus, a medical text dating back to the New Kingdom period. Moreover, Georg Ebers was a highly respected scholar and author who made significant contributions to the fields of Egyptology and historical fiction. His work remains an important part of German literature and his legacy continues to inspire readers and scholars alike.
