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Explore Egypt’s Greco-Roman Treasures at the Civilization Museum (NMEC)

Step into the "melting pot" of ancient history in the Greco-Roman Hall at the NMEC. This fascinating section shows what happened when Egypt's pharaonic legacy collided with the culture of Alexander the Great and the power of the Roman Empire. Discover a unique fusion of art and religion, where Egyptian gods were given Greek faces and Roman emperors were depicted as pharaohs. The collection features stunning Fayoum mummy portraits—lifelike paintings of the deceased placed on their mummies, blending Egyptian burial rites with realistic Roman art. You'll also see elegant statues, pottery, intricate jewelry, and coins that tell the story of a cosmopolitan Egypt, with Alexandria as the intellectual capital of the Mediterranean world.

EFT Team
October 17, 2021
Updated: November 7, 2025

Greco-Roman Period 332 BCE – 641 A.D.

When Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in 332 BCE, he made it a part of Hellenistic culture. Ptolemy I, one of Alexander’s key leaders, then ruled the country. In 305 BCE, Ptolemy I declared Egypt an independent Ptolemaic state. During this time, many cultural changes occurred as they established Alexandria as Egypt’s capital.

Alexandria quickly became a global hub for science, culture, and the arts in the Mediterranean, largely due to its famous library and museum. The city also built the Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. They reconstructed Egyptian temples such as those at Philae, Edfu, and Dendara . Economically, agriculture prospered as people developed advanced irrigation technologies like water wheels and drums. Trade and manufacturing, including weaving and papyrus production, also flourished.

The Roman era in Egypt had two periods: the Roman Imperial period (30 BC – 330 AD) and the Byzantine period (330 – 641 AD). Alexandria remained the capital, and people knew it for its theaters, gymnasiums, and public baths. The art of drawing and painting, especially portraiture, advanced dramatically. They transformed Egypt into a food storage and distribution center for the Mediterranean countries.

Greco-Roman Artifacts in Civilization Museum

Statues of Royales

(NMEC) The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization - Greco-Roman Artifacts

When Egypt’s Ptolemaic kingdom was formed, Alexandrian art developed in a strictly classical manner. It quickly combined with old Egyptian art and traditions. Artists incorporated Egyptian characteristics and aesthetic influences from ancient Greece into the statues of Ptolemaic kings. These two statues, which represent a Ptolemaic king and queen, are in a hybrid style that reflects the fusion of those two cultures. Queen’s Statue – Greywacke / S.C.A. 2020 Excavations / King’s Statue / Black granite – unknown origin

Nedjemankh’s Coffin

Nedjemankh was an Ahnas priest of the deity “Heryshef.” His coffin, constructed of gold cartonnage with inlaid eyes and adorned with scenes and funeral chants from the Book of the Dead, is regarded as one of the Ptolemaic Period’s masterpieces of coffins. Repatriated from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art / Ptolemaic Period (305 – 30 BCE) Stucco gilded

Zenon’s Papyri

Zenon oversaw the operations of “Apollonios,” Ptolemy II’s Minister of Finance, in the second century BCE. His archive is one of the most significant sources of information about Egypt’s economic and administrative conditions, including this series of papyri containing a variety of receipts and business contracts.
Ptolemy II’s Ptolemaic Period (285 – 246 BCE) Papyrus / Gerza

Douche Treasure

This treasure was discovered in 1989 inside a ceramic jar concealed inside the walls of a Roman fort in the town of Douche in Kharga Oasis. The treasure comprises a wreath adorned with the shape of the deity Serapis, two bracelets, and two gold necklaces totaling 187 plates of fine pure gold.
2nd century AD / Roman Period / Gold

Pen-Menkh, Dendara’s Governor

(NMEC) The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization

Pen-Menkh lived during the reign of Queen Cleopatra VII and the invasion of Egypt by the Romans. He served as Mayor of Dendara, the capital of the 6th nome of Upper Egypt, as well as royal deputy and priest of Hathor and Horus. This statue is a one-of-a-kind synthesis of ancient Egyptian art with its long-established traditions and Hellenistic art.
1st Century BCE / Greco-Roman Period / Granite – Sandstone

Nilus, the god

This unique artwork portrays the God Nilus, a symbol of the Nile River, as a man leaning on a hippo over a rock from which water pours. A group of youngsters flanks him, indicating the flood’s high level. Period of the Romans / Qena / Marble.

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