Temple of Isis

The Temple of Isis is a small sanctuary in Pompeii dedicated to the Egyptian goddess, whose worship became part of Roman religious life. Built in the second century BC and rebuilt after the earthquake of AD 62, it brings Egyptian and Roman influences together in a courtyard setting. Look for the central sanctuary and its surrounding columns, then explore the remains linked to worship, including the altar and underground cistern. The temple’s painted decorations depicted ceremonies and Egyptian landscapes; surviving works are now in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples.

An Egyptian cult in Pompeii

Dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, the temple reflects the place of Egyptian religious traditions in Pompeii. The sanctuary was built in the second century BC, before Egypt was conquered by Rome, and rebuilt after the earthquake of AD 62.

Its courtyard layout centres on a raised temple surrounded by a portico. Columns frame the sanctuary, bringing the visitor close to the remains of a place where worship and ritual took place.

Courtyard, altar and decorations

The portico was decorated with painted panels depicting priests in ceremonial dress and Egyptian landscapes. Other images included architectural scenes, small landscapes and still lifes. The surviving decorations are displayed in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, in rooms devoted to the temple and its finds.

Look for the main altar and the underground cistern associated with sacred water. The site also includes remains connected with the priests’ living quarters, offering a glimpse of the practical spaces around the sanctuary.