The Art of Ancient Egypt | Publications for Educators | Explore & Learn

Portrait of a boy
(Second century A.D.)

Last Ptolemaic ruler, Cleopatra VII, and Antony are defeated by Octavian in 30 B.C. Egypt becomes Roman province. Last great phase of temple building under Augustus (Temple of Dendur). Under rule of Roman emperors, temples are still enlarged and decorated in Egyptian style. In other forms of art, Greco-Roman elements are mixed with Egyptian ones. Mummy portraits (the "Faiyum portraits") are painted in Greek manner and technique but fixed to Egyptian-style mummies. Last datable hieroglyphic inscription is A.D. 394 at Philae, temple of Isis on island in the Nile near Aswan.

Temple of Dendur
(ca. 15 B.C.)