Page "Apis (god)" Paragraph 5

Apis was the most important of all the sacred animals in Egypt, and, as with the others, its importance increased as time went on.

Greek and Roman authors have much to say about Apis, the marks by which the black bull-calf was recognized, the manner of his conception by a ray from heaven, his house at Memphis with court for disporting himself, the mode of prognostication from his actions, the mourning at his death, his costly burial, and the rejoicings throughout the country when a new Apis was found.

Mariette's excavation of the Serapeum at Memphis revealed the tombs of over sixty animals, ranging from the time of Amenophis III to that of Ptolemy Alexander.

At first each animal was buried in a separate tomb with a chapel built above it.