Page "Isis" Paragraph 20

The cult of Isis and Osiris continued up until the 6th century CE on the island of Philae in Upper Nile.

The Theodosian decree ( in about 380 CE ) to destroy all pagan temples was not enforced there until the time of Justinian.

This toleration was due to an old treaty made between the Blemyes-Nobadae and Diocletian.

Every year they visited Elephantine and at certain intervals took the image of Isis up river to the land of the Blemyes for oracular purposes before returning it.

Justinian sent Narses to destroy the sanctuaries, with the priests being arrested and the divine images taken to Constantinople.

Philae was the last of the ancient Egyptian temples to be closed.