Navigium Isidis
The Navigium Isidis was a religious festival celebrated on 5th March in honor of the Egyptian goddess Isis. This festival was a unique blend of Roman and Egyptian traditions, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the Roman Empire.
Date: 5th March
Deity: Isis
Observances: Procession fo priests with model boat
The Navigium Isidis was a vibrant and colorful celebration that featured a procession of Isiac priests and devotees. Participants wore a variety of costumes and carried sacred emblems, including a model ship. The procession would travel from the local Isis temple to the sea or a nearby river.
The Navigium Isidis was a prayer for the safety of seafarers and the Roman people. It was a way to express gratitude to Isis for her protection and guidance. The festival survived even after the persecution of Roman religions by Theodosius and Arcadius in the 4th century.
The Navigium Isidis is believed to have influenced the development of modern Carnival celebrations. The concept of a procession with floats and costumes is similar to the rituals of the Navigium Isidis. In turn, the Corpus Christi festival, which originated in the Iberian Peninsula, incorporated elements from Carnival.
Digital Maps of the Ancient World 