THE ICONOGRAPHY AND FUNCTION OF WINGED GODS IN EGYPT DURING THE GRÆCO-ROMAN PERIOD

This research analyzes the iconography and function of winged gods in Græco-Roman 
Egypt. “Wind deities” appeared as winged scarabs or winged four-headed rams. Osiris 
was also represented in the shape of a winged scarab, a winged sun disc, or a winged 
mummy.Harpokrateswas figured with wings on magical stelae and gems. The winged 
solar disc of Horus Behdety decorates the façade of the Egyptian temples. Moreover, Seth 
appeared in the form of a winged god in the temple of Hibis. Bes is depictedwith wings on 
amulets and statuettes. The winged sphinxof Tutu was used to ward off demons. God 
Chnoubisis also depicted as a winged goat-headed scarab in the Egyptian art. The Greek 
god Eros appeared as a winged boy on the walls of Stagni tomb in KomEl-Shokafa. 
Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep, is depicted as a winged youth on Ariadne sarcophagus. 
The wings of the Egyptian gods spring from their arms or sides unlike the wings of Greek 
gods which spring only from their backs. The shape of the Egyptian winged gods was 
employed in protective and magical purposes. On the other hand, Greek gods inspired 
their winged iconography from their mythic roles.