Hellenistic Religion

The mixing of peoples during the Hellenistic era is one of the trends that influence religion and philosophy. Kings sponsoring new deities, the increase in popularity of mystery religions, and the growth of practical philosophies, were other trends that influenced religion and philosophy.

Hellenistic kings built temples to the old gods which nurtured Greek culture, but they also sponsored new deities. Some kings chose to sponsor new deities that mixed Greek and Egyptian components. At the same time, mystery religions which blended aspects of both Greek and non-Greek religions began to grow in popularity. The Egyptian cult of Isis was especially popular during this period. And finally, as traditional religions declined, some Greeks and non-Greeks