Significance of Heliopolis

Heliopolis, also known as Annu, was a prominent religious center in ancient Egypt and the city of the sun. It was believed to be the location where Osiris triumphed and where the Great Company of gods resided. The priests of Heliopolis developed a theological system that was adopted by other cities, with local gods integrated into their system. Notably, priests maintained a strict sense of propriety, and the city's influence extended to Nubia.

Synonyms: Sun city, City of the sun

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Classical concept of 'Heliopolis'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Heliopolis in Ancient Egyptian mythology, history and philosophy:
Egypt Books

From: Development of Religion and Thought in Ancient Egypt

(1) Heliopolis is the Sun-city, where Khekheperre-sonbu was a priest, and it is also where Osiris was tried and found innocent before the Solar bar of justice.[1] (2) The litigation which the myth recounts at this location is successfully met by the aid of Horus, as well as Thoth.[2] (3) Heliopolis was the location of a sanctuary early designated the "Benben-house," or "pyramidion-house," where the Sun-god in the form of a Phœnix first appeared on a pyramidal object.[3] (4) Heliopolis is the location of a less important temple, and the system from this temple has survived to us, influencing the Memphite system.[4]

From: Egypt Through The Stereoscope

(1) It is one of the great religious centers of Egypt. The gods of it are sacred in this temple in Nubia.[5] (2) Heliopolis is the Greek name of the city, showing a connection to Greek culture and influence.[6] (3) Heliopolis is identified as the next destination, located six miles on the other side of Cairo, indicating a planned movement to a new site.[7] (4) It was the famous city of the sun, located a few miles north of the city.[8]

From: The Gods of the Egyptians Vol 1

(1) It refers to a location where Sektet is to crush mandrakes.[9] (2) Highlights that the Great company of the Deities of this location contained nine or more deities, and their attributes were transferred to local deities when adopted by other cities.[10] (3) An ancient city where the priests grouped the gods of Egypt into companies. The theological system formulated by the priests was adopted by other cities, with local gods integrated into the system.[11] (4) It is the location of gods, among whom are included Osiris and the deities of his funeral cycle, and the first volume of this work treats of the oldest and greatest gods and triads of gods.[12]

From: Legends Of The Gods

(1) Heliopolis is the location where the Mnevis Bull, which shares the black colour with Osiris, is kept, suggesting the city's importance in these symbolic representations.[13] (2) A location where the priests of the Sun refrain from carrying alcoholic beverages into their temples, due to their belief about propriety in a deity's presence.[14] (3) Heliopolis is a location where Osiris was considered the greatest of the gods, and the Great House of Heliopolis is where the Administrators of heaven assembled.[15] (4) It is where the Great House is located, suggesting the legend and the cult of Ra originated from there, not the Predynastic Period.[16]

From: The Egyptian Heaven and Hell

(1) Heliopolis is associated with the Tuat, which is represented by AKERT, and it is suggested that AKERT was believed to be situated near that city.[17] (2) It is also known as Annu, and is a location where a god was worshipped. The god was worshipped in and around this location.[18]

From: The Book of the Dead

(1) Heliopolis, referred to as Annu by the Egyptians, was the capital of the thirteenth nome of Lower Egypt, where the worship of the sun was associated with the city from prehistoric times.[19]

From: The Literature of the Ancient Egyptians

(1) Heliopolis is the location of the house called Sapti, where the box containing the numbers of the Apet chambers of Thoth is kept.[20]

From: Ancient Egypt the Light of the World

(1) Heliopolis is where the triumph of Osiris was effected over his adversaries by Horus in the house of the prince in Annu.[21]

From: Egyptian Magic

(1) Heliopolis, also known as Annu, is where the Great Company of the gods reside, and where prayers were offered for the flourishing of Pepi's name.[22]

Egypt was an ancient civilization ruled by pharaohs that left behind an extensive cultural heritage and mythology. The Egyptians build the Pyramids of Giza and various temples of great size. Located in North Africa, part of this civilization’s success is the effective use of the River Nile. Their religious pantheon included many Gods dispersed over various belief systems, philosophies and cults.

Meaning of Heliopolis in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The History of Herodotus

(1) Heliopolis is a place where people go year by year to perform sacrifices.[23] (2) Heliopolis is where the Egyptians hold a solemn assembly for the Sun (Helios), according to the text.[24] (3) Heliopolis is a location in Egypt where the men are said to be the most learned in records of the Egyptians, and it is inland Egypt and broad.[25]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.