Greek name for the sacred bull of Memphis. Egyptian Hapi. The bull was the living embodiment of the god Ptah and after death was identified with Osiris. He was recognized by distinct signs and housed in the temple complex. Upon his death, a new bull was sought born near the time of death of the old. The bulls were buried in the Serapeum at Saqqara. The mother of the bull was also accorded special honors, and the burial catacombs for the cows were discovered by a British expedition in the 1970s. The cult is known from Dynasty 1, but it became particularly important during the Late Period.
See also Religion.
Historical Dictionary Of Ancient Egypt by Morris L. Bierbrier
Ancient Egypt. A Reference Guide. EdwART. 2011.