Apis
(
Ἆπις).
1.
Son of Phoroneus and Laodicé, king of Argos, from whom Peloponnesus, and more
especially Argos, was called Apia (Pausan. ii. 5).
2.
The sacred bull of Memphis, worshipped as a god among the Egyptians. There were certain
signs by which he was recognized to be the god. Thus, the body must be black; there
must be a square white spot upon the forehead, the figure of an eagle upon the back, a
beetle-shaped knot under
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Figure of Apis. (From the Egyptian Monuments.)
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the tongue, and a white crescent upon the right side. At Memphis he had a splendid
residence, containing extensive walks and courts for his amusement. His birthday, which was
celebrated every year, was a day of rejoicing for all Egypt. His death was a season of public
mourning, which continued till another sacred bull was discovered by the priests. See
Osiris.