[452] i.e. Ptolemy Soter, who founded the dynasty of the Lagidae, and reigned 306-283 b.c.
[453] They inherited the priesthood of Demeter at Eleusis and supplied the hierophants who conducted the mysteries.
[454] i.e. the sovereign god of the underworld.
[455] It is evident from these words that the worship of Serapis was ancient in Egypt. It seems to be suggested that the arrival of this statue from Pontus did not originate but invigorated the cult of Serapis. Pluto, Dis, Serapis, are all names for a god of the underworld. Jupiter seems added vaguely to give more power to the title. We cannot expect accurate theology from an amateur antiquarian.
[456] Ptolemy Euergetes, 247-222 b.c.
[457] According to Eustathius there was a Mount Sinopium near Memphis. This suggests an origin for the title Sinopitis, applied to Serapis, and a cause for the invention of the romantic story about Sinope in Pontus.
[459] i.e. Mucianus was too cunning to give Domitian any excuse for declaring his suspicions.