Ancient rituals were appropriated .
Ancient rituals were transformed , including the Ptolomeic idea of monasticism , finally defeating the old gods by the mid-4th century when over half the Egyptian population had converted to Christianity and the rest were persecuted .
Ancient rituals were appropriated and transformed , including the Ptolomeic idea of monasticism , finally defeating the old gods by the mid-4th century when over half the Egyptian population had converted to Christianity and the rest were persecuted .