While the cult of Isis was in some ways Egyptian and exotic, the
Temple itself was Roman in style and layout. Roman temples had heavy
elaborate roofs and (often) solid walls instead of colonnades on the
sides and back. The Romans built their temples on high platforms with
steps only in front. Greek temples were not raised so high off the
ground, and had steps all the way around. The priests of the cult of
Isis used the front platforms of the temples to stage elaborate,
dramatic ceremonies for the worshipers standing on the ground in front
of the temple.