Update

Mummy at risk in India

Have you visited the 'Echoes of Egypt' Exhibition at Yale Peabody Museum? Here's a review about the exhibition: Echoes of Egypt Exhibition

New mastabas added to OsirisNet: Iasen G2196 & Penmeru G2197

A sphinx dedicated to Pharaoh Mycerinus found in Israel? : Unique Egyptian Sphinx uncovered in Northern Israel



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How has the Egyptian Revolution affected Ancient Egypt?

Unless you have been living under a rock or in Mars/Jupiter, you would have been aware that Egypt has been going through a political mayhem since the end of 2010. Great for the Egyptians as they are beginning to take charge of their own country and government, though it is evident that there have been several hiccups along the way and consequences to their revolution.

As an Egyptologist-to-be, the negative effect of the revolution that concerns me most is (obviously) the Ancient Egyptian heritage i.e archaeological sites and museum objects.

Here is a link of all the damages done thus far:

http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2013/06/30/the-state-of-egyptian-archeological-sites-and-monuments-under-morsis-rule/

And of course, until Egypt gets its act together, the future for Ancient Egypt remains uncertain.


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Contemplating deactivating the blog because I doubt I'm doing a good as I don't seem to update as frequently as I like. But till I decide to deactivate it or not, the next few posts will be the usual updates I've accumulated in the past week or two.

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Was there a Jewish temple in Egypt?

Click the link below to find out more about the Jews living in Ancient Egypt:

Was there a Jewish temple in Egypt?

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"Bring back Mansour!"

"Luxor archaeologists strike to reinstate sacked Luxor director"

Click the link to read more: http://networkedblogs.com/MU1wn

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Stolen artefacts

Did you hear that there was an artefact theft at Miami University? Over a dozen artefacts worth $9,900 were stolen.

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"First copper alloy toe rings discovered in Ancient Egypt?"

Recently a team of excavators discovered copper alloy toe rings on unidentified male skeletons in Akhenaten's isolated city; Amarna. As far as Anna Steven, assistant director of the Amarna Project, is aware , no other copper alloy toe rings have been found in Egypt. Nonetheless, a gold toe ring was found on the priest Hornedijtef at Karnak, who currently resides at the British Museum.

Whether the recently discovered toe rings were worn for magical or fashion purpose, the excavators are not too certain yet but there are good reasons to support the magical function of the toe rings.

If you're interested to know more about these toe rings, click on the link below:

Toe Rings Found On Egyptian Skeleton

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This is my passion...

"I think the next time someone asks me why I do what I do I should print out my previous post and hand it to them. 

History is my passion, my life, and the reason I get out of bed in the morning. 

I am an Egyptologist.

This is who I am. I’m not changing." - thatlittleegyptologist

Absolutely love this tumblr post from a fellow postgraduate Egyptologist. It's like she's reading my mind.

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A Penny for Your Thoughts

Should a country have ownership of all excavated and looted archaeological finds, if it does not have the resources to protect and preserve the finds? 

For instance, Egypt that is currently undergoing its second revolution where people's main concern is the country's future rather than its past (I'm not saying that focusing on their future isn't the right thing to do, in fact, in my personal opinion, the Egyptians are very brave souls for standing up for what they want).  However, because of their current focus, their past is left unguarded and the government does not exactly have the funds to support the protection and preservation of the archaeological finds. So should artefacts such as the Rosetta Stone and the Bust of Nefertiti be return to Egypt?

What do you think about this? If you have an opinion about this, do tweet me at @ArcEgyptologist .


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Petrie's view on Archaeology

"Archaeology - the knowledge of how man has acquired his present position and powers- is one of the widest studies, best fitted to open the mind, and to produce that type of wide interests and toleration which is the highest result of education." - Flinders Petrie.

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The 4000 year old Spinning Statuette at Manchester Museum

So I think one of the hottest news this week has been about this particular statuette currently housed at the Egyptian Worlds Collection at Manchester Museum. 

Can you spot which is the statuette everyone's buzzing about?

The statuette is said to date back to approximately 1800 years ago and was originally found in a mummy's tomb, and has been on exhibition at the Manchester Museum for the past 80 years. 

According to Manchester Evening News, Dr. Campbell Price - the museum's curator- said that "I noticed one day that it had turned around. I thought it was strange because it is in a case and I am the only one who has a key...I put it back but then the next day it had moved again. We set up a time-lapse video and, although the naked eye can't see it, you can clearly see it rotate on the film." 

So what has caused the 10-inch tall statuette to spin? Some have speculated that the statuette has been caught spinning because of the foot traffic vibration in the museum - sounds rational to me but if the artefact has been on display for the past 80 years and only now has it started moving due to vibrations, I think that's rather odd. Rational but odd.

Another more interesting mysterious suggestion for why the statuette has been caught spinning is because the statuette was found in a mummy's tomb and is a depiction of the deceased. Now the Ancient Egyptians believed that the body of the dead had to be preserved because the ka of the deceased would roam around the earth during the day but had to return to its physical body during the night (or cease to exist). In case of some unfortunate circumstances i.e. the deceased's physical body was destroyed, there were statuettes resembling the deceased available for the  ka  to rest in during the night. What with all the looting going on of late, could it be possible that the mummy of the deceased has been destroyed and the ka  has found a new home in this statuette in Manchester Museum?

OR is it the Curse of the Mummy/Pharaoh haunting the museum, and the spinning statuette is the first of many spooky events to occur?

What do you think?

Check out the YouTube video of the statuette spinning (recorded by the Manchester Museum):

http://youtu.be/S0fbWm9tdHE

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Ancient Heliopolis slowly disappearing

Heliopolis, the only visible ancient site in Cairo, continues to suffer at the hands of looters.

For more information:

http://amun-ra-egyptology.blogspot.com/2013/06/ancient-heliopolis-under-threat.html?spref=tw


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Where Technology Meets The Past

The Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities - Medelhavsmuseet in Stockholm are currently preparing for a permanent Egyptology exhibition at the museum in which modern technology, specifically "3D digitization and interactive visualization" will be utilise to make six of their mummies come to (virtual) life for the museum visitors. 

The exhibition is set to be ready for the public by the spring of 2014. 

For more information about this, click the link below:

http://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/pressroom/tii/pressrelease/view/unwrap-a-real-mummy-museum-visitors-explore-historic-artifacts-using-state-of-the-art-3d-reality-capture-and-visualization-technology-878212


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Healing Eye Make Up

Did you know that the eye make up used by the Ancient Egyptians was not just for them to enhance their beauty, but it also functioned as a healing product?

To know more, click the link below:

Healing Eye Make Up

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Day of Archaeology: 26 July 2013

Calling all archaeologist (personal, professional, students) and those dabbling in archaeology, go to this webpage: http://www.dayofarchaeology.com/ and get involved to raise public awareness about archaeology.

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98 days and counting

Durham University's Archaeology Department

"Hi there, 
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Archaeology. 
Please note that your induction here in the Department will take place on Monday 30 September..." - Durham University.

It has been a long and winding 11 years leading up to this date, and I think I have waited long enough for me to start pursuing my dream field of study in my (no.1) chosen university.

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Hekaemsaef's bead net and gold mask

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#PompeiiLive

For those living in UK and interested in Pompeii's history or you just love history, check out a cinema nearby and see whether #PompeiiLive is showing.

For more information, check out British Museum's website:

http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/pompeii_and_herculaneum/pompeii_live.aspx

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Preservation, Conservation and Looting of Archaeological Sites Update

Once a provincial town and cemetery of Ancient Egypt, today El-Hibeh is a site of horrible looting by armed men who have broken apart ancient bodies and torn down ancient structures.

Such a devastating sight:

Read more by clicking the link below:

http://triblive.com/usworld/betsyhiel/4206114-74/antiquities-ancient-hibeh#axzz2WTbCYUax
_________________________________________________________________________________

"You see dogs playing with human bones, children scavenging for pottery and painted sarcophagi. You also find very well mummified fragments. It is very macabre" - said Dr. Monica Hanna, an Egyptian archaeologist who surveyed the site of Abu Sir al Malaq.

Since 2011, Hanna has been leading a team of journalists who are documented and exposing the growing illegal economy of looting in Egypt.

Click the link to read more about how this brave academic risks her life for a great cause:

http://triblive.com/news/editorspicks/4198483-74/hanna-heritage-archaeological#axzz2WMUfpWzH
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Have you heard of the new campaign "Eye On The Needle" led by Past Preservers Presenter, Dr. Paul Harrison? It is a campaign and a documentary for the conservation of Cleopatra's Needle currently located at London's Embankment.

Check out the youtube video for more about the campaign:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6CTqS5kZGug

And/or follow them on Twitter: @eyeontheneedle
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A new committee has been founded to oversee the seven Egyptian sites listed under UNESCO's World Heritage and all other Egyptian sites that have been abandoned, forgotten and/or lack of care since the country's revolution in 2011.

To find out more, click the link below:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/73838/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/New-committee-will-oversee-Egyptian-sites-on-World.aspx



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A friend of mine recently visited the Louvre Museum and sent me a picture of this stela, and I was just wondering whether anyone knows the name of this stela.

Appreciate it if you could let me know at @ArcEgyptologist via twitter or leave a comment here. Thank you.

-chelle-

"No Photography"

Do you think museum visitors should be allowed to take photographs of the artefacts on display?

Here's an article debating that "no photography" is the way to go and I find it pretty enticing:

"No photography"

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My trip to the Ancient Egyptian afterlife

Since I wrote about visiting the Egyptian exhibition at the ArtScience Museum, I thought I would upload a few pictures I captured that day - not many as I was too engrossed in the artefacts, plus we aren't suppose to take pictures of the artefacts.

Entrance into the exhibition hall

Two of the ArtScience Museum employees showing us how mummification was done in Ancient Egypt

Film of the virtual unwrapping of the mummy of Nesperennub

One of my two absolute favourite artefacts on display that day: "Sandstone stela of a God's Wife of Amun dating to the 26th Dynasty from Thebes"

My second absolute favourite artefact on display that day: "Shabtis ranging from the 18th to 25th Dynasty"

The souvenir shop - where I basically spent all my money

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Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb

On the 4th of May 2013, I had the privilege to travel to Singapore and visit the "Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb" exhibition. This was my first Egyptian exhibition, so I did not know what to expect except that I would have an amazing time, since one of the top 5 items on my bucket list is to visit an Egyptian exhibition. (checked!)

The exhibition features over a 100 artefacts including 6 mummies - 4 human mummies and 2 animal mummies. The main star of the exhibition is a priest from the 22nd Dynasty (Thebes); Nesperennub. His coffin has not been opened and his mummy remains wrapped, but thanks to technology, the exhibition begins with a film of the virtual unwrapping of Nesperennub.

If you are in Singapore or nearby enough to travel to Singapore, from now till 4 November 2013, and are interested in history or just curious, I highly suggest you take a trip down the Egyptian afterlife and visit the exhibition at the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands.


For more information:

Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb at the ArtScience Museum


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The city of Heracleion is set to go on display

1,200 years ago, an Ancient Egyptian city; Heracleion was lost to the Mediterranean Sea. However, thanks to Franck Goddio and his team, the Mediterranean is finally giving us back the lost city. 

For more information, click the link below:

Heracleion back from the sea

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"The Hair symbolises the Vegetation in Ancient Egypt"

Found a very interesting blog post about tears, hair, the Nile and vegetation. Yup, all four are symbolically related according to Maria Martin.

Have a look:

http://hairanddeathinancientegypt.wordpress.com/


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Book of Faiyum Exhibition

The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore will be hosting an Egyptian exhibition entitled "Egypt's Mysterious Book of the Faiyum" from the 6th of October 2013 till the 5th of January 2014.

This exhibition will be the first for the "Book of Faiyum" which is an almost 20 feet long well-preserved papyrus from Ancient Egypt.

For more information, click the link below:

Book of Faiyum Exhibition


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The Jews did not build the Pyramids of Egypt

Occasionally when I mention to someone about my chosen career path, I get this reaction "did you know the Egyptians enslaved the Jews to build the pyramids?" My reaction to that statement (said in a very determined "I know for sure" tone) is to just smile and ignore that statement.

The Jews were not around during the construction of the pyramids, so how could they have been forced by the Egyptians to become slaves and build the pyramids? Nonetheless, am not saying that the Jews were never slaves of Egypt because I personally believe that the Bible is true.

However, in this case, as archaeologist Richard Redding noted previously "the builders were not slaves...the pyramids were erected by young men who were fed well and had access to good-quality health care, because they worked for the good of the society".

Click the link below to read more:

http://english.pravda.ru/science/mysteries/04-06-2013/124743-pyramids_giza-0/


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King Tutankhamun's Tomb in 3D

Do you want to see King Tutankhamun's tomb in 3D? If so, click the link below:

3D version of King Tutankhamun's Tomb

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Museum strike!

Egypt's archaeology museum was forced to close on the 4th of June owing to a strike by its employees.
The protesters have demanded that 4065 of its employees be awarded permanent contracts, better wages and that the ministry of corruption be rid off.

For more information, click the link below:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/3/12/73143/Business/Economy/Egypt%E2%80%99s-archaeology-museum-closed-by-labour-protes.aspx

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Continuous looting in Egypt

It seems that even with an increase in security, the looting in Egypt continues , consequently worsening Egypt's economy.

http://collectingegypt.blogspot.com/2013/06/news-on-looting-of-antiquities-from.html

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"Hi my name is Padi"

The Massachusetts General Hospital invited the public to meet  from the operating theater of the Ether Dome, an Egyptian mummy named Padihershef.

Click the link below to read what The Globe's Meghan E. Irons wrote:

Let's meet Padi

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Quote by McInerney

"The Greek and Egyptian cultures were not fused, not hybridised. Instead both cultures simply existed separately but concurrently" - Jeremy McInerney.

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Archaeology's Dirty Little Secrets

Very excited to start this short course entitled "Archaeology's Dirty Little Secrets" by Susan Alcock (Brown University) via www.cousera.org

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Iron in Egyptian Relics Article

Click the link below to read the article:

Iron in Egyptian Relics


P.S.: Massive shout out to my former lecturer Dr. Joyce Tyldesley and a former coursemate Diane Johnson on their find and article.


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Save Shenhur Temple

Lack of security and attention have caused severe damages to the Shenhur Temple also known as the Temple of Isis, located at the Qena governorate in Egypt.

For more information, click the link below:

Save Shenhur Temple


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Louvre's "The Art of Outline: Drawing in Ancient Egypt"

Louvre's exhibition of drawings in Ancient Egypt is said to be the first of its kind, as there has yet to be an exhibition focused solely on Ancient Egyptian drawings.

Hence, if you happen to be in Paris from now till 22nd July, 2013, drop by Louvre Museum and pay the exhibition a visit.

http://www.louvre.fr/en/expositions/art-outline-drawing-ancient-egypt


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What are your thoughts about excavating human remains?

Stumbled upon this post written by Melanie Pitkin, a team member of the Amarna South Tombs Cemetery Project, and found it to be an interesting read.

Pitkin basically writes about the process of excavating human remains and she posts a couple of questions at the end of the post - "What are your thoughts on the ethics of excavating human remains? And, how does this affect your view on the value of archaeology?"

So if you're interested, do click the link below:

Pondering the ethics of working with human remains


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Stumbled upon this beautiful shot of my favourite Ancient Egyptian building

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Are you looking to study and/or pursue a career in Archaeology?

A short insightful video about "A Career in Archaeology":

A Career in Archaeology

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Good News!

Regarding the defaced 3500 year old relic by the 15 year old Chinese boy, it seems that the relic has been restored.

Click the link below to watch the video:

Restored

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Defacing an Ancient Egyptian Temple

How could this teenager do such a thing, to one of the most beautiful heritage sites?!

http://edition.cnn.com/2013/05/27/travel/china-egypt/index.html

I hope that boy has learnt his lesson and serve as a warning to all other tourists, that all historical sites (be it Egyptian or not) should never be defaced!

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Will be away for the next few days, so I won't be able to update the blog. Nevertheless, I'll do my best to tweet interesting articles or updates, so follow me at @ArcEgyptologist

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Tips for working in a museum

Thinking of working at a museum? Well, here's a brief article on tips to working in a museum:

Working in Museums - UCL

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Save the Step Pyramid

If you didn't know, the Step Pyramid at Saqqara was built by Imhotep for Djoser and is the world's oldest stone monument and first pyramid. It still stands today (WHOA!) but due to natural disasters, looting and of course time, the pyramid is at risk of falling to debris with the outer layer falling apart and the ceiling of the burial chamber falling bit by bit - burying Djoser's burial chamber.

However, thanks to a collaboration between Egyptians and British, the Step Pyramid is currently in the midst of being given a new lease in life.

Watch this interesting documentary about "Saving Egypt's Oldest Pyramid" by National Geographic Channel:

Saving Egypt's Oldest Pyramid


P.S.: A MASSIVE shout out to the Egyptian and British team, especially all the labourers for their amazing work!

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IoA Annual Conference: Forming Material Egypt

Bless UCL Institute of Archaeology for making the papers of the IoA Annual Conference: Forming Material Egypt available online.

So if you aren't at the conference (like me), click the link below and enjoy reading!

http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/calendar/articles/20130520

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Quote

"We find diversity in Ptolemaic Egypt because it already existed, because it was easier to cope with it than to change it, and because government policy encourages a lack of uniformity in new development"

- J.G. Manning's The Last Pharaohs: Egypt Under the Ptolemies, 305-30 BC.

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Amun-Ra and Em Hotep

Found a couple of interesting reads on Amun-Ra Egyptology Blog and Em Hotep.

Click the links below to find out more:

Passing On

An Interview with Jean-Pierre Houdin


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"Baby-making season" in Roman Egypt revealed

Never knew such a season existed - a very interesting find, I must admit.

To read more, click the link below:

http://www.livescience.com/32078-ancient-egypt-cemetery-reveals-sex-season.html

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Update: 4th May to 15th May 2013

Rare Leather from Ancient Egyptian Chariot Discovered

When Dr. Ikram noted that "chariots changed the way people looked at terrains and the way they interacted with them...before the chariot, transportation means in ancient Egypt were limited to boats, donkeys and walking. It introduced the notion of roadways for faster wheel conveyance, revolutionising the way Egyptians moved through the landscape and pioneering means of transportation and warfare", then only did it dawn upon me the importance of the reconstruction of the ancient chariots.


Life and Death in Roman Egypt by Campbell Price

Marriage and family in Ancient Egypt by Joann Fletcher

Unfortunately I cannot view the video, so I'm assuming that the video can only be viewed by UK viewers. Apologies.

Ramesses II removed from Akhmim and stored at a storage at Sohag

Although the head of Ramesses II was discovered at Akhmim approximately six years ago, it was only recently that the artefact was moved to somewhere else safer. Owing to the revolution and failed security presence, this historical site has been tarnished by drug addicts and garbage. 

Personally, am thankful that the artefact has been moved to a storage area since it's evident people aren't capable of understanding the need to preserve historical sites.

Why did the Ancient Egyptians stop building pyramids?

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Wait. What?!

So according to Antoine Vivenel, "a museum without a mummy, is not a museum". 

For more, click the link below:

http://archaeology-travel.com/museums/a-museum-without-a-mummy/


Personally, I find it somewhat absurd.


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28 April - 3 May 2013 Updates

The Goodison Collection of Egyptology will be brought to light after 40 years of darkness:

http://collectingegypt.blogspot.com/2013/05/plans-to-display-egyptology-collection.html



Did you hear King Tutankhamun's treasures are currently on display at Výstaviště, Prague? 

http://www.praguepost.com/tempo/16074-an-egyptian-legend-in-prague.html



Alexandria's Greek-Roman Museum is set to reopen, thanks to that 8 mil USD cultural-cooperation project between Italy and Egypt:

http://www.ansamed.info/ansamed/en/news/nations/egypt/2013/04/23/Archeology-Greek-Roman-museum-reopen-Alexandria_8600943.html



A Lost City of Ancient Egypt emerges: 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/archaeology/10022628/Lost-city-of-Heracleion-gives-up-its-secrets.html



The newly deceased to be buried next to the long-time deceased? 

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/apr/28/pyramid-tomb-dahshur-egypt-archaeology?CMP=twt_gu



Is it true that the Bent Pyramid is falling apart?

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/70233/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/Angry-about-Senefru-pyramid-deterioration.aspx

Merneith – The First Queen of Egypt? by Kate Phizackerley

http://www.egyptological.com/2013/04/merneith-the-first-queen-of-egypt-11839?utm_source=buffer&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer:%20@ARCENOLA%20on%20twitter&buffer_share=9b79b

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If you turn it around, it still says "Egyptian"

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Update

Hi everyone, just wanted to apologise for the lack of posts. I've been busy with work lately - preparing exam papers and teaching at the same time - doesn't leave much room for me to do other things. Anyways, what I'll do for this week is that I'll gather all the news I've read and compile it into one post or several posts by this Friday.

In the meantime, take care all.

-chelle-

If I had to pick only one place to visit in Egypt, it would be....

Egypt is one of the world's most visited countries - renown for its pyramids and mummies, the land is the perfect site for history buffs. Cairo and Luxor are two of Egypt's most famous cities, each filled with historical landmarks that are open for visitation daily. There is however, another city less well-known but equally prosperous with historical sites and a seaside view, that the other two cities lack.

Pearl of the Mediterranean

Renown as the 'Pearl of the Mediterranean', Alexandria was founded in 331 BC by Greek's famous emperor; Alexander the Great. During the ancient days, Alexandria was the capital of the Egyptian civilisation and dubbed as the most impressive city of the Hellenistic world, with the ancient world's largest library; The Great Library by Ptolemy I and a lighthoue that embodied the pinnacle of Alexandria's architecture; Pharos.



Today, Alexandria has gone through a massive transformation as the government sought to restore it to its former glory as a centre of learning and a central city where different groups of people especially history buffs can come to visit. Although it is located about 225 km from Cairo only, Alexandria has a different type of history and scenery to offer - a Graeco-Roman past and seaview, as it is located by the Mediterranean Sea. Furthermore, its coastline stretches from the north-west of the Nile delta to the east of Mariout Lake. During winter, its climate is about 18'C as oppose to winter season in Cairo which is about 30'C. Today, the city uses the Arabic language and Egyptian pound while the predominant religion is Islam and it has approximately 3.8 million people residing within its geographical boundary.

 

Unfortunately, the ancient Great Library of Alexandria, built by Ptolemy I was burned down in the 3rd century. Nevertheless, in its place is the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; a modern version of the ancient library designed by the Norwegian architecture firm; Snohetta.The new library was built to recapture the spirit of the original library, as Egypt's window to the world and the window for the world into Egypt, and also to be a centre of learning and dialogues that seek to meet the challenges presented by the digital age. An outstanding feature of the library is the outer grey Aswan granite wall that is carved with symbols from all 120 known languages, and its 11 levels of books is a reader's dream come true.

 

About 15 minutes away from the Library is Fort QaitBay; an essential three-level medieval fortress that remains one of the most astounding defensive strongholds in Egypt and the Mediterranean coast. It was actually built in 1477 by Sultan Al-Ashraf Abu Alnasr Saif Eldin Qaitbay, and today it houses a small mosque and naval museum. However, what is more interesting is that the Fort is situated on the crescent-shaped Eastern Harbour overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and was once the site of the legendary Pharos lighthouse. If one is observant enough, one could notice that part of the Fort has incorporated the remnants of Pharos.


Owing to a series of earthquakes and tsunamis, the Graeco-Roman city is now submerged below the water levels and right by the Fort itself, history buffs can dive underwater for an archaeological experience that only Alexandria can offer. Frank Goddio and his team have successfully found a large number of blocks and artefacts such as the obelisk of Seti I, items from Cleopatra's palace and a huge building block that was once a part of the Pharos.

Known as the Roman Theatre in Kom El Dikka, this semi-circle 13 white marble terraces Roman Amphitheatre is the last standing of its kind in the whole of Egypt. Though surrounded by modern high-rises, the 2nd AD landmark is a standout owing to its well-preserved architecture which still has Greek numbers carved on the seats, and is able to seat about 800 people. Today, a new stage has been constructed nearby in hopes of using the Amphitheatre as a backdrop for modern day theatre productions.

 

"To the most just Emperor, tutelary of Alexandria Diocletian, the invincible, (postumis), the Prefect of Egypt" is carved on the upper part of Pompey's Pillar in Greek. Although it bears another ruler's name, the pillar was built for Diocletain who succeeded as Pharoah of Alexandria, in 291 AD. The 25 m red Aswan granite column capped with a Corinthian capital is the tallest ancient monument in Alexandria and was once a part of an ancient Serapis temple, that was destroyed during the Christian era. Beneath the column are underground chambers and the remains of Serapis' followers.


Indeed, Alexandria is a city filled with assimilated culture and history with a spectacular seaview. Therefore, when I have the opportunity to visit Egypt, Alexandria has to be my first destination.


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Pharaoh Taharqa's massive statue recently discovered in the depths of Sudan

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/massive-statue-of-pharaoh-taharqa-discovered-deep-in-sudan-1862007.html?goback=.gde_2938384_member_233123239

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The Social Pyramid of Ancient Egypt

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Jerusalem - The Making of A Holy City

Centuries after centuries, the historical and holy city of Jerusalem has been treated like a luggage - tossed between two religious superpowers; the Christians and Muslims. Because of the never ending battles between the Christians and Muslims, it is hard to understand Jerusalem's history.

However, I found a documentary that explains its history well enough. So if you're interested, click the link below and enjoy the three-episode documentary.


Jerusalem - The Making of A Holy City


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The 4th Dynasty Harbour

A 4th Dynasty harbour located along the Suez-Zaafarana road was recently discovered by a French-Egyptian archaeology mission. The harbour is said to have been constructed during the reign of King Khufu - the pharaoh most famous for building the Great (Giza) Pyramid.

Click the link below to find out more:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/69024.aspx


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Just for fun

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One word: Mummy

 

 

Penn Museum's Egyptian Mummy Gallery in 1935

 

 

 

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Egyptian Heritage at risk

Personally, it devastates me to hear that smugglers/looters are going out of their ways and underground to find ways to enter the Egyptian heritage sites so that they may steal treasures that were meant to be preserved and conserved [Click the link below to watch the BBC video about this current issue].

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21958326

I believe it is so extremely necessary to protect our heritage for it is through our heritage that we have our national and individual cultures, traditions and identities.

So please click the link below and sign this petition:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/778/312/253/urgent-call-to-stop-the-pillaging-of-egypts-heritage/#

Thank you.


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Did she or did she not commit suicide?

According to Pat Brown, author of The Murder of Cleopatra: History's Greatest Cold Case did not commit suicide but instead was murdered.

To find out more, click the link below:

http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/smartnews/2013/03/maybe-cleopatra-didnt-commit-suicide/

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The drama of Ancient Egypt's 19th Dynasty

http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2013/04/04/the-drama-of-ancient-egypts-19th-dynasty/


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Just for fun.

 

 

 

 

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For my readers.

Just want to say 'Thank You' to all my readers.

Hope each one of you is having a good time celebrating Easter with your family and friends.


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Someone's making mummies?

So is Penn Museum making mummies? Do they need extra mummies?

To find out more, click the link below:

http://www.penn.museum/sites/artifactlab/2013/03/29/we-arent-making-mummies-or-are-we/


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Forever Lost

A day ago, a fire broke out at the Cuming Museum in Southwark and unfortunately a number of Egyptian artefacts including a coin from Queen Cleopatra's reign was lost in the fire.

Click the link below to read more:

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/priceless-egyptian-treasures-feared-destroyed-in-south-london-museum-fire-8549200.html#.UVG_5ioJE7A.facebook


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Random fact

The Ptolemies were the longest lasting dynasty in Egyptian history.

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"When Egypt was reached in 332 BC, the Persian satray surrendered without striking a blow. Alexaxnder hastened upstream to Memphis, sacrificed to the Apis bull, was accepted as pharaoh, and then returned to the coast. Here on the shore of the Mediterranean near a village named Rhacotis he traced out the lines of the future great city of Alexandria before starting out on his famous visit to the oracle of Amun in the oasis of Siwa." - Gardiner, 1961.

 

 

 

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View from above

The gorgeous (yet illegal) view from the Great Pyramid of Giza. <3


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Random facts

Did you know that two of Egypt's most famous cities were founded by foreign rulers? 

Alexandria was founded by the Macedonian emperor; Alexander the Great in 331 BCE while Cairo was founded in 10th CE by the Fatimid Dynasty.

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Book: Current Research in Egyptology 2012

Book: Current Research in Egyptology 2012: Proceedings of the 13th Annual Symposium [Paperback] Ed(s): McGarrity, L.; Graves, C.; Millward, E.; Bealby, M.S.; Heffernan, G.

If you're interested, click the link below:

http://www.oxbowbooks.com/oxbow/current-research-in-egyptology-2024.html

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Green as an Irish?

Courtesy of http://www.albawaba.com/editorchoice/st-patricks-day-egypt-477729

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A picture is worth a thousand words

A gorgeous view of Abu Simbel and the Temple of Nefertari, at Aswan.

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Life at Amarna

If you don't know who Akhenaten is, he is the husband to the 'beautiful beyond description' Queen Nefertiti and the possible father of the 'Golden Boy' King Tutankhamun. But Akhenaten is best known in Egyptology as the Heretic King.

He defied 3000 years of tradition when he created the monotheistic worship of Aten, the sun disk god. He even relocated the capital of the civilisation to Amarna, a city approximately 322 km away from modern Cairo. However, the city and the worship of Aten lasted till his death, after which Tutankhamun resumed the 3000 year old Egyptian tradition and capital.

One may wonder how was life like at Amarna? Was it different (easier/worse) than life at Thebes?

Click the link below to find out what the Amarna Project recently discovered:


http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2013/03/130313-ancient-egypt-akhenaten-amarna-cemetery-archaeology-science-world/

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Conserving Egyptian Mummies

Found this interesting website that is hosted by the Penn Museum's conservation staff and Egyptian Section curators.

http://www.penn.museum/sites/artifactlab/

Hope you enjoy it.


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Ancient "Work Clock"

Courtesy of http://www.archaeology.org/news/666-130315-egypt-valley-kings-workers-sundial

The above artefact was recently discovered by archaeologists from the University of Basel. It appears that a 12-sectioned semicircle had been drawn onto the flat piece limestone.

This possibly indicates that the Ancient Egyptian tomb workers relied on this sundial as their "work clock" -  keeping track of their working hours.


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A 3000 year old cosmetic box

Courtesy of Sarah Shepherd
 

Absolutely gorgeous and very well preserved cosmetic box from the Tomb of Sennedjem. The box is said to be from the 19th Dynasty during the Rammeside period. The item is currently on display at Gallery 126 at the Metropolitan Museum Collection.


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Preserve and Conserve Our Heritage!

As a firm believer in the preservation and conservation of historical/heritage sites, I'm glad to see that UNESCO has not removed Dahshur from its World Heritage List, despite the urban destruction occuring in Dahshur. Instead, according to the Minister of State for Antiquities; Mohamed Ibrahim, UNESCO's Director General Irina Bokova, has proposed several ideas to help with the current threat against the Ancient Egyptian sites.

Click on the link for the full story:

http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/9/40/66722/Heritage/Ancient-Egypt/UNESCO-visits-Cairo-to-discuss-threats-to-archaeol.aspx


In my personal opinion, preservation and conservation of historical sites is a MUST because these sites are the reason why countries (like Egypt) exist today. These sites are physical representations of the country's identity and tradition. Without these sites, many countries' economies would suffer, especially Egypt's since tourism plays a vital role in the country's economy.


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17 year old Cleopatra from Thebes

Courtesy of www.britishmuseum.org

 

Technically known as EA 6707, from the Henry Salt Collection at the British Museum, Cleopatra was a 17 year old girl, who lived in Thebes during the reign of the Emperor Trajan, and based on the inscription on her coffin, she is the daughter of a vital official of the government. She should not be confused with the infamous Cleopatra VII, who died approximately 150 years before this Cleopatra.

It is unlikely that her mummy has been unwrapped, nevertheless, Cleopatra has undergone an X-ray and based on the X-ray evidences, under the loose and messy outer wrappings, she is tightly bandaged - so tightly wrapped that it seems her left hip has been dislocated.

Unfortunately, without further  in-depth examination, we are unsure of her cause of death. Nonetheless, owing to her young age, death during childhood cannot be dismiss, especially since during those days, simple cuts and grazes could be fatal as a result of the lack of proper medication or antibiotics, or if she had a weak immune system, she would have succumbed to any childhood diseases.



Courtesy of www.britishmuseum.org

 

 

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Clogged arteries in ancient mummies?

One would assume that people today suffer from clogged arteries because of the unhealthy lifestyle we adopt in this age. But the article [click the link below] notes that even ancient mummies had clogged arteries, proving that this illness knows no (time) boundaries.

http://www.nst.com.my/latest/even-ancient-mummies-had-clogged-arteries-1.232687#ixzz2NC3n5bVt

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More of the goddess Sekhmet discovered at Amenhotep III''s temple at Luxor

http://amun-ra-egyptology.blogspot.com/2013/03/more-sekhmet-statues-unearthed-at.html?spref=tw

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Afterlife Luggage Tax

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Just for laughs

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#Save_antinoupolis

Latest update about the destruction of Antinoupolis, a site made famous after Emperor Hadrian (Roman emperor) build a Roman-styled city there.

http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/antinoupolis-archaeological-site-being-destroyed-systematically

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The above are the coffin lids of a 21st Dynasty priest of the god Montu named Panebmontu. Today the artefacts are resting at the Louvre Musuem where they are known as E 13029.


I think one of the finest aspects of Ancient Egypt that draws me to her, is her people's ability to be so detailed in their work. For instance, the above are coffin lids with intricate details carved all over its body, that have last for thousands of years. Then think about our coffins today - wooden rectangular boxes with no carvings of any sorts on it.

The Ancient Egyptians never cease to amaze me, every single day.

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I believe in conservation and preservation of historical sites

"Sheikh Abada, ancient Roman Antinouplis, south of Malawi, in Middle Egypt, is being destroyed systematically. The hippodrome, as large as the Circus Maximus in Rome, has been flattened and laid out with cemeteries. The northwestern corner of the walled city has been bulldozed for agriculture, and the area near the Ramesses II temple has been bulldozed and levelled as the town is expanding there. We need to stop this. Archaeologists are meeting with the MSA" - Salima Ikram

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When chemistry, archaeology and conservation meet...

http://thecollegianur.com/2013/03/04/wc-students-work-to-preserve-3000-year-old-mummy/32945/


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The Lady with an Ostrich feather, on her head

Maat from British Museum

 

She is the personification of an influential Ancient Egyptian concept that is, “truth, balance, order and justice”. It was believed that without her existence, the world would be consume by her counterpart; Isfet. Upon Amun’s self-impregnation and the birth of Tefnut and Shu, Ma’at was born to reign over the spiritual and earthly realms.

To the Ancient Egyptians, Ma’at embodied everything that was good and pure. Therefore,  the Egyptians deemed the Black Land ‘Kemet’ and everything within its border filled with “truth, balance, order and justice” whereas the Red Land ‘Deshret’ and all beings foreign were Isfet-related.

“Divine offspring, who has come forth from the body of the god in order to endow the temple and who established Egypt and raise mankind and made Ma’at take her place”

 

 - Seti I's alabaster stela at Karnak

Based on Seti I’s writing, it was assumed that the pharaoh was responsible for ensuring that the country was Ma’at-filled and protected against Isfet. To do so, the pharaoh had to build temples and make offerings to the gods who also acknowledged the power of Ma’at. Besides that, a Rammeside literature illustrated that bribery of any kind was an action against Ma’at, and equality among all men and women were required to ensure the existence of Ma’at in the country. Nonetheless, the pharaohs were not the only ones in charge of defending Ma’at. His viziers substituted the pharaoh as chief justices and priest/priestess of Ma’at, who were expected to guarantee that Ma’at reigned peacefully over ‘Kemet’.

On a personal level, an individual was required to ensure that his/her life was Ma’at- filled which meant that there should be no envy, laziness, greed, disorder, justice and etcetera. This was essential because when the individual entered the Afterlife, he/she was required to participate in a judgment ritual known as the ‘Weighing of the Heart’ at the Hall of Ma’at. During this ritual, the individual’s heart was placed on a weighing scale against the feather of “truth, balance, order and justice”. If the heart weighed heavier than the heart, the organ would instantly be consumed by the gobbler; Ammit, resulting in a permanent extinction of the deceased.

"Weighing of the Heart" scene. Courtesy of http://wellesley.k12.ma.us/~heather_maffei/?OpenItemURL=S00513DB9-00513DB9

It is evident that the concept of Ma’at is one of the most important, if not the most important notion in Ancient Egyptian culture. Thus, it was crucial that each individual living within Kemet abided by her rules and the pharaohs and viziers had to protect the land from Isfet.

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