Jewellery Materials
Emerald was Queen Cleopatra‘s favourite gemstone. She had her jewellers carve emeralds in her likeness, which she gave as gifts to foreign dignities. Emeralds were mined locally in ancient times close to the Red Sea. Egypt monopolized the trade in emeralds until the 16th century and the discovery of Central and South America. Ancient Egyptians equated […]
History Of Egyptian Jewellery
Gold and jewellery making played an important part in Egyptian culture, with the Egyptian era essentially dominated by gold. The enduring image of the Tutankhamun’s Death mask quantifies that superbly (above). The impact of such a bold use of metal makes the mask memorable, and solidifies the wide association with gold and metals, which is […]
What Materials Was Ancient Egyptian Jewellery Made From?
The Egyptians used glass extensively in their jewellery. It was used to create a plethora of different coloured beads which were then strung together, sometimes with gold, to make fabulous collars, necklaces, rings and earrings. Glass was also used in intricate cloisonné work which is evident in many of the more important pieces of Egyptian […]
Wig Decorations
Wig decorations, like this New Kingdom example in gold, glass, and gems, were used by well-to-do women. The ancient Egyptians often shaved their heads for sanitary reasons but wore elaborate wigs when called for in celebrations or religious ceremonies. Finger Coverings The Egyptians were famous for mummifying the deceased, and even the dead had their own jewelry. […]
Jewelry Through The Ages (Part 1) – Ancient Egyptian Jewelry
Ever wondered when and how jewelry first came into existence? Or how jewelry has changed over the years? In this new series on our blog, we’ll be exploring the history of jewelry and its development throughout time. The history of jewelry dates back to prehistoric times when early humans wore shell, bone, wood, pebbles, animal […]
Why 2020 is the year to visit Cairo
BBC Travel chose Egypt as the best place to visit this year, especially with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). In its report, entitled “Why 2020 is the year to visit Cairo,” the BBC stated that tourism to Cairo has dwindled since the 2011 Revolution, but locals see the new GEM as a chance […]
The History of Egypt
Ancient Egypt enjoyed a long and varied history. Knowledge of Egyptian chronology is necessary to understand the country’s history. Scholars divide the history of Egypt into periods and dynasties but these do not always reflect changes in royal lines. Sometimes, the divisions reflect changes in architecture or in the pharaohs’ capital. During the intermediate periods, […]
FIRST INTERMEDIATE PERIOD & MIDDLE KINGDOM
The kings still ruled from their capital of Memphis at the beginning of the First Intermediate Period, but they had very little actual power. The nomarchs administered their own regions, collected their own taxes, built their own temples and monuments in their honor, and commissioned their own tombs. The early kings of the First Intermediate Period (7th-10th dynasties) were […]
LATE PERIOD of Ancient Egypt & PTOLEMAIC DYNASTY
Egypt was again divided as it now entered the Third Intermediate Period (1069-525 BCE). The government at Thebes claimed supremacy while recognizing the legitimacy of the rulers at Per Ramesses and intermarrying with them. The division of the government weakened Egypt which began to degenerate into civil wars during the Late Period (c. 664-332 BCE). At this […]
Egyptian Social Structure
Egyptian society was structured like a pyramid. At the top were the gods, such as Ra, Osiris, and Isis. Egyptians believed that the gods controlled the universe. Therefore, it was important to keep them happy. They could make the Nile overflow, cause famine, or even bring death. In the social pyramid of ancient Egypt the […]
