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In the last of our series about awesome ancient Egyptian women, today we introduce Nefertari, the beloved queen of Phara...
26/03/2024

In the last of our series about awesome ancient Egyptian women, today we introduce Nefertari, the beloved queen of Pharaoh Ramesses II.

Nefertari was more than just a queen; she was a visionary leader and a symbol of grace and power. Renowned for her beauty and intelligence, she stood beside Ramesses II, shaping the destiny of Egypt during the Nineteenth Dynasty.

But Nefertari's influence extended beyond the throne room. She championed the arts and supported monumental building projects, leaving behind a legacy of cultural richness and architectural marvels that still awe us today.

Her tomb in the Valley of the Queens is arguably the most beautiful of all tombs, and the Temple of Hathor at Abu Simbel was built in her honour by Ramsses II.

In celebrating Women's History Month, let's pay tribute to the resilience and strength of women like Nefertari, whose contributions continue to inspire us centuries later. Their stories remind us of the profound impact women have had on shaping our world.

In honour of Women's History Month, we've been uncovering the remarkable stories of women who shaped the course of civil...
19/03/2024

In honour of Women's History Month, we've been uncovering the remarkable stories of women who shaped the course of civilisation. Among these trailblazers stands Nefertiti, the iconic queen of ancient Egypt. Born around 1370 BCE, she graced the throne alongside her husband, Pharaoh Akhenaten, during the tumultuous period of the Eighteenth Dynasty.

Nefertiti wasn't just a queen; she was a formidable figure in her own right. Renowned for her striking beauty and grace, she held considerable sway in the royal court. But Nefertiti was more than just a pretty face; she possessed a keen intellect and wielded political influence alongside Akhenaten.

Together, Nefertiti and Akhenaten embarked on a religious revolution, ushering in the worship of the sun god Aten. Their bold reforms reshaped the spiritual landscape of Egypt, challenging centuries-old traditions and beliefs.

Nefertiti's presence in art and sculpture reflects her elevated status. Her iconic bust, discovered in Amarna, portrays her with an air of regal elegance, captivating generations with her enigmatic smile.

Yet, despite her prominence, Nefertiti's story remains shrouded in mystery. The circumstances of her disappearance from historical records continue to puzzle scholars, leaving us to wonder about the final chapters of her life.

Hypatia was a remarkable figure in ancient Alexandria, Egypt, known for her significant contributions to mathematics, as...
13/03/2024

Hypatia was a remarkable figure in ancient Alexandria, Egypt, known for her significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy. She was born around 360AD, during the declining years of the Roman Empire, into a family of scholars and intellectuals.

Hypatia was the daughter of Theon of Alexandria, a prominent mathematician and philosopher who served as the head of the Neoplatonic school in Alexandria. Under her father's tutelage, Hypatia received a comprehensive education in mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, and literature, becoming exceptionally skilled in these disciplines.

Hypatia's expertise in mathematics and astronomy garnered her widespread recognition throughout the Mediterranean world. She wrote several treatises on subjects such as geometry, algebra, and conic sections, contributing to the advancement of these fields. Additionally, Hypatia lectured on philosophy, particularly Neoplatonism, attracting students and scholars eager to learn from her wisdom.

As one of the few female academics of her time, Hypatia's presence in the male-dominated scholarly community was groundbreaking. Despite prevailing societal norms, she earned respect and admiration for her intellect and teaching prowess. Her lectures drew large audiences, including prominent figures in Alexandria's intellectual circles.

Hypatia's life came to a tragic end in 415 CE amid political and religious turmoil in Alexandria. She was brutally murdered by a mob of Christian zealots, likely due to her perceived association with paganism and her influential position in the city. Hypatia's death marked a dark chapter in the history of intellectual freedom and tolerance, illustrating the dangers of fanaticism and extremism.

Despite her untimely demise, Hypatia's legacy endures as a symbol of intellectual courage and resilience. Her contributions to mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy continue to inspire scholars and thinkers across disciplines. Additionally, Hypatia's tragic fate serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of defending intellectual freedom and promoting tolerance in society.

This image is a fictional portrait of Hypatia by Jules Maurice Gaspard.

It's   so let's celebrate our wonderful women!
08/03/2024

It's so let's celebrate our wonderful women!

🌟 Celebrating Women's History Month! 🌟Did you know about Hatshepsut, the awe-inspiring ancient Egyptian ruler who defied...
05/03/2024

🌟 Celebrating Women's History Month! 🌟

Did you know about Hatshepsut, the awe-inspiring ancient Egyptian ruler who defied the odds and reigned as a female pharaoh? Her remarkable legacy challenges stereotypes and inspires generations. Despite the societal constraints of her time, Hatshepsut led with strength and wisdom, ushering in an era of prosperity, innovation, and cultural advancement. Her reign stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of women throughout history who have fearlessly pursued their dreams and reshaped the world. Let's honor Hatshepsut and the countless other trailblazing women whose remarkable contributions continue to shape our world today.

Today marks the beginning of Women's History month, so over the course of the month we're going to share the stories of ...
01/03/2024

Today marks the beginning of Women's History month, so over the course of the month we're going to share the stories of some remarkable Egyptian women from history. Why don't we start with one of the most famous and arguably most misunderstood, Cleopatra VII Philopator.

There were seven royal Cleopatras in Ancient Egypt, but Cleopatra VII Philopator was the only one who ruled in her own right. She was the last active ruler of Ancient Egypt and reigned for 21 years from 51BC. It’s this Cleopatra that everyone thinks of when they hear the name. Due largely to Roman propaganda, she has often been depicted as an unprincipled seductress, who used her beauty to gain and keep power. Whilst this may be partly true, it also vastly misrepresents her; she came to power when she was only 18 and was known to be extremely intelligent and well educated. She wrote several books, was a consummate politician, diplomat and orator, and spoke several languages.

Her reign was, to say the least, eventful. Whilst she is mostly remembered for her relationships with Caesar and Antony and the ensuing battles with the Romans, she also inherited a country in debt with food shortages and lawlessness. Luckily, her accomplishments included being good at finance and she increased tax revenues and foreign trade and restored some measure of law and order.

Despite her reputation as a seductress, it is now believed that she only had two lovers, Caesar and Antony. Her reign ended when she and Antony lost the battle of Actium and ended her life.

The best place to see evidence of Cleopatra in Egypt is in Alexandria, the seat of her power. If you’re feeling adventurous you can dive to the lost city of Heracleion which was only discovered in 2000. Many artefacts related to Cleopatra can be seen, although some have been moved to the National Museum of Alexandria. The Greco-Roman Museum, also in Alexandria, also has many interesting artefacts from Cleopatra’s time.

Mrs Egypt has been hard at work this last week, racing all over Egypt on research trips. She's travelled 3000 miles in d...
23/02/2024

Mrs Egypt has been hard at work this last week, racing all over Egypt on research trips. She's travelled 3000 miles in distance and has been to Abu Simbel in the very south of Egypt, right up to Alexandria on the north coast. But she's travelled even further in history - from pre-dynastic times 5000 years ago to the time of Cleopatra VII Philopator, born around 70BC. There were far too many wonders for a single post, so let's start with The Great Temple of Abu Simbel, originally built during the reign of Pharaoh Ramesses II in the 13th century BCE.

Situated on the shores of Lake Nasser, it's really hard to describe how mind blowing this place is. The four colossi at the front of the temple are, well.....colossal. At about 20 metres high, they tower over you with stony faced magnificence. The temple is dedicated to the gods Ra-Horakhty, Ptah, and Amun, as well as to the deified Pharaoh Ramesses II himself. The interior of the temple contains a series of halls and chambers adorned with intricate carvings and wall reliefs depicting scenes from Ramesses II's military campaigns and religious rituals.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Abu Simbel is its relocation in the 1960s. Due to the construction of the Aswan High Dam and the resulting formation of Lake Nasser, the temples were at risk of being submerged under the rising waters. In an unprecedented engineering feat, the temples were meticulously cut into large blocks and relocated to a higher elevation, out of reach of the floodwaters. This preservation effort ensured that these magnificent structures were saved for future generations to admire.

Did you know that the first pyramid in Egypt wasn't in Giza? It was the Pyramid of Djoser, located at Saqqara, and is on...
20/02/2024

Did you know that the first pyramid in Egypt wasn't in Giza? It was the Pyramid of Djoser, located at Saqqara, and is one of the most significant architectural marvels of ancient Egypt. Also known as the Step Pyramid, it stands as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the ancient Egyptians. Built during the Third Dynasty by the pharaoh Djoser who ruled around 27th century BCE, it represents a pivotal point in the evolution of pyramid construction.

Designed by Djoser's vizier and architect, Imhotep, the Pyramid of Djoser marks the transition from earlier mastaba tombs to the iconic pyramids that would come to symbolize ancient Egypt. It is believed to be the first stone monument of its kind, constructed entirely from limestone blocks rather than mud bricks.

Imhotep's innovative architectural design not only allowed for the creation of a monumental tomb for Djoser but also paved the way for future pyramid construction, influencing subsequent pharaohs such as Sneferu, Khufu, and Khafre.

Today, visitors from around the world come to marvel at the ancient grandeur of Djoser's Step Pyramid, paying homage to the enduring legacy of ancient Egypt and the remarkable achievements of its people.

It's  , so let's talk about our favourite ancient Egyptian cat, the goddess Bastet.Bastet was the guardian of home, prot...
17/02/2024

It's , so let's talk about our favourite ancient Egyptian cat, the goddess Bastet.

Bastet was the guardian of home, protector of domesticity, and fierce defender of cats.

Legend has it that Bastet was born from the union of the mighty sun god Ra and the goddess of warfare, Sekhmet. From her divine lineage, Bastet inherited a duality of nature—gentle yet formidable, nurturing yet fierce. But it was her affinity for cats that set her apart, for she held a special bond with these enigmatic creatures.

In the temples adorned with hieroglyphs and statues, Bastet was often depicted as a graceful woman with the head of a lioness or a domestic cat. She was adorned with symbols of protection—a sistrum in one hand to ward off evil spirits and an ankh in the other to symbolize life and vitality. Her presence exuded tranquility, and devotees sought her blessings for fertility, childbirth, and the safety of their homes.

As the guardian of domesticity, Bastet watched over families with a tender gaze. She ensured harmony within households, soothing conflicts and fostering love between kin. Mothers prayed to her for the well-being of their children, and fathers sought her guidance in providing for their families. In times of hardship, her comforting presence offered solace and strength.

Yet, beneath her gentle exterior lay a formidable protector. When darkness threatened to encroach upon her domain, Bastet's ferocity was unmatched. With the swiftness of a stalking feline, she defended against malevolent forces, vanquishing chaos and restoring order. It was said that even the mightiest of adversaries trembled at the mere mention of her name.

In ancient Egypt, cats were revered as sacred creatures, embodying the grace and mystery of the divine. Bastet's temples were adorned with feline statues, and devotees often brought offerings of food and trinkets to honor her and her feline companions.

Beautiful detail on these 4000 year old bowls.
16/02/2024

Beautiful detail on these 4000 year old bowls.

It's   so what better way to celebrate than tell you about the Egyptian goddess of love, Hathor. She was one of the most...
14/02/2024

It's so what better way to celebrate than tell you about the Egyptian goddess of love, Hathor. She was one of the most popular goddesses, and as well as love she was goddess of beauty, music, dance, fertility and pleasure. She was the protector of women, although men also worshipped her. She was often depicted as a cow, symbolising her maternal and celestial sides, but her most common form was a woman wearing a headdress of cow horns and sun disk. You can see evidence of the worship of Hathor in many places in Egypt, in fact she has a whole temple to herself at Dendera.

Apparently it's  , so we couldn't resist posting this photo, taken in front of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square.    ...
17/01/2024

Apparently it's , so we couldn't resist posting this photo, taken in front of the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square.

It's   so here's Lola, the boss at Mr & Mrs Egypt.
15/10/2023

It's so here's Lola, the boss at Mr & Mrs Egypt.

Temple cat at the Temple of Hathor in   😻
26/09/2023

Temple cat at the Temple of Hathor in 😻

This is Mrs Egypt's favourite place in Cairo!
12/07/2023

This is Mrs Egypt's favourite place in Cairo!

Some great lectures coming up from Egyptologist Dr Chris Naunton.
12/07/2023

Some great lectures coming up from Egyptologist Dr Chris Naunton.

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