Tutankhamun stories, Highclere gin and the palpable excitement of new discoveries, fresh research insight – in equal measure with delightful reconnection with colleagues. These were some of the things that marked the first in-person meeting of ARCE in Irvine California, the first live conference since 2019.
In Ancient Egypt, there were no “art galleries”. There was little or no “artistic expression” – art based on the artist’s own feelings or personal thoughts. There were, however, craftsmen of great skill responsible for extensive and magnificent works – the crowning glory of the ancient world. Here are some FAQs about ancient Egyptian art.
Mysteries around Tutankhamun’s Great Legacy – 100 years after the tomb discovery
Tutankhamun was a minor king. Very minor. He ruled Egypt for less than a decade. He was a mere child when he became king more than 3500 years ago, a lame club-footed child, and died under uncertain circumstances before the age of 20. His great deeds were minimal. His true personality is unknown. Even his famous reformation stele reflects the voices of his adult advisors Aye, Maya and Horemheb who really ruled the country.
Yet, Tutankhamun has become the most famous and best-known king from ancient Egypt. In this regard, young Tut has indeed achieved eternal life. Especially if you believe a human soul lives on through the thinking and speaking of his or her name. Who hasn’t spoken his name at one point or another?
Who were the Black pharaohs that became the 25th Dynasty of Egypt? What did they accomplish and what is their legacy?
Right here in Toronto, there is a collection of Egyptian artifacts on the third floor of the Royal Ontario Museum. It was gathered by Charles Trick Currelly, an early Canadian archaeologist and the founder of ROM. This collection was the foundational collection of the original museum which opened in 1914.
I love Cairo. It invigorates me. It awakens all my senses – the blast of car horns and Muezzin’s call to prayer over tinny loudspeakers. The soaring, spiraling 10,000 and more minarets that pierce the sooty sky. The diesel fumes, apple shisha, and hot oil from shawarma stands. I have walked its chaotic, colourful streets during more than a dozen visits… and this 1500 year city never gets old.
Magnificent pageantry, celebrations, mummies with golden tongues – and even fetuses inside them. 2021 was a resplendent year for Egypt. If 2019 and 2020 were the years of the sarcophagus – with scores of mummies, coffins and stunning burial statuary tumbling out of the sand… the past year has been a little different.
More than mortuary finds, it has been unveilings, parades, grand processions, and a magnificent ancient city unearthed that comprise the most dazzling highlights of 2021.
'tis the season to sow seeds for 2022 by Laura Ranieri Roy Warmest wishes this holiday season. A special heartfelt thank you for making 2021 very special for us at Ancient Egypt...
The ancient Egyptians may not have sent rockets into orbit like Musk, but they certainly pierced the sky with enduring wonders in stone.
A lot of people assume Egypt’s great Valley of the Kings is an exclusive old boys club. Or “old dead Pharaoh’s club”, shall we say. The truth may surprise you.