Orpiment, shown above in its natural form and also pigment form, was widely used in Egypt during and after the 18th dynasty, about 1500 BC. During this period the very progressive and successful female pharaoh, Hatshepsut, was in power. It is thought that she initiated trade with other countries and the use … [Read more...] about Arsenic in the Stew
Cleopatra
Antony and Cleopatra(Opus CCXLVI,1885) By Lawrence Alma-Tadema Donald Ryan Ph D. colorfully describes Cleopatra's life as a "soap opera" with marriages, births, deaths, liaisons, love affairs, political intrigue, and falling empires. Cleopatra Vll is undoubtedly the most famous personality in all of Egyptian history and has been portrayed in … [Read more...] about Cleopatra
Mummy Tales
Last week, a follower of this blog, Christine Debrosky, wrote and asked if I had ever read anything about a pigment called, mummy yellow, or mummy brown. Well, I have, and this is probably the most bizarre and creepy pigment story yet. In her book, Colors, Anne Verichon says that in ancient Egypt mummy yellow was sacred because it was made from … [Read more...] about Mummy Tales
Fig Stories
Sycamore Fig Tree, Ficus Sycamorus Since antiquity figs have been a staple in the Egyptian diet. Shown here is the magnificent Sycamore fig tree which grows throughout the region and is a hardy evergreen. It can reach a height of 20 meters and does not have special needs for water or soil. Many references to gods, goddesses, tombs, temples are … [Read more...] about Fig Stories
Offerings from the Pharaoh
Figs from the Pharaoh (detail) Lessons from the Pharaoh's Tomb 10x11 Oil on Linen © 2009 Margret E. Short The ancient Egyptians loved their gardens passionately. To return after death and rest in the shade and eat the fruit from the trees they had planted was a common prayer. Historians have found "offering lists" along with food in … [Read more...] about Offerings from the Pharaoh
Hatshepsut
Hatshepsut, Metropolitan Museum of Art In ancient Egypt the familial connections were very creative and unusual, and this gets a little confusing here but stick with me. Thutmosis ll was king just prior to 1500 BC. When he died his son, Thutmosis lll, automatically became king, although he was still an infant. Hatshepsut who was the baby's aunt … [Read more...] about Hatshepsut