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Ancient Origins Tour IRAQ

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Egyptian Life

Egyptians were one of the most fascinating and enduring civilizations in human history, and their culture and way of life continue to captivate and intrigue people around the world today. From their art and architecture to their language and beliefs, the ancient Egyptians left a lasting legacy that still resonates with us today.
Egyptian life was centered around the Nile river, which provided fertile land for agriculture and transportation for trade and commerce. The society was hierarchical, with the pharaoh at the top and a complex system of government officials, priests, and nobles below. However, the ancient Egyptians also had a strong sense of community and family, with the family unit being the basic unit of society.
Discover the daily routines and customs of the ancient Egyptians, the religious beliefs and practices, and the achievements and innovations that made them one of the most remarkable civilizations in history. Experience the wonder and beauty of their art, architecture, and language, and gain insight into the culture and way of life of one of the most enduring and fascinating societies in human history.

The Abydos Kings list cartouches in the Temple of Seti, Abydos. Source: Olaf Tausch/CC BY 3.0
2 April, 2024 - 14:50 mrreese

The Abydos King List Safeguards the Identities of 76 Egyptian Kings

Abydos is one of the oldest ancient Egyptian cities (3,100 – 332 BC) and is one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Egypt. Many ancient temples and tombs can be found there, offering...
A mural from and ancient Egyptians tomb. Source: Svetlaili/Adobe Stock
18 March, 2024 - 16:49 ancient-origins

Here’s How We Know Life in Ancient Egypt was Ravaged by Disease

Thomas Jeffries /The Conversation The mention of ancient Egypt usually conjures images of colossal pyramids and precious, golden tombs. But as with most civilizations, the invisible world of...
Example of a brightly painted antique papyrus, as could benefit from wasabi’s preservative qualities. Source: Thomas Sztanek/Adobe Stock
27 February, 2024 - 21:38 Gary Manners

Wasabi Is Innovative ‘Green’ Solution for Preserving Ancient Papyrus

Researchers have discovered a novel, environmentally friendly method for preserving bio-deteriorated painted archaeological papyri using wasabi. The study, led by Hanadi Saada and her team, explored...
The project team at the start of work at the end of 2018 in the University Library's manuscript collection with (from left) Markéta Preininger, Korshi Dosoo and Edward O. D. Love. Source: Gunnar Bartsch / Universität Würzburg
9 February, 2024 - 13:25 ashley cowie

Translated Egyptian Magical Texts Map Human Emotions

After five years of research two German scientists have published translations of a collection of Egyptian magical texts. Cutting through the love spells, curses and protection rituals, this work...
Some of the baboon skulls for Ancient Egypt that were available for the study. Source: Bea De Cupere, CC-BY 4.0/PLoS ONE
7 December, 2023 - 13:56 Sahir

Sacred Egyptian Baboons Suffered in Captivity, Finds Study

A recent study has investigated skeletal remains of 36 individual baboons spanning various age groups, dated from 800 to 500 BC, in ancient Egypt. The findings suggest that baboons were intentionally...
The Pyramid texts discovered within the tomb of Unas at Saqqara in Egypt. Source: EvrenKalinbacak / Adobe Stock
5 November, 2023 - 18:00 Ron Nodvik

The Pyramid Texts: Evidence for Hypnosis and Trance

There has been a long history of Egyptologists denying that the Egyptians had any mystical doctrines and practices connected with the world of the living, despite everything to the contrary said...
Interior of Nilometer in Cairo. Source: rninov / Adobe Stock.
31 October, 2023 - 20:00 Robbie Mitchell

Muslims Used the Nilometer to Tax the Ancient Egyptians (Video)

In 639, Arab Muslim forces arrived in Egypt, swiftly gaining control of the Nile and, within two years, the capital, Alexandria. Egypt fell entirely under their dominion. Notably, the first structure...
Left; Statuette depicting a worshipping baboon, Right; Baboon mummy. Source: Left; Metropolitan Museum of Art, CC0, Right; CC BY SA 2.0
27 October, 2023 - 14:59 ancient-origins

Origin of Ancient Mummified Baboons in Egypt Found and Points to a Location for Punt

University of Konstanz Primatologists are using genetic analysis to determine the geographic origin of ancient, mummified baboons found in Egypt. In doing so the evidence points to an astonishing...
Egyptian painting of dancers and flutists, from the Tomb of Nebamun. (Public Domain)
12 October, 2023 - 02:00 Robbie Mitchell

The Wildest Party in Ancient Egypt- The Festival of Drunkenness (Video)

In ancient Egypt , amidst the grandeur of pyramids and pharaohs, there existed a unique annual event—the Festival of Drunkenness . This mid-August celebration found its origins in Egyptian mythology...
Lapis lazuli cult image of the God Ptah. Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art / Public Domain.
2 October, 2023 - 16:57 Robbie Mitchell

This Egyptian Statue Was Created to Hold the Spirit of a God (Video)

In ancient Egypt, amid the grandeur of pyramids , obelisks, and temples , there exists a small yet captivating marvel—an exquisite lapis lazuli statue designed not for burial but for divine...
Egyptian statue of two men and a boy that served as a domestic icon. Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art / Public Domain.
19 September, 2023 - 21:00 Robbie Mitchell

This Egyptian Statue Is Reminiscent of a Family Photo (Video)

This Egyptian statue , an exhibit at the New York MET, hails from around 1340 BC during the Amarna period and exudes a magnetic charm. These three male figures capture a profound naturalism, evident...
A Hippopotamus. Source: Aintschie / Adobe Stock.
7 September, 2023 - 14:56 Joanna Gillan

Hunting Hippos Was a Royal Sport in Ancient Egypt

To the modern observer, the hippopotamus might seem a curious creature - large and often languid in its watery habitat. However, in ancient Egypt, the hippo was regarded as one of the most ferocious...
Mural of an Embalmer in Ancient Egypt. Source: Mary Harrsch / Flickr.
2 September, 2023 - 20:58 Robbie Mitchell

A Day In The Life Of An Egyptian Embalmer (Video)

In ancient Egypt, embalmers played a sacred role, ensuring a smooth transition to the afterlife . Their intricate techniques helped preserve the deceased's appearance and identity. This process was...
Ingredients Used to Embalm Egyptian Senetnay Prove Her Elite Status
31 August, 2023 - 17:00 Nathan Falde

Ingredients Used to Embalm Egyptian Senetnay Prove Her Elite Status

A team of scientists led by archaeologists from the Max Planck Institute in Germany have just completed a comprehensive analysis of the balm or embalming fluid used in mummification procedures...
Ancient frescoes often depict scenes from the daily life, religious rituals, or important events of an Egyptian Pharaoh. Source: EdNurg/Adobe Stock
14 August, 2023 - 18:56 Robbie Mitchell

A Day in the Life of an Egyptian Pharaoh

Ancient Egypt, one of the greatest civilizations to have ever existed, spanned a vast timeline, lasting for approximately 3,000 years. For much of that time, it was ruled over by god-kings known as...
The golden mummy of Lady Isaious, at the Manchester Museum. Source: Allan Gluck/CC BY-SA 4.0
14 August, 2023 - 14:56 Aleksa Vučković

Golden Mummy of Lady Isaious and Her Lavish Journey into the Afterlife

Sir William Matthew Flinders Petrie was one of the foremost Egyptologists and archaeologists of our time. Renowned for his discoveries in Egypt, as well as for pioneering systems of preserving...
Imagery obtained from the scans of Egyptian painting of Ramesses II. Source: Martinez et al./CC-BY 4.0
13 July, 2023 - 18:52 Sahir

New X-Ray Scanning Method Reveals Pharaoh’s Hidden Mysteries in Egyptian Paintings

Ancient photoshopping? Hidden details of ancient Egyptian paintings, along with artistic processes and alterations made to historical masterpieces over 3,000 years ago, have been uncovered by...
Left is the original photo of the Khafre statue; right is the photo cut in half and flipped. Source: Author provided.
28 June, 2023 - 18:51 Cliff Dunning

The Brilliance of ‘Pre-diluvian’ Sculpture - Cannot Be Hand Made!

I'm still digesting our recent tour to Egypt; the temple and the pyramids - just the atmosphere of the ancients was a lot to take in. Each time I visit, I’m stunned at the beauty, sophistication, and...
Bottom, a Hetepheres bracelet in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MFA 47.1700. Top, an electrotype reproduction made in 1947, MFA 52.1837 (Harvard University—Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition) Source: © April 2023 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston/ Journal of Archaeological Science
30 May, 2023 - 18:31 Sahir

Stunning Silver Bracelet of Egyptian Queen Hetepheres Reveals Trade Secrets

In a remarkable revelation from a recent study, ancient Egypt has once again defied expectations, showcasing its globalized nature even in the early Bronze Age. The study, centered around a...
Left to Right; Osiris statue, sword, Bacchus statue found at archaeological dig in Poland. Source: Lubelski Wojewódzki Konserwator Zabytków
8 May, 2023 - 22:57 Sahir

Osiris Figurines and Bust of Bacchus Recovered Side by Side in Poland. Why?

In a recent archaeological excavation carried out in the village of Kluczkowice in Poland, a peculiar discovery has been made of Roman and Egyptian gods lying side by side. Two ancient Egyptian...
The statue of pharaoh Senwosret III, who ruled from 1878 BC to 1839 BC, is another in a long line of missing Egyptian noses. Source: Public domain
6 May, 2023 - 23:01 Theodoros Karasavvas

Why Are So Many Ancient Egyptian Statues Missing Their Noses?

The missing noses on ancient Egyptian statues have been a topic of discussion and curiosity within art history circles for many years. It is a common question that many people ask: why are the noses...
The pyramid texts of ancient Egypt’s pyramids are a rich source of information on their beliefs and religion. Source: EvrenKalinbacak/ Adobe Stock
24 February, 2023 - 13:59 Aleksa Vučković

The Pyramid Texts: Incantations Carved in Stone

The ancient Egyptians were known for their elaborate funerary traditions and beliefs in life after death, with the pharaohs being the most powerful and religious rulers of their time. The Pyramid...
Part of the 16-meter-long document from Saqqara that includes illustrations and text from the Book of the Dead of Ahmose. Source: Supreme Council of Antiquities
23 February, 2023 - 00:52 Joanna Gillan

First Public Display of 16-meter-long Papyrus Found in Saqqara Casket

The exciting discovery of a 16-meter-long (52.5 ft) ancient papyrus found in a sarcophagus in Egypt's Saqqara region has now been unveiled. A papyrus of this size and quality had not been discovered...
Water lily Nymphaea, known as ‘blue lotus’. Source: Public Domain
15 February, 2023 - 13:57 Sahir

The Blue Lotus: A Narcotic Lily That Mesmerized Ancient Egypt

A water lily from the genus Nymphaea , this plant became known as the ‘Blue Lotus’, or the ‘Egyptian Lotus’. This aquatic plant is not just a thing of beauty, it has a secret too, and the ancient...

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