Information About Ancient Egypt
The hieroglyphics and reliefs of ancient Egypt document life many thousands of years ago. In fields, such as medicine, manufacturing and industry, the Egyptians led the world. Ancient Egypt may have been an open book in some areas, but there are also mysterious chapters that prompt questions for which there are no clear answers.
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Ankh
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The ankh is an Egyptian hieroglyphic, which symbolizes "eternity." It is the sign of "life" and was recognized throughout the land, even among the illiterate who understood its meaning and significance. The ankh is prominent in reliefs, which is a sculptured artwork, and in tombs. There are several theories about the basic design of the ankh. Among the most plausible is that the loop signifies the sun, the crossbar represents the horizon and the vertical bar below is the path of the sun as it rises above the horizon.
Queen Nefertiti
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Queen Nefertiti (1410 to 1370 B.C.) was an enigmatic figure even though the sculpted limestone bust of her in Berlin's Egyptian Museum is among the most recognizable historical likenesses. She was the chief wife of the Pharaoh Akhenaten, who introduced the religious concept of a single god. It was apparently a case of true love and mutual respect between Akhenaten and Nefertiti, whose name means "The beautiful one is come." They are thought to have had six daughters, some of whom are portrayed with them in reliefs that illustrate the simple joys of family life. Then, around the 14th year of Akhenaten's reign, Nefertiti disappeared without a trace. The last known relief of her depicts the burial of her second daughter, the year before. There is speculation that she died or possibly became co-regent with her husband. More recently, it has been suggested that a female mummy found in the Valley of the Kings is Nefertiti. The mummy's double-pierced ear lobe, shaved head and the impression of a royal brow-band are some clues. However, what happened to Nefertiti remains a mystery.
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Jewelry
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Jewelry was considered a status symbol in ancient Egypt, among women and men alike. Elaborate jewelry was fashioned from gold, silver and copper, and encrusted with gems. Carnelian, malachite, rock crystal and turquoise were favored, as was lapis lazuli imported from Afghanistan. Egyptian emeralds and the scarab beetle shape were also very popular. The color green signified fertility and bountiful crops. Even the linen caftans and sandals worn by the elite were covered in gems. The less affluent wore jewelry made from glass and pottery.
Perfume
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Ancient Egypt was noted for its superior perfumes. Reliefs paint a picture of perfume-making as an art. Henna, cinnamon, irises, lilies, myrrh and musk were among the exotic ingredients. Perfumes were used in mummification, and burned as incense to please the gods. Ornate perfume containers from the tomb of Tutankhamun are part of the Cairo Museum exhibits.
Remedies
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Today's homeopathic remedies may have originated in ancient Egypt. Physicians were known to use honey for its antiseptic properties, acacia to treat digestive disorders, coriander for circulation and stiffness, garlic for vitality and onions to combat heart disease.
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- Photo Credit Maureen Katemopoulos
