Uncovering The Secrets Of Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt has always been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, with its towering pyramids, powerful pharaohs, and legendary figures like Cleopatra and King Tut.
However, recent discoveries have shed new light on the secrets of this fascinating civilization, including mummies and the practices surrounding their creation and preservation.
CSI: Egypt
Egyptians are believed to have invented fingerprint powder using soot and charcoal to dust for prints.
This early technique paved the way for modern forensic science and continues to be used today in criminal investigations worldwide. Egyptian Blue, as it is called, was used to color jewelry.
Slaves Did Not Build The Pyramids
Contrary to popular belief, slaves did not build the pyramids. Paid volunteers, including skilled laborers and farmers, constructed these monumental structures.
These workers were often from highly respected Egyptian families and were well-compensated for their efforts.
The Biggest Pyramid Is Not In Egypt
Despite people equating a pyramid's height with its size, The Great Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico is the world's biggest pyramid.
It measures 1,476 feet by 1,476 feet. The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are the tallest.
Don't Unwrap A Mummy
If unwrapped, a mummy's bandages would stretch up to 1 mile in length.
These strips of linen were used to wrap the body of the deceased in ancient Egyptian times, preserving the body for the afterlife.
Keep It In The Family
Cleopatra's parents were believed to be brother and sister. She married her younger brother, Ptolemy XIII, then Julius Caesar, and later Mark Antony.
Her romantic relationships with these powerful men contributed to her legacy as a famous Egyptian queen.
It's A Privilege, Not A Right
Ancient Egyptian women enjoyed more rights and privileges than their contemporaries in other societies.
They could own property, inherit, divorce, and even rule as the Pharaoh. Women were also respected as goddesses and had access to education and careers.
Double-Edged Sword Of A Pharaoh
As the political leader, the pharaoh wielded absolute power over Ancient Egypt. Simultaneously, they also held a divine status, mediating between the gods and people.
This duality ensured that they were both a symbol of order and a source of religious guidance.
Egyptians Weren't the First to Practice Mummification
Recent discoveries have revealed that the Chinchorro people of South America practiced mummification 2000 years before the Egyptians.
These mummies were created by removing organs and muscle tissue and drying and preserving the bodies with ash and mud.
Pharaohs Were Not Bearded
Despite depictions in statues, it is believed that ancient Egyptian pharaohs did not have facial hair. This is because they were required to be clean-shaven as a symbol of their divine status and purity.
The use of false beards in ceremonial contexts contributed to the depiction of pharaohs with facial hair in art.
Cleopatra Was Not Egyptian
Cleopatra was of Greek-Macedonian descent, tracing her lineage to Ptolemy I, one of Alexander the Great's generals.
Her family, the Ptolemies, ruled Egypt for three centuries and maintained Greek traditions and culture, despite the country's Egyptian population.
The Truth Behind King Tut's Death
It is believed that King Tutankhamun's death was caused perhaps by a hippopotamus attack.
Furthermore, his mummified body was found without a heart or chest, leading to speculations of foul play or an intentional ritualistic removal during embalming.
Latrines In The Afterlife
Toilets were not commonly found in Ancient Egyptian tombs, as the deceased was believed to have no bodily functions in the afterlife.
However, some tombs belonging to high-ranking officials and pharaohs, such as Tutankhamun, did have rudimentary latrines or chambers for waste disposal.
A Once Thriving Port Is Now Under Water
The city of Heracleion, once a thriving port in Ancient Egypt, now lies submerged in the Mediterranean Sea.
Discovered in 2000 after being lost for over a thousand years, it contains stunning relics and monuments, including the towering statue of the God Hapi.
Cleanliness Was Important, Even In Death
Ancient Egyptians believed that the body must be preserved to achieve eternal life. They placed small items, including toothpicks, in the tombs to assist the deceased in their journey to the afterlife.
Toothpicks were a symbol of the importance of good dental health and hygiene, even in the next life.
Pharaohs Liked To Indulge And Were Not The Healthiest
Contrary to popular belief, Ancient Egyptian pharaohs were not necessarily models of perfect health. Their diet, consisting mostly of bread, beer, and meat, contributed to high rates of obesity and diabetes.
Evidence suggests that several pharaohs suffered from these health issues, challenging the notion of their invincibility and immortality.
Menkaure's Death Was Most Likely Due To Partying
Menkaure was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the 4th dynasty. According to legend, he lit candles to deceive the gods into granting him eternal life.
However, this ploy failed, and Menkaure died like any mortal. He was known for his love of parties and never sleeping, leading to his untimely demise.
Crime Was No Monkey-Business
In ancient Egypt, police officers patrolling the streets often used dogs and monkeys to assist them.
The dogs were trained to guard and attack criminals, while the monkeys were used to pickpocket and retrieve stolen goods.
Men Took Time To Care For Their Families
Early Egyptian societies featured husbands who took time off work to care for their menstruating wives and daughters.
This was seen as a duty and a sign of love and respect toward women. It was also believed that women's menstrual cycles were connected to the cycles of the moon and the goddess Isis.
The Brain Was Not Important In The Afterlife
During the mummification process in Ancient Egypt, a hook was inserted through the nostrils of the deceased and used to break up and remove the brain.
The brain was discarded as it was not considered important for the afterlife. The skull was then packed with linen and resin to maintain the shape of the head.
Honesy Wa Used For A Strange Purpose
Servants used honey to repel flies from Pharaohs by smearing it on their bodies. This sweet and sticky substance kept the pests away, allowing Pharaohs to enjoy their meals in peace.
However, this method of insect control was not without its drawbacks, as it attracted other bugs and made the servants sticky and uncomfortable.
Cleopatra Had Beauty And Brains
Cleopatra, the last queen of Ancient Egypt, received a high level of education, including studying philosophy, astronomy, mathematics, and twelve languages.
She was fluent in Egyptian, Greek, and Latin and was known for her intelligence and wit. Her education was a result of her royal status and desire to rule effectively.
Mummified Pets
In ancient Egypt, pets were often mummified and buried with their owners as a sign of their importance and loyalty.
This practice reflected the belief that the afterlife was a continuation of life on earth and that all members of a household, including pets, should be together in the afterlife.
Ancient Egypt Has The First Recorded Strike
Workers in Ancient Egypt organized the first recorded strikes in history, demanding payment for their labor in the form of grain.
These strikes were an early form of collective bargaining and demonstrated the power of workers to unite and demand fair treatment from their employers.
Women Could Divorce Their Husbands
In Ancient Egypt, women enjoyed relatively equal status to men and had the right to own property, manage businesses, and initiate divorce.
This reflects the progressive nature of their society, where women were valued for their contributions and were considered to be important members of the community.
Loincloth Contraception
While some historians have speculated that loincloths may have been used as primitive forms of contraception in Ancient Egypt, there is little evidence to support this claim.
It is more likely that the loincloths were worn as undergarments or for modesty purposes.
Men And Women Wore Makeup
In Ancient Egypt, both men and women wore makeup for aesthetic and practical reasons.
Makeup was thought to have protective and symbolic qualities, giving the wearer a god-like aura. It was also used to protect the skin from the harsh desert sun and to repel insects.
King Tut's Shoes Held Some Secrets
It is believed that King Tutankhamun of Ancient Egypt wore sandals with his enemies painted on the soles.
This was a symbolic way to show that he was stepping on his enemies and crushing them with every step he took. It also served as a reminder of his power and dominance over his enemies.
Cats Were Highly Regarded Members Of Society
Ancient Egyptians had a deep fondness for pets, particularly cats. Cats were highly regarded for their ability to hunt vermin and were considered sacred animals associated with the goddess Bastet.
They were often kept as pets and mummified after death. This shows the importance and reverence given to animals in early Egyptian civilization.
The Legend Of Isis And The Formation Of The Mile River
Isis was a powerful goddess in ancient Egyptian mythology, associated with motherhood, fertility, and magic.
According to legend, her tears of mourning for her husband Osiris caused the Nile to flood each year, bringing new life and prosperity to the land. This is celebrated annually in a festival called "Night of the Tear Drop."
Egyptians Used Animal Waste To Predict The Future
Although scatomancy was not practiced by the Ancient Egyptians often, there are some historical accounts of them using animal feces to predict the future.
This practice, known as haruspication, involved examining the entrails and feces of sacrificed animals to interpret signs and omens and gain insight into the will of the gods.
