Nut - the Egyptian Sky Goddess

One of my personal favorites of the ancient Egyptian pantheon is Nut the sky goddess.

Narmer - the First Pharaoh

Pharaoh Narmer, also referred to as Menes, is often called the first pharaoh of the first dynasty of a unified Egypt. There is debate as to whether or not Narmer actually existed, or if he was simply the pharaoh archetype designed to represent the ideal king.

Role of the Pharaoh in Ancient Egypt

The pharaohs of ancient were kings (and queens), yes, but they were really much more than that. The pharaoh was the symbolic father of all of the citizens of Egypt. It was believed that the pharaoh was a direct relative of the sun god Ra (basically the father of the other gods), so it makes sense that one of the pharaoh's main duties was to care for his people as a father cares for his children.

Rosetta Stone Discovered in 1799

It was during the French occupation (under Napoleon) of Egypt that the key to our current understanding of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics was discovered near the town of Rosetta (el Rashid).

Canadian Archaeologists Excavate Ancient Nubia (Sudan)

The ancient Nubians may very well have been as wealthy or wealthier (and almost as powerful) as their Nile neighbors to the north. However, the civilization of the Nubians is still somewhat of a mystery. We have not deciphered their script yet, and until that happens the mystery will grow as archaeologists continue to uncover the remnants of this "other" great Nile civilization.

Check out this article about a Canadian archeologist's work in Sudan on excavating and discovering the secrets of the Kingdom of Kush.

Egyptians used concrete?

A professor from Drexel University claims that the Egyptians used a concrete-like material made from limestone to make some of the blocks forming Great Pyramids of Giza.

Radiologists Present ‘King Tut’ Findings

CHICAGO — Egyptian radiologists who performed the first-ever computed tomography (CT) evaluation of King Tutankhamun’s mummy believe they have solved the mystery of how the ancient pharaoh died. The CT images and results of their study were presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

Suez Canal Opens - Nov 17, 1869

On November 17, 1869, the Suez Canal, providing a water route from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, opened for navigation.

Geography of Ancient Egypt - the Nile River

Greek historian Herodotus said that ancient Egypt was “an acquired country, the gift of the river.” The river he wrote of was the Nile.

Ra - The Egyptian Sun God

Different Names and Forms of Ra

Who – or what – was the mighty Ra of ancient Egypt? The sun god, right? Well, yes and no, sort of.

Mummification in Ancient Egypt

According to ancient Egyptian mythology, or at least some versions, Osiris was the first pharaoh. He was given the throne by his father Ra.

Hatshepsut: From Queen to Pharaoh

An exhibit on one of the relatively few femal pharaohs of Egypt, Hatshepsut (18th Dynasty), just closed at The Metopolitan Museum. However, they have a great page on the Hatshepsut exhibition still up at the site.

The page includes links to a great slide show from the exhibition, more information on Hatshepsut, and a audio file of Sam Waterston telling the story of Hatshepsut.

King Tut on Exhibit in Chicago

The windy city will be hosting the most famous of all the ancient Egyptian pharaohs through the end of the year. The following is part of a press release from The Field Museum in Chicago:

For more than 3,000 years they lay unseen beneath the Egyptian sands: gleaming treasures of gold and semi-precious jewels; statues and chests of breathtaking artistry; magical amulets and articles of ancient life; the mummified body of a young pharaoh.