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Highlighting some Important in Tarneem Bayoumy, Zainab Elsokaily JFTH Vol. 17, Issue 2 (2020)

ISSN: 2314-7024 E-ISSN: 2682-2180

Highlighting Some Important Gemstones in Ancient Egypt (From Predynastic till end of Graeco-Roman Period)

Tarneem Bayoumy

Associate Professor - Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, Matrouh University, Egypt

Zainab Elsokaily

Associate Professor - Higher Institute of Tourism and Hotels, El Seyouf, Alexandria

Abstract Throughout history many cultures have used their uses, sources, religious significance stones, metals and gems as key elements in and color symbolism. The study ends with a their religious and spiritual systems as well main conclusion. as decorative items. Among these were the ancient who made excellent use Keywords: Gemstones, Ancient Egypt, of gemstones as early as the predynastic Graeco-Roman period, , period and continued during the Graeco- , Roman period. Gemstones were used primarily in jewelry, amulets and decorative Introduction items, besides their religious significance The gemstones of ancient Egypt are mainly and healing properties. This study focuses defined by including all rocks, , and on three of the most common gemstones in materials used in jewelry, amulets, seals, Ancient Egypt; Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, and and other small decorative items. They are Carnelian. The paper aims at displaying the usually identified on the basis of their uses of these three stones, sources, religious macroscopic characteristics like color, glaze, contexts and symbolism of their colors in and form (Harrell, 2012). These Ancient Egypt, which could help tour guides stones were carved into beads, , explain in museums and scenes related. The amulets, cylinder seals, small vessels, study starts with a main introduction of scarabs and small figures, window frames, gemstones and then it displays these three collars, and amulets (Heywood, 2010). stones in ancient Egypt in regards to their Among the various amulets were the heart, names in Ancient Egyptian language, and in Dd pillar and wDAt. Gemstones were also Greek and , used as and medicament (Harris, 1961). In the history of the production of

precious stones Hellenism was a very important period for setting up direct with the very important sources of gems in

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Highlighting some Important Gemstones in Ancient Egypt Tarneem Bayoumy, Zainab Elsokaily

North-Eastern , , , and Aims of the study Ceylon, which meant that its sources of - Displaying the uses of Lapis Lazuli, supplies were increased in Egypt during this Turquoise and Carnelian, their sources, period. This does not mean, however that historical background, religious the knowledge of gems in earlier times was significance, and color symbolism in ancient not considerable (Forbes,1950). Ancient Egypt. Greek civilization divided gems into males - Seeking for similarities and development and females according to the depth or of Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, and Carnelian in lightness of their color (King, 1860). Ancient Egypt in regards to their sources, Between the second and the fourth centuries uses, gods related and symbolism of color. AD many Alexandrian treatises on the - Reaching a main conclusion in regards to magic properties of precious stones were the previous stones in Ancient Egypt which written. Among these are the Orphic poem could help tour guides in their explanation “on Gems” (λιθικά) (latin De Lapidibus), to objects related. “about Rivers and Mountains”, General words related to gemstones in the “ὶῶὶὄἔί” Ancient Egyptian Language attributed to Pseudo- Plutarch, the treatise aAt (wb I, 165/ 13f) includes both metals and written by Damigeron and Cyranidi semi- precious stones. attributed to Hermes Trismegistus. The aAt wDH (wb I, 165/21) a term for artificial material now maintained in museums of gemstones ancient Egyptian gemstones is not fully XAt (wb III, 360/11-15) is a word for quarry representative of use for all ms- aAt (wb II, 138/9) a word for jeweler or periods since most ancient Egyptian tombs gem-cutter were robbed in antiquity and the principal nSdy (wb II, 342/18) meaning worker in items robbed were metals especially precious stones and gemstones. Our main source of ar – dXwt (wb I,.208/11- wb II, 342/18) information of gemstones are tombs mostly words for small stones and pebbles, it might royal and elite, also lists of minerals also be used as a term of all gemstones mentioned in the Chester Beatty papyrus, at collected in the form of pebbles Edfu and Dendera temples and elsewhere. gmw (wb V, 169/13) a word used for Harrell identifies 38 gemstones varieties precious stones used by the ancient Egyptians (Harrell inr n DbA, DbA (wb V, 556/11) meaning to ,2012). This paper is concerned with three adorn or decorate, so inr n DbA might mean of these gemstones in ancient Egyptian decorative stone period: Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, and Lapis Lazuli Carnelian. The reason why these three Description and Uses gemstones were particularly chosen was due to their frequent appearance and their Lapis Lazuli was the most important among importance proven by their mention in lists Egyptian stones in Ancient Egypt. It is a and texts as the study will reveal. dark opaque of and Aluminum rock (Shaw& Nicholson, 2000). It is depicted as baskets of blue blocks both large and small (Urk IV, 638: 1098). Its

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Highlighting some Important Gemstones in Ancient Egypt Tarneem Bayoumy, Zainab Elsokaily position in offertory lists shows that it was Lapis Lazuli. Lepsius gives HsbD a wide the most valuable of all the semi-precious range of meaning including Sapphirus stones and comes after gold and (Cyanus) and Caeruleum (Lepsius, 1877). (Shortland & Zakrzewski, 2015). They were Probably identical with the Greek carved into beads, inlay, amulets, cylinder and  and with the Latin seals, small vessels, scarabs and small Cyanus and Sapphirus Richter,2006). figures and collars. To improve the sight, Wendel takes HsbD as a term for the blue one of the remedies in the Ebers Papyrus stones in general and Lapis Lazuli in mentions the combination of Collyrium with particular (Wendel,1888). HsbD was incense and real Lapis Lazuli (Cyril, 1930). undoubtedly the most highly prized of all In the Graeco-Roman Period they were used the semi-precious stones and regularly mainly in producing seals (Museum,2010). follows nbw (gold), HD (silver) in the Seals carved from semiprecious stones had enumeration of minerals (Chassinat, 1932). long been used in Greece, but under the Ptolemaic royal court, gem- carvers Also, tfrr as Lapis Lazuli (wb produced exceptional works to magnify the V, 300/2-3), tfrrt (wb V, monarchy. Lapis Lazuli was also used in 300/1) as Lapis Lazuli land. HsbD mAa Ptolemaic culture in rings and in implies that imitation Lapis was also known, (Roman.AD 1-200, Spier, Potts & and an expression HsbD iryt does in fact Cole,2018). Lapis Lazuli is also known for occur (Harris, 1961). The name Lapis Lazuli its healing properties. It was used as a cure which means “blue stone “is derived from for eye diseases. The stone was to be the ancient Persian word “Lazhuward” washed with cold water before and after the which meant blue (Ahsion& Simmons, treatment, and could be heated over the eye 2007). and Pliny the elder in order to get rid of all foreign materials. described the stone that they called The stone was also supposed to detect Sapphirus as being dotted with golden spots, poison, to elevate the thoughts towards but this description refers more to lapis heaven and for memory enhancement, and lazuli. It is blue and is only rarely tinged to promote virtuousness. Greeks and with . Lapis Lazuli of the color Romans also used it for serpent bites, is regarded as a male variety (PL.,37-119- circulatory diseases, pregnancy, in the 20, Rickard,2015). Solinus says that when treatment of epilepsy, and skin troubles put in the mouth it is colder than other (Nammu, 2018). The Romans believed that stones (Forbes,1966). it was an aphrodisiac. The gemstone remains in use today in Historical background Lapis Lazuli is well known since the therapies (History Bytez,2016). Predynastic period, during the Gerzean The designation of Lapis Lazuli in the period there is hardly a cemetery from that ancient Egyptian language and in Greek period that has not produced Lazuli beads and Latin (from Gerza itself in the north to Bahan just In the Ancient Egyptian language, Lapis south of the first cataract). It was however not in common use at Naqada where out of Lazuli was called HsbD (wb 2000 graves Lapis Lazuli was only found in III, 334/1-13) which has been accepted as two (Payne,1968). The Tôd treasure,

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Highlighting some Important Gemstones in Ancient Egypt Tarneem Bayoumy, Zainab Elsokaily discovered in 1936 in Egypt contains a huge Lapis Lazuli was brought also to Egypt as set of raw blocks of Lapis Lazuli and beads. tribute from various localities like Assur, The treasure was found in the basement of a Babylon, , and others ( Urk IV, temple dedicated to the worship of Montu, 668; 669, Urk IV 668;701, Urk IV , 669; 30 kms south of Luxor (Giudice& Angelici 688 ; 744 , Urk IV , 708 respectively ).HsbD & Re, Alessandro & Gariani ,2016). The nfr n bbr , HsbD n tfrr were probably names silver of queen Hetepheres from of trading stations of Lapis Lazuli on the the Old Kingdom, 4th dynasty was inlaid route from (Harris, 1961). with Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, and Carnelian Poseidippos of Pella (310-240B.C.) was a (Harris, 2012, Reisner,1955). In the Middle Greek poet resident in Alexandria in the Kingdom, a collar of silver, gold, third century B.C, he refers to Lapis Lazuli faience, carnelian and Lapis Lazuli was as of Persian origin (Maris,2016). discovered in the tomb of Wah from the 12th Badakhshan seemed to have been also the dynasty in Thebes (Girsh& Whitney main exploited source of the in the ,1998).In the New Kingdom, 18th dynasty Graeco-Roman Period. The treasury at the The golden sarcophagus of king Hellenistic city Ai Khanoum contained is richly inlaid with Lapis around 75 kilograms of rough blocks of Lazuli ( Ahsion, & Simmons, 2007). Also, a Lapis at the time of its desertion Lapis Lazuli amulet of was found (Mairs,2014). By the Hellenistic period the among the bandages of the mummy of time of Poseidippos, immigrated Greeks Tutankhamun (Remier, 2010). In the were involved in its large-scale extraction Ptolemaic Period, , during her and its long -distance transportation from rule, quarantined most of the available origin (Mairs, 2016). Afghan supply because she believed it was a Religious contexts stone that brought her not only eternal life Gods were described as having of but also eternal power. She had her silver, skin of gold and eyelids and brows of walls inlaid in the royal blue stone (Lapis true Lapis Lazuli. The emphasis on this Lazuli is the reason we have the concept of material was an evidence of its great value “royal” blue color today). She even (Teeter, 2011). In the story of the grounded Lapis into a powder and lined her destruction of mankind, Ra is said to have eyelids with it, symbolizing her truth and hair of Lapis Lazuli, also the God Amun is power (Perrakis, 2019). often shown with skin the color of Lapis Sources Lazuli (Remier, 2010). Lapis Lazuli was The principal ancient source of Lapis Lazuli mentioned several times in the Book of the seems to have been the region of Dead; chapter CLXXV (the remains of a Badakhshan in northeastern Afghanistan much longer version of this chapter has been where four ancient quarries have so far been found in the papyrus of a scribe of the identified (Shaw & Nicholson, 2000). Also, offerings of the king of the north and south). neighboring areas in Pakistan is possible From the rubric it is understood that this (Harrell, 2012). This represents one of the chapter was to be recited over a figure of earliest examples identified of a long- Horus made of Lapis Lazuli which was to distance transport of materials in the ancient be put upon the neck of the deceased, such world (Shortland& Zakrzewski, 2015). ceremony was believed to be most effective in securing important benefits for the dead (

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Highlighting some Important Gemstones in Ancient Egypt Tarneem Bayoumy, Zainab Elsokaily

Budge, 2018).An extract from the book of Mountain Olympus. She was the wife of the dead , papyrus of Nebseni , found at Zeus (Ζεύς). Her gem is also the Lapis Memphis “ your visage is covered with gold Lazuli which helps promote honesty and and Horus has inlaid it with Lapis Lazuli “ ( open communication (Stein,2013). Faulkner, 1991).From chapters of praising Symbolism of Color which are made in the god‟s domain “ your The most effective natural elements in the upper part is Lapis Lazuli , your hair is lives of the ancient Egyptians: the sky and bestrewn with Lapis Lazuli , your visage is the Nile are blue in color, symbolizing covered with gold and Horus has inlaid it inundation and supernaturalism (Foroughi with Lapis Lazuli , your eyebrows are the &Javadi,& Nazar ,2017).Also the ceilings of two sisterly serpents and Horus has inlaid New Kingdom royal tombs are dark blue them with Lapis Lazuli , your eyelashes are symbolizing primarily the night sky firm everyday being colored with real Lapis (Banes,1985), Sign of the sky thus place of Lazuli , your breasts are eggs of carnelian Ra . Also, Hapi ‟s skin color is blue. In the which Horus has inlaid with Lapis Lazuli Graeco-Roman Period Lapis Lazuli was the (Dassow, 2008).In the Egyptian Book of the symbol of royalty and honor, gods and dead , Lapis Lazuli in the shape of an eye power, spirit and vision. It was also thought amulet is thought to have enormous power of as a symbol of the starry heavens and as a .In the Book of the dead , spell 26 is entitled defense against the evil eye. it is also a “ r n ib n Xsbd “, of heart of Lapis Lazuli, symbol of heavenly protection or air. In the which is found on a papyrus from the 19th book of Revelation, (or Lapis dynasty in Berlin , “ ib “ indicates not the Lazuli) is among the Foundations of the actual heart amulet but the heart Holy Jerusalem (Becker,2000). The stone (Harris, 1961). In the Greco-Roman Period had a great importance in Christianity Lapis Lazuli was considered sacred to especially because it was in particular Aphrodite, the name of the gemstone used known for encouraging fidelity (Sessin, in Aphrodite‟s secret name 2014). ( is a symbol of the Turquoise celestial character of Aphrodite Ourania Description and uses (Waegeman, 1991). Lapis Lazuli when Turquoise is an opaque phosphate of engraved with an image of the goddess and Aluminum, its color ranges from light to placed above the eye of a wryneck (a bird of medium green to greenish blue or light blue madness associated with her) and set in a with the blue color fading overtime to green , talisman would attract the attentions of due to dehydration (Harrell, 2012). the opposite sex (Lovano, 2019). Lapis Turquoise derives its sky-blue color from traces of . Its name might have been Lazuli honors Athena (Ἄ she is the derived from the old French “torques‟ in Greek Goddess of war and Wisdom. reference to or it might refer to the Athena‟s throne was made of silver and her Persian word “Piruzen “(Clark, 1986). In the eyes of lapis lazuli (Molloy,2017). There Graeco-Roman period, it was supposed to was also a violet made out of blue protect travelers on their way, it was also lapis lazuli set atop the throne. Hera (Ἥρα) believed to improve eyesight and to help in was the Greek Goddess of Marriage and the communication (Neva,2007). Pliny Queen of all Gods and Goddesses on described Turquoise as follows: “Next to the

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Topazios in appearance though not same Sources and Historical Background value comes the Callaina, of a pale yellow mixed with green”. The Callaina is Turquoise in ancient Egypt was obtained supposed to be a variety of the Topazios, from Sinai. It was found in this area between a layer of and a layer of those of the deepest green are naturally the st most valued. Such a distinction made the . It was obtained as early as the 1 Greek mineralogists judging by the eye and dynasty from the quarry of Wadi Magharah, classifying the Topazios deep green and since four bracelets of Turquoise were discovered in the tomb of king Dr from the Callaina, yellowish green under different st From the Third)عبذ الفتبح ،species (Bayley,2006). Greeks believed 1 dynasty ( 0222 turquoise stones pressed to the eyes could Dynasty, missions to the mines recorded improve eyesight. Turquoise of opaque commemorative inscriptions there. Kings greenish or sky blue color, does not appear and Zoser were among the first in ancient intaglios, but was occasionally kings who left inscriptions there. Since the used for cameos and for works in the round early years of the Middle Kingdom, in the Augustan period (Richer,2006). Greek Ancient Egyptians started to send physician, Trallianos (6th AD) mentions a missions to exploit the turquoise mines in remedy for epilepsy in relation to Turquoise, Serabit El-Khadem in South Sinai. They “ wear on your finger a shining blue also built a temple for Goddess green like turquoise and you will be cured (Goddess of turquoise), the temple of from the disease” ( Lowry,2010). Serabit El-Khadem. The oldest inscriptions found in Serabit-El-Khadem confirmed that Designation of Turquoise in the Ancient the mining campaigns began in the Middle Egyptian Language, Greek and Latin Kingdom and King Senusret I was the First

)فخزي King to send missions there )2890 Turquoise was called mfkAt (wb , Also, a possible source in ancient Egypt is at Bir Nasib copper mine (Harrell, 2012). In II/56.13), (wb, II, /57.8). wAD n bAX the Graeco-Roman period It seems that which has been interpreted as an alternative Turquoise native country was the region to name of mfkAt apparently is a variant of the the north of India, amongst the tribes of latter in the Dendarah attribute tables where mount , the Phycari, Dahae and bAX produced mfkAt referring probably to Sacae (little Bokhara) (N.H.,XXXVII,110- Sinai (Harris, 1961, wb, I/267.3-8 & 9-15). 12). The Callaina original and finest kind wAD is also seen as a term which represents was considered characteristic to the island of any green stone or green mineral referring the red sea, where it had been first particularly to (Iverson,1955). discovered (Topazios). The Egyptian goddess Hathor as a form of Religious contexts the mother was the mistress of the Turquoise was mentioned several times in mines of Turquoise nbt mfkAt (wb, II/56, the Book of the dead, in spell 109 “ twin Robbins, 2008). Turquoise in Greek is sycamore of turquoise “ are mentioned  and in Latin is Callaina. where the sun god Ra passes between them every morning ( in the Papyrus of Nu no. 10,477.sheet 12 in the , Jasnow, & Zauzich, 2005, Budge,2013).The

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Highlighting some Important Gemstones in Ancient Egypt Tarneem Bayoumy, Zainab Elsokaily

New Kingdom sources mentions Turquoise related to the Persian word “Sered”, as a characteristic of the morning world, and meaning yellowish red (Chisholm & in certain hymns the sun is said to strew the Hugh,1911). Theophrastus mentions that sky with turquoise ( Janseen, 1961, one type of Sardion, which is translucent Sauneron, 1953).In the last hour of the Imy- and of a redder color, is called the female, dwAt , just before day break , a group of 12 and the other which is translucent and gods believed to be the “ Turquoise ones “ “ darker, is called a male. (Forbes,1963). The mfkAtyw” praising the sun gods arising at stone was popular in and dawn ( Borghouts, 2007). A traditional Rome, where it was used for cameos, signet, epithet of Minerva, the Greek goddess of rings, and intaglios (Hurrell & wisdom “was the blue-eyed maid” (Bayley, Johnson,2016). Carnelian is used in all 2006). periods, from Minoan to Roman, and Symbolism of Color perhaps half of all known gems are in this Turquoise in Ancient Egypt symbolized the material (Spier,1992). The Ancient Romans color of new vegetation, growth, fertility, considered the carnelian stone as a luck- and resurrection, thus the color of joy and bringer and a symbol of courage and power. delight (Mendoza, 2017). It was thought as Ancient Greeks also used carnelian for its color associated with Osiris. In the Greco- spiritual and healing powers, associating it Roman period Turquoise symbolized purity with courage, inspiration, and ambition, and virginity, it indicated dignity and wealth confidence, self-realization, and motivation. (Bayley, 2006). Used as protection against negative powers Carnelian and energies, and worn individually to bring Description and uses luck, hope and physical energy Carnelian is a translucent red (Simon,2015). Carnelian also used with which owes its color to the presence of other stones in making seals and it was small amounts of iron oxide, although the employed as signatures on documents and to ideal tint is an orange-red, all shades from pots, chests, doors. The style of the pale to dark are known. At the beginning, massive gold and carnelian rings is the ancient Egyptians seemed to have particularly characteristic of Hellenistic regarded all these varieties as one (Harris, Egypt (Wight & Lapatin, 2010). In the 4th 1961). Carnelian occurs among the 24 aAt at century B.C. Carnelian was also famous Dendarah and in many other lists of gem used in Greek glyptic representing minerals and miscellaneous tribute (Wendel, Alexander, Holding a thunderbolt in his left 1888). Its name derives from the Latin hand and a sheathed sword in his right hand “Carnes”, which means “flesh” probably (Heckel & Tritle,2009). Carnelian was used because of its red color. Another name of as a talisman for protection (Morgan,2008). carnelian is “cornelian” perhaps derived Carnelian was believed to protect eyesight, from the Latin word Cornus meaning safeguard home and bring happiness and “dogwood berry”. Carnelian is very similar prosperity (Neva,2007). Ancient Greeks to Sard and Sardonite (Simon, 2015). used carnelian to ease nervousness and treat According to Pliny the Elder, sarda (family fevers (Olick, 2013). stone of carnelian) derived its name from Designation in the ancient Egyptian the city of “Sardis” in from which it language, in Greek and Latin came, and according to others, may be

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Highlighting some Important Gemstones in Ancient Egypt Tarneem Bayoumy, Zainab Elsokaily

It was known in the Ancient Egyptian carnelian from Sogdiana, and India (Harrell,2008). Religious contexts language by Hrst (wb, III, In ancient Egypt, it appears as the material 150/9-15). Lepsius notes there are two kinds for decans, the forepart of a lion and a of Hrst, one is white : Hrst HD, while temple (De Buck, 1985). Among the names the other is red quartz and perhaps Carnelian of Hathor as Isis-Hathor is “ lady of faience Hrst dSr which was more valued (Lepsius , in place of Carnelian “ ( Harris, 1877). wbA Hrst is the boring of Carnelian 1961).Carnelian was mentioned in the Book (Harris, 1961). Direct evidence for the of the dead , in chapter CLVI in the identification of Hrst as Carnelian is proved Papyrus of Nu no. 10,477.sheet 27 in the by the Berlin amulet board (Berlin 20 600) British Museum , the chapter of a buckle of where Hrst is the label beside two objects, a Carnelian , rubric should be said over a wDAt eye and a bead which are in fact buckle of Carnelian which has been steeped carnelian (Harris, 1961). Of the wDAt eyes in water of flowers and set (3) in a plinth of cited by Petrie, no fewer than 32 are either sycamore and it shall be placed at the Carnelian or Sard (Petrie, 1934). In Greek neck of the deceased on the day of the and in Latin Sardius. funeral ( Budge, 2018). It gave the deceased Historical background the protection of the blood of Isis, and the It has been used since the Predynastic strength and the power of her words. it period in making beads and amulets then caused Horus to rejoice when he saw him, th starting from the 4 dynasty in furniture one hand of the deceased would be towards inlay, jewelry and coffins. There was a heaven and the other towards earth (Romer, discovery of more than 2000 Carnelian 2008). In the Book of the dead chapter 108, beads arranged around the perimeter of two “Sobek lord of bAXw is on the east side of th boats associated with Raneferef from the 5 the mountain, his house of Carnelian dynasty (Van dijk, 1997). Carnelian is “(Borghout, 1973). In ancient Greek shown in the beads from the tomb of mythology Carnelian was associated with th princess nfrw ptH, from the 12 dynasty Daedalus the Greek mythological south of the tomb of her father Amenemhat craftsman, there is an Etruscan depiction of th III in Hawara. Also, in the 18 dynasty Daedalus building wings on a carnelian gem funerary furniture of Tuya, coffin of from the 4th century B.C.(Ambrosini,2014). Smenkhkare and in funerary furniture of In ancient Roman mythology as with ,all red stones such as Carnelian, )عبذ الفتبح ،Tutankhamun. ( 0222 Sources , blood stones etc. were always One mine at Stela Ridge near Gebel el Asr, thought to have an association with the principally for Carnelian and Sard, was planet Mars and so the god, and therefore mainly used in the Middle Kingdom but with the feelings of anger, competitiveness also traces from the Old Kingdom and passion (Wight & Lapatin, 2010). (Harrell,2012). It was also obtained from Carnelian was associated also with Kush and other localities in Nubia, as well Mercury god of trade and luck and Venus as from tA imnty the region round goddess of beauty and fertility (Neva,2007). Elephantine (Wendel, 1888). The Romans Symbolism of Color imported into Egypt many gems like

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Highlighting some Important Gemstones in Ancient Egypt Tarneem Bayoumy, Zainab Elsokaily

Carnelian because of its red color was color associated with Sekhmet with a red associated with the sun god Re, the presence dress and a red disc on her head. In the of Carnelian beads might represent the Graeco-Roman period, in general all red circuit of the sun. Carnelian is also the stones like carnelian were associated with symbol of destructive violence, often feelings of anger, they were associated also associated with the fire of the gods (Van with passion, but at the same time they were dijk 1997). Also, the red of Carnelian also thought to have a positive effect in resembled the red of blood implying life, calming rage (Wight & Lapatin, 2010). strength and vigor (Peck, 2013). Also, as a Discussion and Analysis

Table 1 Displaying the Three Stones in Ancient Egypt according to previous study

Lapis Lazuli Turquoise Carnelian

1- Name in Ancient Ancient Egyptian: Ancient Egyptian: Ancient Egyptian: Egyptian Language/ Greek /Latin HsbD mfkAt Hrst

tfrr

Greek:  Greek: and

 Greek: 

Latin: Cyanus and Latin: Sardius Sapphirus

Latin: Callaina

2- Date (first Since the Predynastic Since the 1st dynasty Since the Predynastic mention) Period Period

3- Uses Ancient Egypt: Ancient Egypt: Ancient Egypt:

in beads, inlay, In jewelry In beads, collars, rings, amulets, cylinder amulets, inlays seals, small vessels, scarabs, small figures Graeco-Roman: used

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Highlighting some Important Gemstones in Ancient Egypt Tarneem Bayoumy, Zainab Elsokaily

and collars. to improve for cameos, signet, the sight, one of the rings, and intaglios, as remedies in the Ebers a luck-bringer Papyrus protection against

negative powers and Graeco-Roman: in energies, ,to bring producing seals in luck, hope and rings and in sculpture, physical energy ,used used as a cure for eye in Greek glyptic art , diseases, to detect Graeco-Roman: in as a talisman for poison, to elevate the jewelry, Greeks protection ,to give the thoughts towards the believed turquoise wearer courage in heavens, and to stones pressed to the battle and help timid promote virtuousness. eyes could improve speakers become both for serpent bites, eyesight. It was eloquent and bold ,was circulatory diseases, occasionally used for believed to protect pregnancy, in the cameos and for works eyesight, safeguard treatment of epilepsy, in the round in the home and bring and skin. Augustan period, also happiness and as a remedy for prosperity ,to ease

epilepsy. nervousness and treat fevers .

4- Source Ancient Egypt: Ancient Egypt: Ancient Egypt:

Badakhshan Sinai, in Wadi Stela Ridge near Gebel (Afghanistan), also Magharah, Serabet el Asr, also Kush and possible Pakistan. Khadem, and possible other localities in Bir Nasib. Nubia, as well as from „tA imnty the region Graeco-Roman: round Elephantine. Graeco-Roman: Besides the local Badakhshan, Persia quarries, imported from north India and

island of the red sea Graeco-Roman: from Sogdiana, Crete and India

5- Gods related Ancient Egypt: Ra, Ancient Egypt: Ancient Egypt: Isis- Hapi , Amun and Horus Hathor, Osiris (as of Hathor, Ra, Sekhmet, green), Anubis (as of Seth and Sobek green), and Ra

Graeco- Roman: Aphrodite, Athena, Graeco-Roman: Hera Daedalus the Greek mythological craftsman, Mercury god of trade and luck Graeco-Roman and Venus goddess of

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Highlighting some Important Gemstones in Ancient Egypt Tarneem Bayoumy, Zainab Elsokaily

Minerva beauty and fertility

6- Symbolism of Ancient Egypt: Ancient Egypt: Ancient Egypt: color of stone symbolizing Turquoise symbolized destructive and inundation and the color of new; violence, often supernaturalism and vegetation, fertility, associated with fire. night sky. and resurrection, thus Resembled the red of the color of joy and blood implying life, delight. strength and vigor.

Graeco-Roman: Graeco-Roman: Graeco-Roman: symbolized purity and Symbolizing royalty virginity, it indicated a symbol of courage honor, power, spirit dignity and wealth and power. spiritual and vision. a symbol and healing powers, of the starry heavens associating it with and as a defense courage, inspiration, against the evil eye. and ambition, encouraging chastity confidence, self- and fidelity. realization, and motivation.

Commentary associated with Ra where he passes through two Sycamore trees every morning, also at - The table shows that the three stones dawn. Carnelian is associated with Ra by appeared quite early in Ancient Egypt where representing the color of the circuit of the Lapis Lazuli and Carnelian appeared since sun. the Predynastic Period and Turquoise in the 1st dynasty. - The main source of Lapis Lazuli was the same through Ancient Egypt which was - In relation to their sources in Ancient Badakhshan (Afghanistan), also the mention Egypt, two of which (Turquoise and of Pakistan. Persia was mentioned (Graeco- Carnelian) are of local quarries while the 3rd Roman period). (Lapis Lazuli) is of foreign origin (Afghanistan). - Gods related to Lapis Lazuli in Ancient Egypt were Ra, Amun, Horus and Hapi all - The three stones were mentioned in are male gods while the gods related to the religious books like the Book of the Dead stone in the Graeco-Roman period were all having certain powers, all three stones are female goddesses: Aphrodite, Athena and related to the god Ra in Ancient Egypt. Hera. Lapis Lazuli associated with Ra in regards to the color of the sky, the house of Ra, also - Lapis Lazuli symbolizes inundation and Ra has hair of Lapis Lazuli in the story of supernaturalism and night sky, in the destruction of mankind. Turquoise is Graeco-Roman, it symbolizes royalty,

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Highlighting some Important Gemstones in Ancient Egypt Tarneem Bayoumy, Zainab Elsokaily honor, power, spirit, vision, starry heavens Carnelian. These three stones were known and as a defense against the evil eye and as early as the Predynastic and Dynastic encouraging chastity and fidelity. Symbol in periods, two of which were quarried from common is sky and heaven. local quarries (Turquoise, Carnelian), while Lapis Lazuli was quarried from - Concerning the uses of Lapis Lazuli, it was Afghanistan. In the Graeco-Roman period generally used in jewelry, with the increase more quarries were known from outside of of its use in seals and sculpture in the Egypt. The three stones were used mainly in Greco-Roman period. In regards to its jewelry, inlays besides their healing healing properties Lapis Lazuli was used as properties that became clearer in the Greco- a cure for eye diseases. Its use in Graeco- Roman period. These stones were Roman period extended to serpent bites, mentioned in religious contexts and related circulatory diseases, pregnancy, in the to gods; Lapis Lazuli was related to Ra, treatment of epilepsy, circulatory diseases Horus, Amun, hapi, Aphrodite, Athena, and skin troubles and memory enhancement. Hera. Turquoise was associated with - Concerning the source of Turquoise in Hathor, Anubis, Osiris, Ra and Minerva. Ancient Egypt, Sinai was the main source Carnelian was associated with Ra, Sekhmet, and in the Graeco-Roman period, besides Seth, Sobek, Mercury god, Daedalus, and the local quarries, Turquoise was exported Venus. The color of these stones had certain among the gemstones from India and island symbolism: Blue of Lapis Lazuli of the red sea. Same for Carnelian in the symbolized inundation and supernaturalism, sense of exporting besides local quarries. royalty, honor, power, spirit vision and starry heavens. Blue-green of Turquoise - The symbolism of the color of the stone of symbolized the color of new vegetation, Carnelian is somehow different through fertility, resurrection, and in the Greco- Ancient Egypt, it has more of a bad side by Roman it has symbolized purity, virginity, being symbol of destructive power and fire indicated dignity and wealth. Carnelian in before the Graeco-Roman Period, while in Ancient Egypt was a symbol of destruction, the Greco-Roman it is more of a good side violence, often associated with fire, by being symbol of courage, ambition and implying life, strength and vigor., and in the confidence. Greco-Roman period: a symbol of courage, - The wDAt eye amulet is common in Lapis power, spiritual and healing powers, Lazuli and Carnelian in Ancient Egypt. inspiration, ambition, confidence, self- realization, and motivation. This study could Conclusion help tour guides explain in Museums In Ancient Egypt, many gemstones were jewelry and items in relation to these three known, the most important were three stones. stones: Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise and

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Plates

Plate 1 Plate 2 Carnelian bead - manufacturing , Dynasty 18, Necklace with beads of Lapis Lazuli, Carnelian, from tomb of Sobekhotep at Thebes Turquoise and others , Dynasty 12 , from tomb of (Harrell , 2012) princess Sithathoryunet at EL Lahun (MMA 16.1.3)(https://metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/ 544232)

Plate 3 Carnelian bead manufacturing, tomb of Aba, Deir Carnelian Oval gem with Zeus Serapis Museum of el-Gebrawi, Dynasty 6(Harrell, 2012) Fine Art Boston https://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatc her/1363216/resize%3Aformat%3Dfull;jsessionid =816C95C4251EEA49C3285383DCD16EC2

Greek Carnelian intaglio ring of Alexander the Great https://i.pinimg.com/originals/78/b5/85/78b585fb7ca 38f540a583a6ce28e3c4b.png

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