Labyrinth of Egypt Fayoum Hawara

Labyrinth of Egypt is one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the ancient world. Described by Herodotus in the 5th century BCE, this vast underground structure was said to rival even the Great Pyramid of Giza in its complexity and grandeur. It was reportedly located near Hawara, south of the Pyramid of Amenemhat III, and consisted of over 3,000 interconnected chambers filled with hieroglyphs, murals, and hidden passageways. Some believe it was a temple complex, a royal archive, or even a depository of ancient Egyptian knowledge.

The pyramidAmenemhet’s pyramid, as usual for the pyramid was built of mud brick and cased with limestone. the pyramid was built with a base length of 105 m and a height of 58 m rising with a slope of 48 o 45 o as the king built another pyramid in dahshur which had been abandoned because it’s lack of suitability so the fear of collapse probably what caused the builders of the Hawara pyramid to lower the slope with as much as 9o    30o.

The entrance to the substructure is located on the west side of the south face of the pyramid. It descends down into a first chamber, from where it appears to continue to the north, leading to dead end. A short passage in the ceiling of the first chamber running east leads to an antechamber from which the actual burial chamber can be entered when entered in the nineteenth century, the pyramid was found to contain two sarcophagi one for Amenemhet III and one for his daughter nefru -ptah. She was buried temporarily in her father’s pyramid until her own tomb could be completed.

Herodotus described the labyrinth as an unparalleled architectural feat, stating that it left him more in awe than the pyramids themselves. According to his accounts, the massive structure featured both above-ground and underground levels, with the subterranean portion containing the tombs of kings and sacred crocodiles. Diodorus Siculus and Strabo, other ancient historians, also mentioned the labyrinth, confirming its existence and importance in Egyptian history.

The complex was said to be built with massive stone blocks and adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions and statues of the gods. Some researchers speculate that it might have functioned as a political or religious center, while others suggest it was an astronomical observatory or a repository of ancient knowledge lost to time.

By the time of the Greco-Roman period, the Labyrinth had reportedly fallen into ruin. Some believe that the Romans dismantled it, using its stone for other construction projects, while others think it was gradually buried by the desert sands.

In 2008, researchers from the Mataha Expedition used ground-penetrating radar near Hawara  in Fayoum and discovered evidence of a massive underground structure beneath the sands. However, due to Egyptian government restrictions, further excavations were halted, leaving the true fate of the Lost Labyrinth an enduring enigma.

If the labyrinth were ever rediscovered and fully excavated, it could rewrite much of what we know about ancient Egypt and its hidden treasures of lost wisdom. Taylor Mcmahon

Collection of the jewelry of Princess Neferuptah National Museum of Civilization museum Cairo Egypt

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Cairo stands as a monumental testament to Egypt's rich history and cultural heritage. Opened officially on April 3, 2021, this museum is the first of its kind in Egypt and the Arab world, showcasing a vast collection of artifacts that span from prehistoric times to modernity. Among its treasures is the exquisite collection of jewelry belonging to Princess Neferuptah, a significant figure from ancient Egyptian history. This article explores the historical context, significance, and artistic value of Princess Neferuptah's jewelry within the broader narrative of Egyptian civilization.

The NMEC is strategically located in Old Cairo and occupies an impressive area of 490,000 square meters. It is designed to present the continuity and evolution of Egyptian civilization through various thematic and chronological exhibitions. The museum houses approximately 50,000 artifacts, including royal mummies, textiles, ceramics, and jewelry, which collectively narrate Egypt's historical journey.

The architectural design of NMEC reflects modern aesthetics while paying homage to Egypt's ancient heritage. Its layout encourages visitors to engage with the exhibits interactively, enhancing their understanding of the artifacts' historical context. The museum’s galleries are organized thematically—covering aspects such as material culture, beliefs, and significant periods in Egyptian history.

Princess Neferuptah was a daughter of Pharaoh Amenemhat III during the 18th Dynasty of the Middle Kingdom (circa 2010-1640 BC, 11th-13th Dynasties). This era is often regarded as a high point in ancient Egyptian civilization, marked by extensive architectural achievements and artistic flourishing. Neferuptah's life and her jewelry provide insights into the royal family's wealth, status, and cultural practices during this golden age.

Neferuptah is often associated with her mother, Queen Tiye, who was one of the most powerful women in ancient Egypt. The prominence of women in royal lineage during this period is noteworthy, as it highlights their influence in political and social spheres. Jewelry from this era not only served decorative purposes but also symbolized wealth and divine protection.

The jewelry collection attributed to Princess Neferuptah is characterized by its intricate designs and use of precious materials such as gold, lapis lazuli, turquoise, and carnelian. Each piece reflects advanced craftsmanship techniques that were prevalent during her time found in Hawara in Fayoum.

The artisanship behind Neferuptah’s jewelry exemplifies the high level of skill possessed by ancient Egyptian jewelers. 

Techniques such as granulation (a method of decorating metal surfaces with tiny spheres), cloisonné (filling compartments with colored enamel), and intricate engraving were commonly used. 

These methods not only enhanced the visual appeal but also imbued each piece with cultural symbolism.

Jewelry in ancient Egypt was more than mere adornment; it played a vital role in religious rituals and was believed to possess protective qualities. For instance, many pieces were designed to ward off evil spirits or attract blessings from deities. The jewelry worn by princesses like Neferuptah would have been especially significant during ceremonial occasions or public appearances.

At NMEC, Princess Neferuptah's jewelry is displayed within a dedicated section that contextualizes these artifacts within her life and times. The exhibition employs modern technology to enhance visitor engagement—interactive displays allow guests to explore the significance of each piece through multimedia presentations.