Egyptian Collection

3rd Intermediate period

During the Second Intermediate Period (circa 1640-1532 BC, 14th-17th Dynasties) the Hyksos, an Asiatic people, conquered Egypt and established their kingdom in the Nile Delta, with Avaris as their capital city, and imposed taxes on the native Pharaohs. For reasons of political expediency the Hyksos adopted many elements of the Pharaonic culture.

Ankh (1623)

Late – Ptolemaic Period (8th – 1st century BC)

A hieroglyphic symbol and at the same time a powerful amulet protecting the living and the dead throughout the Egyptian civilization. It represents both life and breath as well as eternal life. The ankh was one of the very few hieroglyphs understood by the masses of illiterate Egyptians.

Its shape, resembling a loop over a capital T, according to scholars, is either related to a primeval sexual symbol (a shematic phallus), a part of an arc or even a simple sandal strap.Probably its use began in the Pre-Dynastic Period, before 3000 B.C., as an image of a knot with some special religio-mythical significance.

Late period

During the Late Period (circa 712-332 BC), due to the continuous political weakness and instability, apart from a short interval of Egyptian Pharaohs (26th Dynasty known as the Saite Period, 28th-30th Dynasty) the country was under the rule of foreign peoples, from Africa (Nubians – 25th Dynasty) and the Near East (Assyrians 671-664 BC and the Achaemenid Persian Empire, 27th and 31st Dynasties). Art experienced a revival of earlier epochs. The Pharaohs of the Saitic Dynasty maintained close relations with Greek tribes of the Asia Minor coast. Psamtik I used Greek mercenaries in order to expel the Assyrian conquerors from his country, whereas Ahmose II strengthened the ties with the Greeks by ceding to them the city of Naucratis, also granting them the exclusive privilege to control maritime trade.

Gold ring with inscribed silver bezel.

Late period, 26th Dynasty, 664-525 BC. On the bezel, between the deities Neith and Sekhmet, the cartouche of the pharaoh Psamtik I or II or III is depicted.

Late period