Tuesday 21 July 2015

Flies in Egypt



The fly had perhaps by this time regained some of its former symbolism, which was perhaps in this case linked to fertility, as other pieces of jewellery found in the burials seem also to have had this purpose.

Flickriver: Martin Young 42's photos tagged with egypt

Necklace with fly amulets From Egypt18th Dynasty, 1470-1350 BC Gold flies and garnet beads Fly amulets first appeared in the late Predynastic period, around 3100 BC. It is difficult to believe that the examples found in the tombs of the wives of Tuthmosis III were awards for bravery in battle. C.A.R. For example, the plague of frogs is performed as a light aria for alto, depicting frogs jumping in the violins, and the plague of flies and lice is a light chorus with fast scurrying runs in the violins. The work was especially popular in the 19th century because of its numerous choruses, generally one for each plague, and its playful musical depiction of the plagues. Later in the New Kingdom, honorific flies were awarded for worthiness in fields other than military endeavour and multiple flies, strung with beads as necklaces, may not have had the same symbolism. They perhaps symbolize persistence. The story is recorded in Exodus 8:20-32 (see text below).

There is no mention of Moses’ staff initiating this plague, only that ADONAI did it. The fly had perhaps by this time regained some of its former symbolism, which was perhaps in this case linked to fertility, as other pieces of jewellery found in the burials seem also to have had this purpose. Later in the New Kingdom, honorific flies were awarded for worthiness in fields other than military endeavour and multiple flies, strung with beads as necklaces, may not have had the same symbolism. How intolerable a plague of flies can prove, is evident from the fact that whole districts have been laid waste by them. Stone carvings in the form of flies have been found and dated to approximately 3500 B.C. The Egyptian gods insulted by this plague include Hathor (a goddess represented by a cow), and perhaps others as well. The inhabitants have been forced to quit their cities, not being able to stand against the flies and gnats with which they were pestered. The Hebrew word ruined expresses continuous action. Their exact purpose is uncertain. In this plague, swarms of flies cover the land of Egypt. Among these may be reckoned Baalzebub, the fly-god of Ekron; Hercules, the expeller of flies; and hence Jupiter had the titles, because he was supposed to expel flies, and especially clear his temples of these insects.

Flies made of gold had a special significance in the New Kingdom. Dense swarms of flies poured into Pharaoh’s palace and into the houses of his officials, and throughout Egypt the land was ruined by the flies (8:24). The golden fly was an honour awarded to people who took part in the struggle to drive the Hyksos kings out of Egypt. According to Egyptian mythology, flies protected against misfortune and disease.

In ancient Egypt, flies represented courage and tenacity. Hence different people had deities whose office it was to defend them against flies. They perhaps symbolize persistence. The golden fly was an honour awarded to people who took part in the struggle to drive the Hyksos kings out of Egypt. Quirke and A.J. They continued throughout the Middle Kingdom (2040-1750 BC) and New Kingdom (1550-1070 BC), and were made of various materials, including stone, faience and glass. Andrews, Ancient Egyptian jewellery (London, The British Museum Press, 1996)S. Spencer, The British Museum book of anc (London, The British Museum Press, 1992)

Perhaps the most successful artistic representation of the plagues is Handel's oratorio Israel in Egypt which, like his perennial favorite, "Messiah", takes a libretto entirely from scripture. According to Egyptian mythology, flies protected against misfortune and disease.

The fourth plague of the 10 plagues that the God of the Israelites sent as judgment upon Egypt was a swarm of flies. It is difficult to believe that the examples found in the tombs of the wives of Tuthmosis III were awards for bravery in battle. They might have been intended to bestow the notorious fecundity of the fly onto the wearer or they might have simply been used to drive off or protect against this common pest.Flies made of gold had a special significance in the New Kingdom. In other words, Egypt was in the process of being destroyed.

the land. Stone carvings in the form of flies have been found and dated to approximately 3500 B.C. Flies In ancient Egypt, flies represented courage and tenacity.

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