Museum of Egyptian Antiquities

This morning we arrived in Cairo and headed straight for the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities. The number of artifacts on display boggles the mind. I found the Fayoum portraits most interesting. These were wax paintings on wood done in a period when Greeks and Romans ruled Egypt, and are of a very European style. What makes them most fascinating is that while they are about 2000 years old, they are most reminiscent of European renaissance art. I also found the artifacts from the Amarna period (the time of Queen Nefertiti) interesting because it stylistically diverged from stereotypical Egyptian art. Finally we saw the jewelry and treasures from the tomb of King Tutankhamen. I felt more like I was shopping than viewing an exhibit in a gallery. Sadly, none of the decadent necklaces and bracelets were for sale.