By C. J. De Mel, Jadetimes News
In the 1800s, three remarkable women forever altered the study and understanding of ancient Egypt. Yet, their contributions have largely remained in the shadows. Lucie Duff Gordon, Amelia Edwards, and Emma Andrews were trailblazers who, despite starting as tourists, left an indelible mark on Egyptology and reshaped how the world views ancient Egyptian civilization.
Lucie Duff Gordon: Letters from Egypt
In 1864, English travel writer Lucie Duff Gordon resided in a house atop Luxor Temple, gazing across the River Nile towards the Libyan mountains. Her writings, compiled in "Letters from Egypt," vividly detailed Egyptian politics, religious customs, and her relationships with Egyptian neighbors. This work stood out as a social and cultural commentary, inspiring other women to travel to Egypt independently.
Amelia Edwards: A Thousand Miles Up the Nile
Inspired by Duff Gordon, novelist Amelia Edwards visited Egypt and published the best selling travelogue, "A Thousand Miles Up the Nile," in 1877. Edwards' narrative was a blend of travel journal and well researched history, advocating for the preservation of Egyptian monuments. Her book’s popularity led to the co-creation of the Egypt Exploration Society (EES) in 1882, raising funds for excavation and preservation efforts, thus shaping scholarly views of ancient Egypt.
Emma Andrews: A Wealth of Contributions
American traveler Emma Andrews, influenced by Edwards' work, embarked on a series of Nile expeditions starting in 1889. Along with her partner Theodore Davis, she funded numerous tomb excavations, including the discovery of the well preserved tomb of Yuya and Thuya. Andrews meticulously chronicled their excavations, providing valuable records of Egyptian workers, antiquities dealers, and the artifacts uncovered. Her contributions significantly enriched the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection and enhanced public understanding of ancient Egyptian history.
The Rise of Archaeological Tourism
The rise of package holidays in the 19th century, particularly through Thomas Cook’s travel company, made archaeological tourism accessible to the masses. Cook’s tours followed Edwards’ itineraries, bringing thousands of travelers to Egypt and fostering a deeper appreciation for its ancient sites. This burgeoning interest in Egyptology was further fueled by the publications and advocacy of Duff Gordon, Edwards, and Andrews.
Legacy and Controversy of Egyptology
While their work was not without controversy, often involving the removal of artifacts from Egypt. the legacies of Duff Gordon, Edwards, and Andrews laid the foundation for modern Egyptology. Their efforts not only advanced the study of ancient Egypt but also highlighted the significant roles women played in this field, even if their contributions have been historically overlooked.
The enduring fascination with ancient Egypt owes much to these pioneering women, whose passion and dedication opened new doors to understanding one of the world's most important civilizations. pride and its readiness to host a memorable summer of sport. As Antoine Arnault remarked, “LVMH is so proud to be part of this wonderful adventure! We hope that each athlete will enjoy wearing and admiring the medal as much as we enjoyed creating it for them.”
