Italian Egyptologist to talk about ancient civilizations

Internationally acclaimed Egyptologist and archeologist, Professor Edda Bresciani from Pisa University, continues to explore ancient civilizations in the Mediterranean and neighbouring regions in a series of talks on "Encounters with Archeology", organised by the Italian Cultural Institute, starting tomorrow at 6.30 p.m.

Archaeological excavations led by the Italian professor in Egypt over the past 30 years and recent archaeological discoveries are brilliant examples of important activities carried out by Italian archaeological missions overseas, supported by the Italian Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Through the study of this mysterious and intriguing ancient civilization and with the help of some beautiful picturees, Professor Bresciani will trace the paths of one of the richest and most fascinating civilizations of humanity.

An important aspect of this millennial civilization, which renders it so unique and modern, is the huge importance that has always been given to the human body. This was not seen as a source of sin but as a positive element. The human body had to be entrusted to doctors for cure, nutrition, repect and beauty, apart from being fully preserved through mummification for eternal life.

The beauty of the human body was assured in endless ways. Vanity in the days of the Pharaohs was shown primarily through jewellery, make-up, wigs, dyes for greying hair, ointments for thinning hair, creams for the face and body, and perfume for erotic attraction.

Egyptian medicine evolved extraordinarily, especially surgery and the therapeutic sector. Proof of this lies in rich documentation taken from Pharaonic medical literature.

The medical substances used were derived from vegetables, minerals and animals and their efficacy strengthened with magical, exorcistic formulae. Today it has been proven that most of these substances had a therapeutic effect.

Professor Edda Bresciani is full professor of Egyptology at Pisa University, where she has created the only Demotic centre in Italy - where a popular simplified form of ancient Egyptian writing is taught. In 1978, she founded the prestigious scientific review Egitto e Vicino Oriente, of which she is editor. Edda Bresciani is also president of the Comitato Scientifico Internazionale della Fondazione Museo Egizio in Turin. For more information, visit www.egittologia.unipi.it and click News.