Queen Nefertiti - the Modern Helen of Troy

Originally published October 19, 2009 | Times Online | by Roger Boyes

Well, maybe "modern" is a bit of a stretch--Nef is just as old as Helen.

In any event, much like the Greek Helen of Troy, Egyptian officials have as their claim that Germany, way back in 1913, "abducted" Nefertiti from her native Egypt. If this is the case, Egypt has the right to have her back; however, Zahi Hawass will have her returned even if the contrary. She is, after all, the epitome of significant (and iconic) Egyptian specimens, recognizable to nearly everyone. Times Online chronicles the continuing saga, the battle between Egypt and Germany. Not to be outdone, the New York Times also reports on the same story.

Perhaps a little more lighthearted is a dialogue between the Huffington Post and the Queen herself (one pissed off majesty as it turns out). It's entertaining and a distraction from all the political craziness (you tell 'em Queenie!), further scrutinized in yet another New York Times article.

Scholars' Colloquium Days at the ROM

Accessed September 4, 2009 | Royal Ontario Museum

November 6 and 8, 2009 will bring to the ROM a free event, known as Scholar's Colloquium Days, where those interested in attending can "enjoy a wide variety of short papers on all aspects of ancient Egypt, from reports on recent digs to careful consideration and re-evaluation of religion, art, history, literature and politics." Program information including location, contacts, and date/time is given; click the above link to view this information.

International Colloquium: Pharaonic Renaissance

Accessed August 20, 2009 | The American Research Center in Egypt

The following is an excerpt from the American Research Center in Egypt:

This international colloquium at Montepulciano, Italy, focuses on the period of the 25th and 26th Dynasty and tries to shed light on the phenomenon of archaism that characterized the cultural life of Egypt in those centuries.

Either follow the above link to read more about this international colloquium or read the Montepulciano Colloquium Program. The program starts tomorrow (Friday, August 21) and ends Sunday (August 23), so if you're in Italy near Firenze and Montepulciano, check it out.