Welcome to The Real History. A blog where I talk about the real historical inspirations for my YA fantasy debut “Treasures of Egypt.”
Seqenenra Tao—The Martyr King
Few kings were able to leave their mark on history not because of their victory but due to taking the first step toward liberation. King Seqenenra is one of these rulers, the man who started the liberation war that ultimately freed Egypt from foreign rule. Today, we will meet the real king and learn about his depiction in the YA fantasy novel, Treasures of Egypt: The Spear & the Scythe.
Sobekneferu — The Woman Who Was King
Sobekneferu was the first woman in Egyptian history we know, without any doubt, ruled alone as the king. Her reign, though brief, marked the last hurrah of the Middle Kingdom before the start of what will be known as the second intermediate period and the beginning of Egypt’s division into two countries.
Sobekneferu, whose name is a tribute to the crocodile god Sobek and roughly translates as “the beauty of Sobek,” was the daughter of Amenemhat III, a ruler known for his architectural projects and the prosperity of his reign.
Today, we will meet a woman who witnessed Egypt both at its strongest and its weakest and learn about her depiction in the YA fantasy novel, Treasures of Egypt: the Spear & the Scythe.
Horus vs. Set: The War of the Gods
The battle between Horus and Set is the concluding conflict of a multigenerational saga that’s rich with rivalry, cunning, and a quest for justice. But it isn’t simply the tale of godly combat but rather the essence of what these deities symbolized and the profound impact their conflict had on the cultural fabric of ancient Egyptian society, offering us a window into the ancient Egyptians' worldview, their values, and the cosmic balance they sought to maintain through their myths and deities. Today, we’ll discuss this epic tale and how it was depicted in the YA fantasy novel, Treasures of Egypt: The Spear & the Scythe.
King Snefru: Reaching for the Stars
Today let’s revisit a time when the majestic pyramids touched the skies and learn more about the real history behind a king who makes a brief appearance in the YA fantasy novel, Treasures of Egypt: The Spear & the Scythe. King Snefru was a ruler whose legacy is as towering as the monuments he built. But he wasn't just a king; he was a visionary, a trailblazer, and an innovator, whose aspirations soared as high as the stars.
Horus: The Immortal King of Egypt
Known as the Immortal King of Egypt, Horus holds a special place in the hearts and minds of those who study and admire ancient Egyptian culture and mythology. In this blog post, we'll explore who Horus is, his significance in Egyptian mythology, his family ties, the symbols and temples associated with him, and finally his appearance in the YA fantasy novel, Treasures of Egypt: the Spear & the Scythe.
Isis and Osiris—The Divine Power Couple
The tale of Isis and Osiris in Egyptian mythology is a story of love, betrayal, and triumph. Today we discover an epic that was the cornerstone of ancient Egyptian mythology, offering a glimpse at the mythology behind the fiction in the YA fantasy novel, Treasures of Egypt.
King Khufu—The Great Builder
King Khufu, also known as Cheops, is a name that resonates through the annals of Egyptian history. His legacy as a pharaoh is intertwined with the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today we delve into the life, reign, and enduring legacy of King Khufu, providing a glimpse into the world of one of Egypt’s most iconic rulers.
King Narmer—The First Nesut-Bity
Today we meet King Narmer, a pivotal figure in ancient Egyptian history, who lived around 3150 BCE, and the inspiration for one of the most fun characters in the YA fantasy novel, Treasures of Egypt. He is celebrated as the first ruler to unify Egypt, marking the beginning of Egypt as a unified nation-state. Yet, Narmer's story is also entwined with another ruler, Menes, who is sometimes considered distinct from Narmer and at other times believed to be the same person. This duality of identity makes Narmer's early life and the exact process of unification subjects of considerable debate among Egyptologists.
King Hatshepsut—His Majesty, Herself
In Egypt’s long history, few figures capture the imagination like King Hatshepsut of Egypt. Hers is a tale not just of power, but of the sheer force of character and intellect. Hatshepsut's journey from queen to Pharaoh is as remarkable today as it was in the 15th century B.C., and her legacy continues to inspire and resonate throughout Egypt and the world. Today, we will discover the true story behind Treasures of Egypt’s fictional interpretation of Hatshepsut.