Welcome to The Real History. A blog where I talk about the real historical inspirations for my YA fantasy debut “Treasures of Egypt.”

Sobekneferu — The Woman Who Was King
Rulers Amr Saleh Rulers Amr Saleh

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.

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Isis and Osiris—The Divine Power Couple
Mythology Amr Saleh Mythology Amr Saleh

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.

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Isis—The Great Lady of All
Gods Amr Saleh Gods Amr Saleh

Isis—The Great Lady of All

Isis, a name that echoes through the sands of time, belongs to an Egyptian goddess who’s captured the hearts and minds of people for thousands of years. She wasn't just any goddess but a symbol of many things—a beloved queen, a loving mother, a capable healer, a mourning wife, and a magician with unimaginable power.

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Queen Ahhotep—Mother. General. A Certified Badass
Rulers Amr Saleh Rulers Amr Saleh

Queen Ahhotep—Mother. General. A Certified Badass

Queen Ahhotep stands as a towering figure in Egyptian history, a woman who not only broke the mold but reshaped it entirely. Her story is one of courage, brilliance, and unwavering dedication to her nation, marking her as one of the earliest and most influential female leaders in history. This blog post aims to shed light on her remarkable life, her unparalleled achievements as a ruler, her legacy, and her enduring legacy. Today, we discover the real woman who inspired the fiction Ahhotep we meet in Treasures of Egypt.

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King Hatshepsut—His Majesty, Herself
Rulers Amr Saleh Rulers Amr Saleh

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.

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