#And how this is largely an artifact from when pharaohs were a thing and politically menacing and also the political struggle between

[bijoumikhawal]

I was reading your tags on that reblogging and good lord the complex discussion of Dhimmi (or related statuses) in the Islamic world gets so simplified on this site for god knows what reason—in that post I was writing about the Jews of Ibb I was going to mention how it was common place particularly in North Yemen for specific tribes to adopt pacts with the local Jews as “neighbors” and hence intimate members of the community who were protected by the local tribal law and consequently why Jews and Muslims had virtually the same dialects of Arabic in any given area; but that’s a complex matter I don’t think people would readily engage with because most of what’s said about Jews in Yemen is particular to urban Jewish communities who were directly in contact with as you mentioned, the ebb and flow of both anti-Semitic and pluralistic leaders at any given time. Like in specific the Zaydi Imamate always went back and forth on the matter within Sa‘dah, despite their control of neighboring tribal areas being hardly tangible at best and those local tribes (such as in Razih for instance) being rather tolerant of the local Jewish communities prior to the introduction of Saudi Wahhabism in the late 20th century.

It’s such a complex topic, and it’s so necessary to engage with. I just wanted to thank you for mentioning that really.

!! Yeah, there's a tendency to flatten it into one extreme or the other (and to act like the experiences of one group given Dhimmi status are the same as another group). Like, dhimmitude itself is a complex political concept because it's protected status, but it's nature as (to an extent, which at times was greater or lesser as you point out) a segregated status can lead into very harmful policies, which gets into Copts and cultural genocide (dhimmitude on its own, from my understanding, didn't have that impact, but when combined with other laws and cultural/religious/political forces, it can be very hard to read about policies that fell under Dhimmi related laws and not think about the broader impact had on our language and culture, and how conversion is used as a weapon against Coptic women in particular even today).

But situations were it doesn't, in fact, separate the community, tend to be ignored if not outright considered false. In some rural communities in Egypt there would be a very limited distinction between Copts and Muslims- in part, often because everyone there knew for a fact that the Muslim fellahin had been Coptic fellahin until a few generations back (a situation that gets generalized to all of Egypt and used as a rhetorical cudgel in really stupid ways against Copts on the assumption that genetics is the main or only factor in who is or is not Indigenous). This is also true in Judaism, for its own different can of worms about the way (in my experience) a certain type of white Jewish man will have anxiety regarding race mixing and project it onto the past and in situations where that makes no sense, and for political reasons to cast the diaspora as a unique site of misery.

[peabodyandemerson]

The Last Camel Died at Noon

- Completed August 20, 2020 -

4 stars. Murder! Political intrigue! Treasure maps! Lost cities! The Peabody Emersons go on an exciting adventure in the Sudan! 

I thought I might list my thoughts on this one in a Pros and Cons list!

First, I’d like to note that I have never read King Solomon’s Mines, the classic adventure romance that inspired this particular tale. I do wonder what connections and inspirations I missed because of that fact! Now, my thoughts:

PROs:

Okay, yeah, I actually liked Ramses in this one! Can you believe it? I reckon he was less troublesome and conniving this go around. He’s always had useful and admirable qualities, but they were usually outshined by his annoying ones. I particularly loved the part where little Ramses was chasing after the cat with outstretched arms.

Amelia’s desire to start a full scale rebellion and the scene where she and Emerson save the toddler and mother from harm.

“I would greatly dislike being eaten by a lion”

There’s quite a lot of action in this one. I was a little shocked Emerson literally killed a man (actually several men?), but couldn’t help myself by being slightly amused by Amelia being extremely turned on by it. Messed up, but hilarious!

I don’t know if this should be counted as a “pro” necessarily, but we know how Amelia “talks big” but sometimes stumbles in her attempts to be physically intimidating. Amelia kills like two guys in this one, I’m pretty sure. It was in defense of her husband and child, but I mean...wow. I suppose I may have misread it and she only incapacitated them, but there was a lot of bloodshed in that chaotic chapter.

We barely got to know Nefret, but she seems resourceful and quick-witted. She basically saved the whole family in the end with her quick thinking. I thought it was cute that she grabbed some artifacts for the family to study as well.

CONs:

I am actually sad the camels were poisoned. Poor little, uh, large fellas. 

Emerson literally said he couldn't believe Willie Forth “allowed” his wife to travel with him when he scoffed at the idea of “allowing” Amelia to do anything. Like, bruh.

Speaking of my boy Emerson, I don’t love that he “allowed” himself to be “entertained” by the Sheik’s “dancers” (I hope you like my overuse of quotations) because if he was embarrassed that his wife knew he was there, that admits it’s something he feels guilty about, and thus should not be around. Yeah, it may be an unpopular opinion, but to me being faithful to your spouse means mind and body. Eyes, hands, and heart.

Use of the ‘n’ word and the term “savage”

In meeting Nefret, Peters described her as basically naked and Emerson and Ramses were just standing there staring at her? And she’s 13! Kemit/Tarek (a grown man) said “who can see her and not desire her” ...y’all that’s gross.

Disappointed and a bit disgusted how Amelia talked to Amenit. We all know how horrible and harmful European-centric beauty standards can be. Amelia offering to lighten Amenit’s skin, dye her hair and eyes was heart-breaking. Amelia went so far as to say Reggie would be lying if he said he found her beautiful the way she was. That’s just heartbreaking and needlessly damaging to a young woman of color.

Once again Peters seems to describe overweight people in a needlessly cruel way, frequently calling them disgusting and using language that describes them as being somehow grotesque and monstrous. I was quite disappointed particularly in Emerson’s “horror” at seeing Mrs. Forth in her present form, as if not being “young and hot” as she once was, was somehow a horror to behold. He didn’t really need to tell us how “exquisite” she was when young anyway. Like how is that relevant. I don’t really like how female beauty is emphasized, I guess. I thought the same thing when Peters wrote that Nefret’s “courage and beauty” had won over Emerson and Amelia. Like what? Courage is commendable, but beauty? Something that is subjective and uncontrollable? She’s just a child! What if she was, oh I don't know, covered in zits and gangly? Would that make her less beautiful and somehow less worthy of love? I mean, come on. I really don’t want to think that Emerson instantly fell in love with this 13 year old half naked girl at “first sight” anyway. Did Peters not realize how that sounds? I know that’s not what she meant, but it doesn’t sit terribly well with me. I hope Ramses won’t act creepy towards her in future books. I do have some fear he will grow up to be James Bond-esque, and I can tell you now I won’t like a character that sleeps with every girl he meets.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Despite the cons, I did honestly enjoy this one. It was probably the best book since Curse of the Pharaohs even though I was, at first, a little disappointed it didn’t actually take place in Egypt. I don’t consider it a pro/con matter, but Emerson and Amelia’s love life is a bit unbelievable to the point of being ridiculous, but it gives me something to aspire to in my own married life! They are still a delight after six books, and I’m only mildly annoyed by their unattainable level of happiness together ha! I’m still trying to space these books out a little, so I’m not sure when I’ll read the next one.

Also, did Emerson hint at Willie Forth’s father having raped Mrs. Forth? I’m a little confused on that point and what lead him to that supposition.

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Attention

So as I promised to show you all, here's a fic about Ahkmenrah, the Reader, and Rexy that I wrote back in 2016.

I've made some changes to it, but overall the plot remains the same: Two exhibits wanting attention from the newest nightguard who's related to Larry.

Hope you lovelies enjoy 💕

"See you in the A.M, [y/n]."

"Night, Uncle Larry."

"...before I go did you remember to lock up the Wild Africa exhibit?"

"Yes."

"And the gum for the Easter Island Head?"

"How could I forget?"

"And-"

"Larryyyyy everything will be fine," You whined. The former night guard chuckled. "Just making sure. Be safe, okay?" He patted your shoulder with a confident smile before heading outside of the museum.

After he had left, you searched around for any guests or children that may be lost or hiding. Fortunately, that was not the case this time.

Now you were ready for yet another night of fun.

You watched the sun set as you locked the revolving doors. Time seemed to go slower as you waited for it to turn dark, so you decided to turn around and head to your favorite exhibit: the Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton.

Dinosaurs were always the coolest thing to you. Everything about them--their behavior, species, extinction--interested you as a child. That's why Rexy was your favorite exhibit out of the bunch. Plus he was just a giant, playful puppy.

"Good evening, Rexy," you greeted, walking up to the skeletal dinosaur. With a smile, you put your hands on his snout, rubbing it tenderly as you waited patiently for the magic to do it's job.

Your grin widened when you saw the massive tail start to sway. Rexy lifted his head slightly, before he recognized your scent. His bones were rattling with excitement as he nuzzled your palms. "I'm happy to see you, too," you giggled.

With a happy-sounding growl, he lowered his head, allowing you to climb onto it. You managed to reach his back and sat down, holding onto him. "Alright boy, let's go explore!" Raising his head up, Rexy emitted a thunderous roar, frightening the other exhibits into awakening, before he stepped down from his stage and began to stomp his way about the museum.

"What in God's name was--? Oh. It's only you, Rexy." Looking down, you waved to Teddy. "Sorry about that, Mr. President!"

"Ah! Good evening [l/n]!" He chuckled, looking up and tipping his hat. "I didn't even see you up there! My, Rexy gave Tex quite a scare." Teddy patted his horse, who only neighed in return. "But not to worry. I'm off to see Sacajawea. She said she has many interesting stories to tell me about her homeland."

You nodded. "Well don't keep her waiting, lover boy. I'll see you around." With that, you bid farewell to the 26th president, before the T-Rex skeleton continued through the area.

Rounding a corner, Rexy stopped in his tracks. "What's up bud-?" When you looked over, you saw Trixie down the hallway.

After the battle she became part of the family here at the museum. You were afraid that she'd try to kill Rexy, given that the T-Rex and Triceratops species were enemies 65 million years ago. But after Larry tamed her, the two became the best of playmates, though it meant that you had to be much more careful playing fetch.

She stomped her way towards you, letting out a few grunts. "Alright Rexy, lemme down for a second." With a nod, Rexy crouched down, allowing you to jump back down.

You walked up to Trixie, looking up and smiling at her as you patted her nose. "It's good to see you too Trix." The skeletal Triceratops snorted, nuzzling her face to your cheek, making you laugh once more.

Then you heard a loud snap and slowly turned around to see Rexy push one of his ribs towards you. Looking over your shoulder, you saw Trixie crouching and her tail swaying. "Alright fellas." You grabbed the large bone, raising it high above your head and aiming it towards the long, empty corridor. "Promise me you won't break anything?" The two dinosaur skeletons bobbed their heads in understanding.

"Ready...set....GO!" You tossed the bone as far as you could, stepping out of the way as Rexy sprinted past you, bellowing.

As you watched the two disappear around a corner, the ground stopped shaking. But then you heard another set of footfalls, though they were nowhere near as heavy as theirs.

Turning around, you looked up to see Ahkmenrah's Anubis guards. It was odd seeing them outside their exhibit, as they would never leave the tablet nor artifacts out of their sight. "Hey guys." You chuckled, giving them a polite wave. “What can I help you with?”

They did not respond, but instead looked over at each other. Your smile fell and you sighed, checking your watch. “Alright. I best be making my rounds, so if you fellas aren’t gonna say anything then-”

But the moment you turned back around, one of the guards grabbed you by the back of your shirt and picked you up.

“Hey! What gives?!” You growled, trying to reach for his arm. Then you looked up and saw Dexter perched on the second floor’s railing, grinning at you. When you called out to him he only waved you off and disappeared.

Not even that damn monkey wanted to help you!

"Listen,” you huffed to the guards. “I may not be Larry but I’m still related to him! I sacrifice sleep and spend my paychecks on caffeine so I can take care of you guys! And this is how you repay me-?!”

"Put. Them. Down. Now.”

You stopped thrashing around as the guard dropped you without warning. With a groan, you sat up, rubbing your knee, before realizing that you were at the entrance to the Egyptian Exhibit. And a furious Ahkemenrah stood right there in front of you, glaring up at his guards.

The jackals nodded apologetically, kneeling before him. But he just pushed past them, his expression changing into one of concern as he helped you to your feet. "Are you alright [y/n]?" He asked.

You nodded, dusting off some dust that clung to your uniform. The pharaoh sighed, looking back at his guards with disgust. "See what you've done?! Next time I may not forgive you so easily. Now away with you!" They nodded in acknowledgement, standing up and returning to their places in the exhibit.

"Thanks," you spoke, smiling at him.

He turned back to you. "No need to thank me...but....are you sure you are alright?"

"Yeah. I think I was just caught off-guard when they showed up outside their exhibit. But it’s no big deal.”

"I-It is, though.." His eyes held guilt as he looked down at the ground. "They can be arrogant at times but..they should know how to treat you with respect. It was cowardly of me to not approach you myself. I-I understand if..you don’t wish to speak with me after what-”

"Ahk....it's okay." You set a hand on his shoulder to calm him down. He immediately looked up at you, almost surprised that you forgave him. "How about we go for a walk?" You suggested, nodding your head towards his exhibit. “I heard your exhibit got a few new additions.”

He seemed to relax a bit after that, as his smile returned. "I'd love to."

....

Ahkmenrah gave you a tour of the rest of his exhibit, showing you the many artifacts there were. It was absolutely beautiful. There were even half-animal statues of some of the gods, as well as hieroglyphics on the walls, that came to life. It was clear they were very fond of you, but whether it was because of their respect for the pharaoh or if it was genuine kindness was a mystery to you.

Once you were finished with the tour, you both returned to where his sarcophagus was, sitting down on the steps together. “Wow, that was incredible,” you told him.

“It does help this place feel more like home,” he remarked, taking off his crown and setting it aside. But then he blinked with realization and gazed at you. “Ah, that’s right...I wanted you here because I ah..have a small gift for you.”

You glanced at him. “Really? But..I mean I haven’t been here as long as my uncle. And-”

“That doesn’t matter.” He chuckled. “As you said, you sacrificed sleep for all of us here. And you’re right, we should be showing you more appreciation. So..this gift will surely express that. So close your eyes for me.”

Complying, you closed your eyes and waited, wondering if you should’ve held your hands out beforehand. Then you felt something cold and metal slip around your neck. Once he told you to open your eyes, you glanced down and realized it was a golden necklace with an ankh pendant. The tiny crystal pattern etched into it made it glitter with the exhibit's lights.

“Oh wow..this is..lovely, Ahk.” You held the ankh, rubbing your thumb along its texture. With a smile you turned to him and hugged him tight. He returned the embrace, resting his chin on your shoulder.

“I’m glad you love it, my friend. It’s the least I can do after all you’ve done for-”

A deafening roar cuts him off, and startles you both out of the hug. “Rexy?!” You glanced towards the entrance, gasping when you saw the T-Rex skeleton bellowing at the guards, who had their spears aimed at him.

Fortunately he couldn’t fit himself inside the exhibit, but you were still scared shitless and ran over to disperse the situation. “Shit! Calm down everybody!!” You attempted to grab one of their arms as the spear’s tip came close to jabbing Rexy’s snout. “He’s not gonna hurt you! Stop it!”

Then you heard a soft grumble and looked to see Rexy backing off the moment he made eye contact with you. Squeezing past the guards, you checked the walls and saw the large cracks in them. 'Hmph, they fit well with the exhibit. Maybe I can just tell the boss that if he suspects something’s wrong.’

Your attention went back to Rexy as you heard him whimper and crouch down, nuzzling the top of your head.

It was then you realized why he was threatening the jackals: he thought you were in danger when you disappeared. "Hey buddy, it's alright," you soothed, rubbing his snout gently. "Shhh..it's okay. I'm okay. I should’ve told you where I was going, but I’m alright. Just back up a little."

Obeying your wish, he took a few steps back, allowing you to walk out the exhibit. In his jaws he had the bone from earlier, which he placed into your hands. Looking up at him, you smiled gently. "Good boy."

Hearing a sigh from behind you, you turned to see Ahkmenrah, his arms crossed as he frowned at the exchange. But when he caught you staring he looked away, muttering something to himself before walking back into the exhibit.

"What's up with him?"

"He is envious of your interactions with the dinosaur, [y/n].”

Startled, you glanced at the guard. “Y-You can speak?”

"We don’t unless we’re given permission to,” the other told you, kneeling down. “All we can say is that our pharaoh is upset. So..it’s in your best interests to discuss the matter with him.”

You were surprised that he was actually jealous of you playing with Rexy. But then again..he did give you such a beautiful gift and probably felt like it didn’t matter to you anymore.

“Yeah..I better go make things right.” You turned back to Rexy, throwing the bone down the hall to send him away. Then you grabbed the crown that was on the steps and returned to the exhibit, searching for the pharaoh.

Sure enough, you found him sitting somewhere deep within the room, resting his head on his knees. Your heart ached at how depressed he looked, especially since you were apparently the cause of it.

Sometimes you forgot that he wasn’t made of wax, stone, or marble like the others; he was a real, living person with emotions, his youth having been preserved for so many years.

"Ahk.”

He glanced up at you, but said nothing even as you sat next to him. Thankfully he made no effort to shift away, so that was a good sign. “Your friends told me.”

“..I’m sure they did,” he mumbled, his eyes downcast.

“Listen,” you sighed. “I’m sorry. You..You know how Rexy gets. He's a literal puppy who needs a lot of attention. I was just trying to defuse a situation that could’ve cost me my job..or worse. So I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s not you that I’m mad at..”

You blinked in confusion. “Wait..really?”

“..w-well..I just...” Ahkmenrah put his hands on his head, curling his fingers into his brown locks. “I can’t stand that beast always stealing your attention night in and night out,” he mumbled. “I know that I, a pharaoh, shouldn’t be feeling such emotions, but..I just can’t help but-”

He was cut off by a soft chuckle, and he saw your smile, staring at you in bewilderment. “What’s so funny?”

“Nothing.” You nudged his arm. “It’s normal to feel jealous. I know I’m at fault here, too. I do go straight to Rexy anytime I lock up..and..I should’ve known better than to abandon you at the steps. It didn’t help that you gave me such a lovely present beforehand and..I’m sorry for that. Can you forgive me?”

For a few moments, he remained silent, before he smiled softly and hugged you first this time, which was a surprise. But you held him just as tight. “I’ll take that as a “yes”.”

Then you heard a familiar grumble after a minute or so. You both stood up and headed out of the exhibit, where a certain dinosaur was waiting for you. With a chuckle you rubbed his snout, before you turned back to Ahkmenrah and put his crown back on his head, making sure his hair was hidden.

‘I never thought a handsome young pharaoh and a T-Rex skeleton would want my attention,’ you thought. ‘But either way, I couldn’t have asked for a better job.’

[blacknight1230]

Unfortunate Souls - Ahkmenrah X Reader

From Night at the Museum Trilogy

There is a new exhibit to the museum, a mummy from Ancient Egypt. Ahkmenrah is excited to have someone to talk to and be able to relate to, due them both being rulers of Egypt. But when he sees your exhibit, it being more Greek and Roman than Egyptian. Not only that, but your sarcophagus is rather simple, made of marble and not decorated with gold or bright colors, like  what a royal member of Egypt, and descendant of the gods, was given as they traveled to the afterlife. When you finally emerge from your tomb, does Ahkmenrah understand why and who you are. Queen Arsinoe IV, younger sister of the famed Cleopatra, and one of the rulers of Ptolemaic Egypt.

“Hey, Ahk!” Larry shouted. Ahkmenrah turned around, having been walking the halls of the Museum of Natural History. “Guardian of Brooklyn, how may I help you?” the pharaoh said to the nightwatchman. Tonight was one of the nights where the inhabitants of the museum didn’t have to pretend to be actors or animatronics for guests taking overnight tours. As such, Ahkmenrah was just peacefully walking around, enjoying the peaceful night. “Listen, I need to ask a favor of you,” the security guard said, looking stressed and worn out. “What is it Larry? I would be happy to help,” Ahkmenrah said. Larry smiled, looking relieved. “Thanks, Ahk. There’s been a new addition to the museum and she’s not fitting in well at the moment. Do you think you can speak to her and calm her down? She doesn’t seem to understand me or anybody else,” Larry explained. Ahkmenrah faintly remembered the others talking about the new exhibit, like how she was Egyptian pharaoh, whose body was lost long ago. Apparently, they were found again and transported to the museum for display, his magical tablet bringing the deceased body back to life. “I would gladly welcome our new member into our folds. I think I’ll greatly enjoy talking to someone about the wonders of my homeland together,” the 4th king of the 4th king said, a smile on his tanned face. “Thank you so much, Ahk. I’ll show you where her exhibit is,” Larry said. 

The man led the Egyptian royal to the other side of the large museum, past the Ancient Egyptian section and towards the Roman and Greek exhibits. “So, who is the new member, Larry? I thought she was an Egyptian queen and was supposed to be in the Ancient Egypt section like me,” Ahkmenrah asked, curious about the mysterious girl. “Well, she was once of Queen of Egypt, but she’s of Greek ascentry, and plays an important role in the Roman conquest of Egypt,” Larry said. “You don’t mean she’s the famous Cleopatra, do you?” Ahkmenrah worried. He didn’t exactly hate the last ruler of Ancient Egypt, but he didn’t like her that much either. In Cambridge University, where he was initially held after his tomb was found by the Pyramids of Giza, Ahkmenrah learned about what happened to Egypt after he died. There, he learned about the last pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra, and how her politics lead to war with the Roman Empire. The defeat of the Egyptian navy and Cleopatra’s suicide led to his once proud country become nothing more than province under Roman control. 

“Actually, no. If Cleopatra’s mummy was found, which the archaeological community is nowhere close to being able to, such a great archaeological find like that would be sent up in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. But she is from the Ptolemaic dynasty,” Larry cleared up. Ahkmenrah took this new information in, now understanding why the new member’s exhibit wasn’t near his, due to her Ptolemaic heritage. Ahkmenrah saw that they were almost there, shown by the moving armless Greek statues and Greeks busts. Larry stopped at what looked like the entrance to a vaulted burial chamber, the gates to the room being closed and locked. Ahkmenrah gave Larry a look, causing the nightwatchman to explain. “I locked the gates so the others wouldn’t bother her and so I wouldn’t lose her if she decided to run,” he said, looking a little guilty. “I understand Larry. You were trying to look out for her,” Ahkmenrah reassured the Brooklyn native. Larry took out his ring of keys, quickly finding the one need to open the gate, allowing Ahkmenrah to walk in first once it was open. 

The exhibit was a mix of Greek and Egyptian architecture, but was it was still beautiful and fit for a member of royalty. On one end of the room, several small artifacts were on display, including jewelry and articles of clothing. On the other end, a giant plague displayed a summary on the life of the deceased who was displayed in the middle of the room. The rest of the room was covered in hieroglyphics and Egyptian art depicting the soul’s journey through the Duat and into paradise. At first, Ahkmenrah was confused when he saw the simple marbled sarcophagus in the middle of the room, something a pharaoh of Egypt never received on their trip to the Underworld. Even the hated Akhenaten was given a lavish sarcophagus and tomb, until it was desecrated. So, why was her’s just made of a marble slab? And most importantly, where was the mysterious newcomer? 

A rustling behind an elaborate curtain drew the young pharaoh’s attention. He could see bare feet sticking out from the bottom of said curtains, meaning the mysterious newcomer was hiding behind them. Ahkmenrah quietly walked over to the curtains, wrapped a hand around a piece of the silk cloth and pulled it open, finally revealing the person behind it. A young woman, bare as the day she was born, was curled into a ball and shaking in fear. Her (e/c) eyes were wide with paralyzing fear, her (h/c) locks hiding the rest of her face. Ahkmenrah immediately blocked the view of the girl from Larry’s view, averting his eyes and spoke to the elder man in a commanding voice. “Larry, open up that glass case there and pull out a robe,” he ordered, using his pharaoh voice. Larry asked no questions and did as he was told, understanding Ahkmenrah was serious. He quickly walked to the one of the glass cases holding the young woman’s things, somehow being able to take out a simple white tunic from the protected display case. Larry handed it to Ahkmenrah, who put opened the curtains just enough for him to put his arm through, allowing him to give the cotton outfit to the hiding woman. “Here, put this on,” he said, in English, to the young woman, his back turned away from her bare form. He did not know if she understood him, but she took the tunic ... robe ... toga ... whatever it was. The woman left her hiding spot once she was more covered, showing her unhided face for the first time. 

Smooth (pale/fair/tan/dark) skin glowed in the fluorescent lights of the exhibit, no makeup gracing her fine features. Her (h/c) hair hanged loosely behind her back, the (curly/wavy/straight) locks ending at her (shoulders/ears/waist). In her bright (e/c) orbs, there was uncertainty, a hit of nervousness inside. The woman looked simple, not like an exotic queen, but she was just as regal and breathtaking all the same. She finally spoke to the two men, after surveying her surrounds. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a language that Ahkmenrah nor Larry knew. “Um, were you able to get that?” Larry asked as the woman seemed to say the same thing again. “Sadly, no. I think she may be speaking Ancient Greek,” Ahkmenrah told the night guard. “Well, she obviously can’t understand English and I don’t know any other languages so you’re going to have figure this one out,” Larry replied brow furrowed as he tried to think of a solution. “I think I know a way to talk her. Just stay here and allow me to do the talking,” Ahkmenrah spoke. 

He went to stand in front of the young royal, and bowed to her, then started to speak in Ancient Egyptian. “Greetings, your majesty. I am Ahkmenrah, fourth king of the fourth king, ruler of the lands of my father,” he said. “This is Larry, Guardian of Brooklyn.” Larry just waved to the queen in front of him, not really knowing what was going on. “Where am I? How did I get to this strange place?” the girl replied, in Ancient Egyptian. Ahkmenrah subconsciously smiled, happy that she could understand him and that they could converse. “You are in a new land called New York, in a place called a museum,” he said. “You speak the ancient language of Egypt. I suspect you were one of the pharaohs that ruled the land before Alexander the Great conquered it. It is an honor to be in the presence of another incarnation of Amun. But aren’t you supposed to be dead and enjoying the fields of Aaru in Duat?” she asked, her voice as smooth as silk, at least to Ahkmenrah’s ears. “It’s not that easy to explain, Your Highness. If you would allow me to, I can show you your new home and the object that has allowed us to walk the land of the living again.” “I would greatly enjoy that, King Ahkmenrah,” the girl said, a smile on her luscious lips. Ahkmenrah was enamored by the beauty in front of him, believing her to be the goddess like she was meant to be. 

The awkward coughing from Larry ruined the moment, both pharaohs having forgotten he was there. Said pharaohs looked at the nightguard, who was standing awkwardly, as he was forced to watch you both converse in a language he didn’t understand. Also, there was an air of attraction between the two of you, that was making any outsiders feel uncomfortable when looking at the very personal moment. “Ahk, if it’s alright with you, I’m going to go make sure Attila and the Huns aren’t terrorizing the Roman exhibits,” he said. Just as he finished saying that, Attila and his men ran past the entrance of the new exhibit, screaming a war cry with weapons armed. “Go Larry. I’ll take it from here,” Ahkmenrah said. Larry silently thanked him and took off running, yelling at the warriors as he did so. 

“Who were those men? And you still haven’t told me why I’m here,” the Egyptian beauty said, eyeing where the Huns appeared from wearly. “How about I show you? And I regret to say I have yet to know your name, my Queen,” Ahkmenrah said in his native tongue. “I am Queen Arsinoe IV, daughter of Ptolemy Auletes, New Dionysus, God Beloved of his Father, God Beloved of his Brother, and co-ruler of Ptolemy Theos Philopator, God Beloved of his Father,” she told him, voice full of pride and affectation. “Ptolemy Auletes? Isn’t that Ptolemy XII, father to ... So that makes you ...” “Sister to Cleopatra Philopator. Why, is she even more famous than my father and ancestors here?” the Egyptian queen asked, unknowing of the fate of her home and family after her death. “You’re the younger sister of the famed Cleopatra, last ruler of the Ptolemaic Dynasty and the last pharaoh of Egypt.”

“Hello, I am Queen Ansion IV, pharaoh of Egypt, sister of the ill fated Cleopatra,” Arsinoe said to Ahkmenrah. “Very good, your Highness. You’re doing well,” the young king praised his fellow Egyptian ruler. It has been four months now since Arsinoe had come to museum. Ahkmenrah told her of the fate of Egypt after her death, along with the end of Ptolemaic Dynasty when her sister committed suicide. He also shown her his magical tablet, explaining to her how it worked and what it did to the inhabitants of the museum. Now, he was teaching the young queen English, which she was doing quite well in, might I add. 

Along with her personality coming out more, showing Ahkmenrah she was an intelligent and regal young woman, her appearance was more in tune with a ruler of Egypt. She wore a dark haired wig that ended at her shoulders, the black locks styled in braids decorated in golden braiding beads, a golden diadem encircling her head. Makeup covered her face, accentuating her features with blueish green eyeshadow, made from crushed malachite, black kohl rimmed around her (e/c) eyes, and lips a ruby red from the cohre on them. A beautiful white linen robe hung from her shoulders and ended her ankles, a golden beaded neck collar hanging from her neck, and a sheer shawl hanged from the linen dress, covering  her shoulders and arms, a gold and blue sash wrapped around her waist with the ends hanging down the front of her skirt. Thick, golden cuffed bracelets covered her lower arms, her fingers shining with rings. 

Ahkmenrah couldn’t help but stare at her, as she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He’s forgotten how it felt to talk to someone in his native tongue, to speak the language of his people, to discuss the familiarities of his home in a way in which only someone who had experienced what he experienced could understand. This could explain why everywhere Ahkmenrah went, Arsinoe wasn’t far behind. They both gravitated towards each other, like a moth to a flame. If only he had been alive during her lifetime, then maybe they could have ruled the lands of Egypt together. It would be even better if she had been within during his time, no Romans or Greeks to worry about, just the internal affairs found along the Nile. 

Ahkmenrah couldn’t help but think of all of this as Arsinoe reviewed her English with the pharaoh. “Theodore Roosevelt, Attila the Hun, Sacagawea, Jedediah, Octavius, Larry, and Nick,” she said, trying to properly pronounce the names of Ahkmenrah’s friends. “Perfect, darling. Although you have a slight accent, I believe everyone can understand you nonetheless,” Ahkmenrah complimented her. Arsinoe smiled, proud of herself. “Thank you so much, Ahkmenrah. It’s so much easier now to converse with the others. Although I love talking to you, I enjoy hanging out with the other exhibits too,” she said, a smile on her ruby red lips. “I know what you mean. Being locked in my sarcophagus for fifty-four years was terribly lonely,” he joked. “At least you had such a cozy sarcophagus. Not to mention you weren’t missing your head for 2000 years. I thank the almighty Ra and Anubis for the archeologists somehow finding my head in the rubble of Ephesus. I’m certain you wouldn’t be so enamored with me if I was just a headless corpse walking the halls,” Arsinoe joked back. “Ooo, a bit too dark there, Arsinoe,” Ahkmenrah winced. “Sorry.” 

Arsinoe got up from her sitting spot in Ahkmenrah’s exhibit walking to the nearby hieroglyphic wall. She seemed to be staring off into space, her mind not with her body. “What’s the matter, Arsi (pronounced as arh-SEE)?” Ahkmenrah asked, getting up from his spot. Arsinoe sighed and turned towards her friend. “I’ve been thinking of home again. Especially about my sister,” she said with frown. “I’ve been thinking of Egypt, too. But why are you so sad, my little Seshat?” “I’ve never told you about how I’ve died did I? About why all I have is a simple marble sarcophagus and not one made of gold and jewels. About why I was laid to rest in a modest, octagon shaped, vaulted tomb instead of in the Valley of the Kingdoms like my predecessors,” she said, tears starting to roll down her (s/c) cheeks, the kohl around her eyes running. Ahkmenrah approached the girl, wrapping his arms around her and bringing her to his chest. Arsinoe started to quietly cry into his robes, her delicate hands gripping onto the front of his robes. Ahkmenrah justed let her cry, running his hands through her wigged hair, trying his best to comfort her. “My sister, my own flesh and blood, did this to me! To secure her position on the throne! She ordered her lover, Mark Anthony, to kill me even though Caesar granted me sanctuary at the Temple of Artemis. His men murdered me on the steps of the temple while I was praying!” she cried, voice filled with anguish and despair. “Do you have any idea how that feels?!” 

“Sadly, I do, my sweet,” Ahkmenrah replied, laying his chin on top of her head. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better,” Arsinoe mumbled from Ahkmenrah’s chest. “Sadly, I’m not, darling. Shortly after I inherited my throne from my father, my elder brother was so envious of me, that he killed me to get it,” he said, eyes staring off in the distance as he remembered his final moments of life. Ahkmenrah had never told anyone of this, not even Larry, the closest thing he had to a best friend. “Luckily, he ruled Egypt for a short time, but his reign was brutal and harsh, as he ruled with an iron fist.” Arsinoe pulled away from his chest, looking up at the ancient pharaoh. “Your brother did that to you?” she said, shocked. Ahkmenrah nodded his head. “Throughout history, men and women have had their closest allies, including family, killed to secure their accession to power,” Ahkmenrah tried to explain. “That doesn’t justify what they did us or make the common people approve of their gain of power,” Arsinoe said. “I know, my sweet. I know,” Ahkmenrah said while gently rubbing her sides. 

The two stayed in each other like that, in each others arms, the room nice and quiet, only the sound of each others breathing and heartbeats in each other ears. “Thank you,” Arsinoe said, breaking the peaceful silence. “Thank you for everything. Your selflessness has amazed me in so many ways. I’m so lucky to have you at my side.” “And I am so lucky to be here with you, my little goddess.” As they were saying this, the two pharaohs subconsciously were drawing closer, their faces now very close to each other. “Ahkmen?” Arsinoe said breathlessly. Ahkmenrah just gently shushed her and closed the distance between them. The two Egyptian royals were caught in a passionate, yet gently kiss, encased in each others’ arms. Ahkmenrah could taste the flavor of grapes on her lips, remaining from her frequent indulgence in the fruit.  He could get lost in her taste, smell, and touch. 

The two separated shortly laterly, Ahkmenrah looking into Ansinoe’s eyes as he gently stroked one her cheeks. “Arinsoe, every since the day I first laid eyes on you I knew you would were something special, a goddess among the mortal masses. Your beauty captivates me, your intelligence leaves me speechless, and I want to call you my queen,” the pharaoh said to the Egyptian beauty. “Oh, Ahk, I feel the same way. I always thought that I wouldn’t find the man destined to be mine during my lifetime. And I was right, for here you stand. I just didn’t think that my soulmate would be from the past and I would meet him in the far future,” Ansinoe said, joking at the end of her confession. Ahkmenrah smiled brightly encasing Arsinoe in hug with his tan, muscled arms. “I love you, Arsinoe. Will be my Queen, my Great Royal Wife, the Isis to my Horus?” “I would love, too, my King.” A kiss sealed the deal, the two royals’ lips locking in passionate, and not so innocent kiss. 

The sound of cheering ruined the moment, Ahkmenrah and Arsinoe separating because of the interruption. They turned towards the entrance to Ahkmenrah’s exhibit, to see Jedediah, Octavius, Larry, Teddy, Sacagawea, and Attila cheering and clapping as they look at the scene between you two with smiles on their faces. “About time you two lovebirds got together!” Jedediah shouted from atop Larry’s shoulder. “And here you thought nothing would happen between the two,” he said to Octavius, who was standing on Larry’s other shoulder. “Well, they are together now, my friend. Keep this boy close, m’lady, he’s a special one,” Octavius replied, directing the last sentence towards Arsinoe. Ahkmenrah frowned at his friends, unhappy that they interrupted him and Arsinoe, then told the Anubis guards something in Egyptian. Said statues, pointed their spears at the other exhibits and the nightguard, causing them to step back a bit. “Okay, guys, let’s leave them alone, before Ahk tells his guards to kill us,” Larry said. Slowly, but surely, Ahkmenrah’s friends disbursed until it was just you two again. Ahkmenrah and Arsinoe just chuckled together, then caught each other in another kiss, smiles on their faces. 

THE END

[vmorr002-blog]

Essay on Africa

My host country is Egypt. Egypt is located in the continent of Africa. Egypt shares land borders with four countries. The four countries they share borders with is Sudan, Libya, Palestine, and Israel. Cairo is the capital city of Egypt, and this is where I want to go. Cairo is also the political center of Egypt, which is considered Republic, and home to its Executive head of state. The culture of Egypt has thousands of years of recorded history. Ancient Egypt was one of the earliest civilizations in Africa. For millennia, Egypt maintained a strikingly unique, complex and stable culture that later influenced cultures in Europe. Like, Cairo, Alexandria is another important city. In fact, Alexandria is the second largest city in Egypt. This city is a major economic centre, extending along the coast Mediterranean Sea in the north central part of the country. Alexandria is an important industrial center because of its natural gases and oil pipelines from Suez. Alexandria is also a common tourist destination. With the Nile River fertile banks, and delta, the history of Egypt has been long and rich, due to the flow of this river. Its rich history also comes from its native inhabitants and outside influence. Much of Egypt's ancient history was a mystery until the secrets of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs were deciphered with the discovery and help of the Rosetta Stone. The Great Pyramid of Giza is the only one of the Seven Wonders of this Ancient World. The lighthouse of Alexandria was one of the wonders but it's gone. Egypt was none of its religion, arts, and writing, most commonly constructed by the dynasty of Narmer. The first Pharaoh of the dynasty was Narmer around 3150 BC. Named was conquered by two dynasties, before it was ruled by the Roman Empire. The death of Cleopatra ended this empire. The next powerful dynasty was Alexandria. When Alexander dies in Babylon 323 BC, a succession crisis erupted among his generals. The history of Egypt is one that is controversy, but quite unique. Egypt is one of the most powerfulness religious countries in this world. Historians usually group the Ancient history of Egypt into three major kingdoms. These kingdoms are called the Old Kingdom, The Middle Kingdom, and lastly, the New Kingdom. During these times, Ancient Egypt was at its strongest. The times between the kingdoms are called Theo termediate periods. The Pharaohs of Egypt were often buried in giant pyramids, or sacred tombs. They believed they needed treasure to be buried with them to help them in their afterlife. As a result of this, archaeologists, have a lot of well preserved artifacts and tombs to examine, in order to find out how the Ancient Egyptians lived. The national language of modern Egypt is Egyptian Arabic, which vastly replaced Coptic as the language in the centuries after the Muslim conquest of Egypt. Egypt is currently republic, has unitary states, and has a semi-presidential system. A semi-presidential system is a system of government in which a president exists alongside a prime minister and a cabinet, with the latter two being responsible to the legislature of a state. The religion in Egypt is predominantly Muslim, which is 90% of their population. Christianity, Shia and other religions being apart of the other 10% of the population. The vast majority of Muslims are Sunni. The relationship between politics and religion is controversial. Thomas Gale wrote in the article in Encyclopedia.com, “A discussion of religion and politics in the ancient Mediterranean faces two large obstacles: the geographical and cultural diversity of the traditions encompassed by this rubric and the very difficulty of defining the terms religion and politics in each culture. None of the societies of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome possessed a word for religion in the modern sense of a system of faith in and worship of a transcendent power.” He then began to speak about the interrelationship of the religious and political relationships of these Mediterranean cultures stating, “... religion and politics in these societies led naturally to a high degree of integration between religious authority and political authority.” He furthered explained why there was such close links between these two major topics saying that the very purpose of these Mediterranean systems, was to safeguard and improve the welfare of the state. Although Gale, talked about Mediterranean systems as a whole, Egypt is one of the biggest system that portrays these Mediterranean countries. Early in Egypt, the gender roles were of men and women were different but largely equal. Women were responsible to vote and raised the children, and also responsible for the familiar, domestic relationships. Men on the other hand, taught their growing up boys their own trade and related to society at large. In art, sculptures were rarely made with just women. They always were sculpted with their husband, which portrayed the dominance of the men in this society. One of the two most important newspapers in Egypt is 3yonnews, and Afaq Arabia. The nile, Al Tahar, and Ten are some of Egypts favorable television stations. One thing that was good about Egypt is that they had a surplus of food. Food was was roasted and boiled, and fried and dried, and baked and blended. They had plenty of fresh food to keep them healthy thanks to the Nile River. A fact about the Ancient Egyptians, is they loved garlic! They also eat green vegetables, lentils, figs, dates, onion, fish, cheese and etc. Lastly, let's talk about greetings in Egypt! They’re greeting is much similar to the United States. If someone is entering into any group, they should greet everyone that is present. Handshakes are common in Egypt, but it's lightly. It’s rarely a firm handshake, otherwise the person is perceived to be harmful. People are generally accompanied by a long smile and eye contact. First names are not used, unless one has been invited to do so. Mr. Mrs. Dr. And etc is used before a first or last name. A common that accompanies greetings is ‘salaam aleikum’ (‘may peace be with you’), which should be replied to with ‘waaleikum us salam’ (‘may peace be with you also’). I really enjoyed studying Egypt in this last assignment. It makes me want to go there even more than I used to!