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SATURDAY | JULY 12 | 1:30 – 3:30 PM
NORMA KERSHAW AUDITORIUM | LECTURE

Presented by Dr. Kate Liszka, a Professor of History and the Pamela and Benson Harer Fellow specializing in Egyptology at California State University, San Bernardino

Discover how ancient Egypt’s obsession with amethyst—once more precious than gold—sparked royal expeditions, secret trade routes, and desert intrigue. This lecture uncovers how the prized gemstone shaped power, prestige, and resistance during the Middle Kingdom.

4,000 years ago, amethyst was extremely rare and precious. Throughout most of the Middle Kingdom (c. 2000-1700 BCE), the pharaoh commissioned expeditions of over 1,000 people to mine amethyst at Wadi el-Hudi and Dihmit South. Soldiers guarded the workers constantly. Bureaucrats tracked every piece of raw amethyst. Prospectors sought out veins of amethyst nearby. Donkey caravans of raw amethyst were sent to the pharaoh’s treasury and turned into breathtaking jewelry. The pharaoh then gifted these objects of prestige to his family, courtiers, and international allies. However, the pharaoh’s expeditions did not control a monopoly over amethyst mining. Other groups of people including pastoral nomads and Nubians mined amethyst directly. Site 21 was mined frequently by various groups of desert Nubians. Their amethyst entered an informal economy and made their way into the tombs of non-elites. Amethyst was so important it was worth sneaking around the Egyptian state to acquire it.

Ticketed Onsite Event: Free for Bowers and ARCE Members | General $15

Recorded Online Screening: Free for Bowers and ARCE Members | General $10 | Online version will be emailed to ticketholders one week after the onsite event.

PURCHASE RECORDED SCREENING

Questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 714.567.3677. Proceeds benefit Bowers Museum Education Programs. Tickets are non-refundable.