Ancient Faces: Mummy 
Portraits from Roman Egypt 
Friday, August 7, 2 p.m.  
(Ashcroft movie theater) 
 
We end our series at a different point 
in Egyptian history – the arrival of 
Romans during Cleopatra VII’s reign. 
Incorporating aspects of ancient 
Egyptian religion into their own 
pantheon of gods and goddesses, 
Romans also adopted mummification 
with a twist. Painted portraits on 
wood panels would be displayed in 
their homes, and upon their death, 
positioned over the face of the 
deceased during mummification. Not 
only are these images astonishingly 
realistic, but appear almost 
contemporary. Join us as we view 
these amazing images and their 
impact on Egyptian ritual. 
Scanning the Pharaohs: 
Ancient Egyptians  
Speak For Themselves
Tuesday, July 7, 2 p.m. 
(Bradford movie theater) 
 
Following the invention of X-ray 
technology in 1895, mummies 
were among the very first things 
ever x-rayed. In fact, the first 
publication of a radiograph was 
by an Egyptologist! We’ll trace 
the successes in reconstructing 
ancient Egyptian lives using 
radiological technology, from 
x-rays to CT scans. Peeking 
inside the mummies of some 
of ancient Egypt’s most famous 
kings, non-royals, even their 
pets, we’ll explore what it was 
like to be an ancient Egyptian.
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Isadora, Romano-Egyptian Fayum Mummy Portrait   |   Public Domain

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