I traveled to Egypt in December 2019 to do research for my Eye of Isis novels, which are set in Alexandria in the time of Cleopatra. “It’s not about the sewers,” Apollodorus said. “They’re afraid she’s going to spend all their money on books for the Library, in particular books to replace the ones that…
Read more “They’re afraid she’s going to spend all their money on books for the Library.”
Every single one of the extant sources who wrote about Cleopatra’s life had an agenda, specifically to demonize Cleopatra and make hers a name to live in infamy. …her story is constructed as much of male fear as fantasy. Cicero, Plutarch, Dio, Lucan, Schiff quotes them all extensively and compensates for their obvious bias by…
In December 2019 I traveled to Egypt to do research for my Eye of Isis novels, which are set in Alexandria in the time of Cleopatra. Below are paintings inside the tomb of Nefertari, much beloved wife of Ramses II. So much time and talent to commemorate a lost love. The Taj Mahal of the…
Read more The Eye of Isis, the eye, and mouth, and hand of the ruler of Alexandria and Egypt.
In December 2019 I traveled to Egypt to do research for the Eye of Isis novels, a series set in Alexandria in the time of Cleopatra. A brisk, following wind carried them to Cyprus in a little over two days but it might as well have been two years for Tetisheri, who saw a pirate…
Read more …a pirate sail in every wisp of cloud on the horizon.
In December 2019 I traveled to Egypt to do research for the Eye of Isis novels, a series set in Alexandria in the time of Cleopatra. Tetisheri found a bas-relief carving in the molding that lined the walls of the room below the roof and above the wall paintings and studied it. Theseus and the…
In December 2019 I traveled to Egypt to do research for the Eye of Isis novels, a series set in Alexandria in the time of Cleopatra. In Hathyr news came of Caesar’s victory over Pharnaces, and of Caesar’s report of the battle to the Senate and People of Rome. “‘Veni, vidi, vici?’” Apollodorus said. “It’s…
In December 2019 I traveled to Egypt to do research for the Eye of Isis novels, set in Alexandria in the time of Cleopatra. Alexandrians lined the walls and shore of the city, cheering and waving and the trumpets responded with even more fervor. “She’s marched them all out today,” Apollodorus said. “Including herself.” Tetisheri…
Read more The Double Crown shone every bit as brightly as the Roman armor.
I traveled to Egypt in December 2019 to do research for the Eye of Isis novels, a series set in Alexandria in the time of Cleopatra. Cleopatra sat very still on her throne, her hands resting on its arms, her spine straight, her face without expression. Attach a ceremonial beard and she would look just…
I traveled to Egypt for research for the Eye of Isis novels, a series set in Alexandria in the time of Cleopatra. Egyptologists recently (in pharaonic terms, anyway) disinterred the Sun Boat, which had its own tomb next to the Great Pyramid. It was meant to provide Pharaoh Khufu (aka Cheops) with transportation in the…
Read more The ship before them was a deep-hulled merchant galley.
I traveled to Egypt in December 2019 to do research for the Eye of Isis novels, a series set in Alexandria in the time of Cleopatra. “Make up your mind,” Apollodorus said, grasping Tetisheri’s arm and urging her down the street. “As soon as the kinglet finds his balls—or his guests find them for him—he’ll…