ancient egypt: history and culture
Ancient Egyptian bestiary: Flies
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Flies

Necklace, Source: British Museum Part of a Necklace
Source: British Museum website
 
    A major seasonal pest, the Egyptians acknowledged the flies' tenacity. In the form of golden flies, possibly horse flies which have quite a painful sting, they were given to New Kingdom soldiers for their bravery.
    Flies were considered to have magical properties. A magician threatened someone:
I'll enter your body as a fly and see your body from the inside.
    During the Old and Middle Kingdoms flies made of gold, faience, glass or precious stones were worn as amulets called ofef.
 
 
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