QuickCheck: Were servants smeared in honey to attract flies away from Egyptian pharaohs?


HONEY, as we know, is renowned for its multiple uses across the board. It is a versatile ingredient that is widely used in food and drinks.

Studies show that the sweet fluid also has medicinal perks; it acts as a natural remedy to soothe coughs and can boost one's immune system, for instance.

But is it true that honey was once used to keep flies away from Egyptian royals a few millennia ago?

VERDICT:

TRUE

Back in the day, the servants of the Egyptian Pharaoh Pepi II were coated in honey - to keep flies away from him! The Pharaoh detested the pesky insects, hence, it was his idea to smear his slaves in honey... and it came to fruition!

However, the insects were later regarded with admiration for their sheer persistence. "Golden" flies were often gifted to soldiers who showed such qualities on the battleground.

Gold fly-shaped necklaces and other treasures were discovered in Queen Ahhotep at Dra Abu el-Naga's gilded coffin.

References:

https://www.ancient-origins.net/weird-facts/pepi-ii-slaves-0016752#google_vignette

https://novasiagsis.com/smeared-in-honey-egypts-modern-day-dictatorship/

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Pharoah , Egyption , Honey , Flies , Pepi II ,

   

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