Lion is 5312 years old today!

Well, it IS New Year's Day, and my calculation is based on a very literal (much too literal) interpretation of the dates.

The lion comes from the temple of Min at Koptos, from about 3300 BC. A fuller explanation is on this label.

The exhibit is in our local (very wonderful) museum, in which a refurbished and greatly extended Egyptian Gallery has just opened.

I was very happy to see this fine beezle (Ram of Amun) from Temple T at Kawa. He's a splendid specimen, although at just under 2700 years old (about 680 BC), he's much younger than the lion.

Once again, I would like to take this opportunity of wishing everyone a Prosperous New Year, and hope that you all get to see something as fascinating as these exhibits in your wanderings during the year.