Ariadne Argyros is a PhD student in Archaeology at Durham University, UK, whose research explores the iconography of mourning women in ancient Egyptian funerary rituals. Her research interests lie in funerary culture, gender, magic and mythology, modern receptions of antiquity, and decolonization efforts in museums. Alongside her studies, she works with the Wellcome Egyptian collection at Durham’s Oriental Museum, and participates in community archaeology excavations and outreach activities in the North East. In her spare time, Ariadne enjoys indoor bouldering, cooking, petsitting, and a good pub quiz.
Areas of Expertise
Timeline of Ancient Egypt: From the Old Kingdom to Ptolemaic Egypt
From the famous Old Kingdom to Alexander the Great's Ptolemaic Period, this is the fascinating timeline of Ancient Egypt as it unfolded.
The House of Ptolemy: Ancient Egypt’s Ptolemaic Dynasty
The Ptolemaic dynasty founded by Ptolemy I Soter, general of Alexander the Great, and governed Egypt for three centuries, creating a powerful and wealthy Hellenistic state.
Late Period Egypt: Who Was the Last Native Pharaoh?
The Late Period is the name given to the last era of native ancient Egyptian rulers, from 664 BCE to the campaigns of Alexander the Great in 332 BCE.
Ancient Egypt’s Third Intermediate Period: An Age of War
The Third Intermediate Period of ancient Egypt was a complicated era of political uncertainty, marked by a divisive state and the conquest and rule by foreign Egyptians.
Ancient Egypt’s Second Intermediate Period: The Hyksos “Invasion”
Despite later Egyptian claims, evidence shows that the foreign Hyksos rulers of Egypt’s Second Intermediate Period actually contributed to progress in culture, language, art, and military affairs.
Ancient Egypt’s First Intermediate Period: Rise of the Middle Class
During the First Intermediate Period, Egypt was divided between two power bases, leading to increased local leadership, the rise of the middle-class and mass production of unique art.
New Kingdom Egypt: Power, Expansion and Celebrated Pharaohs
As the most illustrious period of Egyptian history, New Kingdom Egypt reached its height of power and imperial expansion under some of the most famous pharaohs remembered today.
Middle Kingdom Egypt: The Period of Transformation
Middle Kingdom Egypt is defined by strong leadership and the production of great works of literary and visual art that influenced Egyptian culture as we know it today.
Old Kingdom Egypt: Facts & Overview
Old Kingdom Egypt was considered a ‘Golden Era’, defined by experimentation and innovation. It has endured and influenced pharaonic history even thousands of years later.
Meretseger: The Frightful Egyptian Cobra Goddess
Meretseger was a cobra-goddess and guardian of the dead in the Theban valleys. A fiercely protective deity, she punished thieves and wrongdoers by striking them blind with her venom.