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Many historians believe that ancient Egypt was the birthplace of beekeeping, some 5,000 years ago. Their culture upheld the bee as a multifaceted and meaningful creature that was not only valued for honey and wax, but also played an important role in religious spheres and as a symbol of the king.

Lower Egypt was familiarly known as The Kingdom of Bees. Beekeepers sailed hives up and down the Nile. Soldiers' wounds were treated with honey. Propolis was used for mummification. And we've all heard about Cleopatra famously bathing in milk and honey.

We join the College of the Melissae for a dive deep into the history, herstory, mythology, mystery, and culture of bees and beekeeping in the land of pyramids and mummies with special guest Jalina Tschernig, Head Curator of the Egyptian Collection at the Gustav-Lübcke Museum. She takes us on a fascinating journey through cosmetics, medicine, and the cult of the dead, and along the way visits reliefs (accompanying photo) dating back thousands of years, which, with other archaeological finds, allow us to reconstruct the significance of the bee in ancient Egypt and beyond.

Laura Bee Ferguson, founder of the College of the Melissae, moderates this two-hour class, featuring a Q&A at the end. In English. Registration required in advance. Limited to 100 guests. Pay-as-you-may. Partial proceeds to be donated to the Gustav-Lübcke Museum.

The College of the Melissae's 2020 Speakers Series has been co-produced by The Ambeessadors. (Image © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin / Sandra Steiß)