Roman Mummy Portraits - Dr. Michael Birrell

Roman mummy portraits from Egypt are among the most remarkable art works to survive from the ancient world, providing unique insights into the burial customs, hairstyles and fashions from the 1st - 3rd centuries A.D. The Pharaonic tradition of mummifying the dead continued for several centuries into the Roman period, at times wrapping deceased in ornate linen with a naturalistic painted wood portrait positioned over the head. These painted portraits are thought to have hung in frames in private homes until eventually being placed over the mummy. Dr. Michael Birrell lectured at the Ancient History of Macquarie University, and has taught many courses for Continuing Education at Sydney University. He has worked on numerous archaeological excavations in both Egypt and Israel, and has travelled widely in the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Dr. Birrell runs his own guided tour company, 'B.C. Archaeology. 'B.C. Archaeology' is a small travel company which was founded by Dr Michael Birrell, an Australian historian and archaeologist, in 2000. He saw a need for a specialised inexpensive tour experience which catered to those with a desire to travel and learn about archaeology. To learn more, please visit: http://www.bcarchaeology.com/