Leaving the safety of my mud-hut and exposing myself to the threatening territories beyond; wearing protective amulets, I bravely cast my fears aside, followed the local trade routes across the barren and hostile countryside and journeyed to undertake another day of pronouncements by ‘The Queen of Egyptology’ in ‘The Great Temple of Learning’ –  Lucia Gahlin at Dillington House;

Today’s lecture was on transportation and getting about in Ancient Egypt, and Lucia packed the day with fascinating insights into the various ways ancient Egyptians had of moving around their country.

Lucia covered the desert tracks and trade routes they used; their very important donkeys; and horses – which came late to Egypt – and the camel, which arrived later still.

Horse and chariots; their introduction, status, design and use were discussed at length.
As were were boats – and their importance in the daily lives, as well as the funerary ritual of the ancient Egyptians.
Navigation – of the Nile and the seas around Egypt, ancient boat building, harbours and even the discovery of an amazing 4th Dynasty diary were covered in detail.

We were told of the dangers of travelling by water and by land, and the fears the Ancient Egyptians had about leaving the safety of their Nile Valley.

As a result I will never again worry about leaving the sanctity of my own river valley.   In my quest to explore and conquer far-flung and exotic lands of Somerset and beyond, I will ensure my safety by praying to Min – God of Roads Through the Desert, I will mount my motor-driven ‘chariot’ and travel out to battle the pirates and demons out there in the dangerous and threatening territories of deepest, darkest Somerset, safe in the knowledge of the protection of Min – brave, courageous and intrepid traveller that I am!