Melon

Melons in Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

//Sspt// (muskmelon)

//Bddw-k// (watermelon)

Cultivated by at least the 5th Dynasty, the Muskmelon, Watermelon, and possibly the Chate Melon (Cucumis melo var. chate) were known in ancient Egypt. Connected with fertility, melons were said to be made by the god Set.

The leaves of the muskmelon were found in the coffin of Nebseni, and a watermelon was found in the New Kingdom tomb of Nebseni. The fruit was eaten and the seeds were roasted or pressed to make oil. A large quantity of watermelon seeds were found in Tutankhamen's tomb.

The Israelites, who had become accustomed to the Egyptian diet of bread, fish, and vegetables, complained when they were wandering in the desert: "We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic." (Numbers 11)

Fruit of Ancient Egypt