Lentil

Lentils in Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

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Lentils were imported to Egypt fairly early, and were a vital source of protein. According to the story of Wenamen's journey, 21 baskets of lentils were part of the payment the Egyptian ambassador gave to the ruler of Byblos for a shipload of timber. A painting in the tomb of Ramses III shows a servant preparing a dish of lentils for the king. Plutarch wrote that lentils were offered to the gods, especially Horus. Lentils were often part of funeral offerings - a basket of lentils was found in the tomb of Tutankhamen, and in the underground stores of Zoser's pyramid.

The Vegetables of Ancient Egypt