Fly

The Fly in Ancient Egypt


 * Egyptian Name:**

//Aff//

It is generally thought that the Housefly in Egyptian mythology gave protection against disease or misfortune. Stone amulets in the form of flies were being made in Egypt as early as 3500 B.C.E. During the Old Kingdom the fly was depicted on various ritual artifacts, such as magic wands. During the Middle Kingdom, flies made of faience, lapis lazuli, serpentine, glass, or carnelian were worn as protective amulets called //ofef//.

During the New Kingdom, the Egyptians acknowledged the fly's tenacity in the form of a military decoration known as the "Order of the Golden Fly" or "Fly of Valor." These golden fly amulets were awarded for bravery in battle, perhaps because of the fly's persistence in the face of opposition. A military official named Ahmose-Pennekhbet proudly records that he was awarded six of these honorific flies.

The Insects of Ancient Egypt