Peeking Between the Pages

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Michelle Moran Guest Post & Giveaway!

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I’d like you to all welcome Michelle Moran, author of Nefertiti (my review here) and The Heretic Queen (my review here) here to Peeking Between the Pages. She’s been kind of enough to share with us some of the surprises she had while researching The Heretic Queen. Enjoy and be sure to check out the wonderful giveaway at the end.
Guest Post on Surprises
First of all, thank you very much for having me here! When you first asked me to write a guest post, I knew immediately what I wanted to talk about. History’s surprises. I don’t mean the small surprises an author uncovers during the lengthy process of researching for an historical novel, such as the fact that the Romans liked to eat a fish sauce called garum which was made from fermented fish. Ugh. No, I mean the large surprises which alter the way we think about an ancient civilization and humanity.

The Heretic Queen is the story of Nefertari and her transformation from an orphaned and unwanted princess to one of the most powerful queens of ancient Egypt. She married Ramesses II and possibly lived through the most famous exodus in history. I assumed that when I began my research I would discover that Ramesses was tall, dark and handsome (not unlike the drool-worthy Yule Brenner in The Ten Commandments). And I imagined that he would have been victorious in every battle, given his long reign of more than thirty years and his triumphant-sounding title, Ramesses the Great. But neither of these assumptions turned out to be true.

My first surprise came when I first visited the Hall of Mummies in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Contrary to every single media portrayal of Ramesses and every movie ever made, it turns out the Pharaoh was not tall, dark and handsome as I had expected, but tall, light and red-headed (which was just as fine, by me)! When his mummy was recovered in 1881, Egyptologists were able to determine that he had once stood five feet seven inches tall, had flaming red hair, and a distinctive nose that his sons would inherit. There were those who contended that his mummy had red hair because of burial dyes or henna, but French scientists laid these theories to rest after a microscopic analysis of the roots conclusively proved he was a red-head like Set, the Egyptian god of chaos. As I peered through the heavy glass which separated myself from the a man commonly referred to as the greatest Pharaoh of ancient Egypt, my pre-conceived notions of Ramesses II fell away. I knew that the oldest mummy ever discovered in Egypt had had red hair, but to see red hair on a mummy in person was something else entirely.

My second surprise came as I was attempting to piece together what kind of man Ramesses II had been. I assumed, given his lengthy reign, that he must have been a great warrior who was level-headed in battle and revered as a soldier. Pharaohs who were inept at waging war didn’t tend to have very lengthy reigns. There were always people on the horizon – Hyksos, Hittites, Mitanni – who wanted Egypt for themselves, not to mention internal enemies who would have loved to usurp the throne. But while researching Ramesses’s foreign policy, a very different man began to emerge. One who was young, rash, and sometimes foolish. His most famous battle—the Battle of Kadesh—ended not in victory, but in a humiliating truce after he charged into combat strategically unprepared and very nearly lost the entire kingdom of Egypt. In images from his temple in Abu Simbel, he can be seen racing into this war on his chariot, his horse’s reins tied around his waist as he smites the Hittites in what he depicted as a glorious triumph. Nefertari is believed to have accompanied him into this famous battle, along with one of his other wives. First, I had to ask myself, what sort of man brings his wives to war? Clearly, one who was completely confident of his own success. Secondly, I had to wonder what this battle said about Ramesses’s character.

Rather than being a methodical planner, Ramesses was clearly the type of Pharaoh who was swayed – at least on the battlefield – by his passions. However, his signing of a truce with the Hittites seemed significant to me for two reasons. One, it showed that he could be humble and accept a stalemate (whereas other Pharaohs might have tried to attack the Hittites the next season until a definitive conqueror was declared). And two, it showed that he could think outside the box. Ramesses’s Treaty of Kadesh is the earliest copy of a treaty that has ever been found. When archaeologists discovered the tablet it was written in both Egyptian and Akkadian. It details the terms of peace, extradition policies and mutual-aid clauses between Ramesses’s kingdom of Egypt and the powerful kingdom of Hatti. Today, the original treaty, written in cuneiform and discovered in Hattusas, is displayed in the United Nations building in New York to serve as a reminder of the rewards of diplomacy. For me, it also serves as a reminder that Ramesses was not just a young, rash warrior, but a shrewd politician.

There were other surprises as well; about the personal history of my narrator Nefertari, the Exodus, and even the Babylonian legends which bear a striking resemblance to Moses’s story in the Bible. Researching history always comes with revelations, and it’s one of the greatest rewards of being an historical fiction author. There’s nothing I like better than being surprised and having my preconceptions crumble, because if I’m surprised, it’s likely that the reader will be surprised as well.

Thank you so much for sharing this guest post with us Michelle! Now on to the GIVEAWAY!!! Michelle has generously offered two copies of The Heretic Queen and one paperback copy of Nefertiti to three lucky winners. As you can see from my reviews above I loved both books. So, here are the rules:
  • for one entry leave me a comment.

  • for two entries, comment on something from the guest post. Do not just tell me you read it and enjoyed it, tell me something specific.

  • for three entries, blog about this giveaway and spread the word.
This giveaway is open anywhere in the world. Michelle will send you your copy once the winners are drawn. I will do two separate draws for The Heretic Queen and then Nefertiti so let me know if you only want to enter for one or both as I know some may have already read Nefertiti. I will draw for the winner on Friday, October 31. Good luck everyone!

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  1. Dar, this is such an exciting giveaway! Please enter me.

    I really enjoyed this guest post, Michelle! I find it interesting on how film can color our views of historical figures. Charleton Heston will always be what Moses looks like to me. How interesting about the red hair. I would have assumed black, as well. Michelle, are you planning more adventures in Egypt? Would it be difficult to choose another period of time or change of place?

  2. Great post. The red haired comment was interesting. I would not expect an Egyptian to have red hair but the height thing does not surprise me as much. Most of exhibits I have seen, showed men of very slight stature.

    Please enter me! I am one of the few people left on the planet that has not read these books.

  4. Dar: Thanks for the chance to win one of Michelle’s books — I haven’t read either as yet but both are on my wish list.
    I’ve been fascinated with “Ancient History” since 4th grade when I first studied the Egyptians,Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans. All those years ago, and NOW I find out about the red hair! That surprises me more than anything else! Thanks, Michelle, for a very interesting post.
    geebee.reads AT gmail DOT com

  5. Sounds interesting and I’ve never won a book before. Have always been interested in Egyptian history – especially Nef.

    will be posting on my site.

  6. Dar,
    I have not read either of these books yet have wanted to for a long time….please enter me.
    In the interview when Michelle talks about the warrior taking one of his wives with him to battle, it reminded me of another author’s interview, when asked about her retelling of some of the storie in the bible and how the king was taking someone else’s wife to war with him…..do you recall this interview? Strange how the two are so similiar!
    Thanks
    Darby
    darbyscloset at yahoo dot com

  7. hey dar!! do enter me for the giveaway.. i havent read either book and i would love to read them sometime..:)
    well, first of all, i loved reading the guest post.. i am glad she decided to post about this topic:) i was surprised that Ramesses was just 5 feet 7 inches tall! i always thought he’d much much taller and somehow more arab looknig with black hair.. red hair??? wow!

  8. I would love to be entered for both books please 🙂 Thank you for the giveaway!

    I loved reading about how much research Michelle did to write the books, and I am so jealous of the traveling she got to do. I have never been to Egypt before, but I guess reading Michelle’s books will be the next best thing! I find it fascinating that the Egyptologists can determine so many details about the royals just from the mummies. It is amazing how well they are preserved after all these years. They are exactly like fossils for paleontologists.

  10. Thank you Darlene for having me here! And Literatehousewife, I am planning one final book sort of set in Egypt. It’s called Cleopatra’s Daughter and will be coming out September 15, 2009. However, because Cleopatra’s children were taken to Rome once Augustus conquered Egypt, most of the book is set in Rome.

    I didn’t find the transition difficult however, because my academic specialty – and what I’m pursuing a Ph.D in – is ancient Rome and the Middle Ages (and the former’s influence on the latter). I’m very excited about this third novel, and I just added a book trailer about it on my website: http://www.michellemoran.com/upcoming.htm.

  11. Michelle, thanks so much for popping in and answering any questions there may be. That’s just great!

    I have to say I’m surprised at the red hair too-I had always imagined black also.

  12. firstly: count me in! I love history!

    secondly: RED HAIR!? SERIOUSLY? I never would have thought. That’s bizarro. I’m itching to actually SEE this now. Too bad the ancient egyptians didn’t have cameras.. red hair. Wow. I’m shocked!

    You know it’s odd, I’m studying history and there are absolutely zero classes offered that deal with ancient egypt. Kind of lame. I’ve always wanted to know more about it, because I have a limited scope of knowledge with regards to that period and location in time.

  14. Hi Dar,

    I saw your comment at ‘Redlady’s Reading Room’ about ‘Sarah’s Key’. I have an extra copy. Please contact me at woodbear97 [at] yahoo [dot] com and we can make arrangements for you to get my extra copy.

  15. I have always loved the Egyptian culture. The red hair was an interesting fact for me. These books looks sooo good. I would love a chance to read this.

    angelleslament @ gmail.com

  16. What a great post! I had read in an earlier interview with Michelle that Ramsses was shorter than I thought and had red hair but I didn’t know about his military un-prowess. I assumed, like Michelle, that he was a military bad ass. And the treaty part. Too cool. Thanks!

  17. I have been wanting to read this book.I really need something new to read. Our Library sucks!

  18. I love, love, love books about Egyptian history! I’d love to read either of these books!

    busweet(at)gmail.com

  19. Please enter me for both, I have not had a chance to read either.

    Thank You,
    Dina

    dlsmilad(at)yahoo(dot)com

  20. Dar, no need to enter me as I already have a copy but I just wanted to tell Michele thanks for another great giveaway. She is fascinating!

    Shana
    Literarily

  21. Dar,

    What a great guest post with Michelle Moran! I loved the focus on surprises as it was fascinating reading and quite juicy details! I LOVED to read that she was surprised to find out that Ramesses had red hair. I like that it was discovered that things aren’t always what we perceive in our minds. How fascinating that they could actually determine that he had red hair. I’m doubly fascinated as I am a redhead too..you just don’t think of Egyptians as redheads!

    I shouldn’t be entering more giveaways but I CANNOT resist this one as I want to read Michelle Moran’s books. What an awesome giveaway you have!! Add my name for both books please. I will blog about this in a giveaway post this week.

  22. I first wanted to say thank you for all your cheering during the read-a-thon! It was VERY encouraging! 🙂

    I really enjoyed reading the guest post. I’ve been seeing reviews all over for both of these books, and they look really good. Like many others, I am surprised to think of Egyptians having red hair! I also am surprised that a pharaoh would allow his wife(wives) into battle with him–that just doesn’t seem safe! Since I haven’t read either book I would love to be entered for Nefertiti. Thank you! 🙂

  23. Hello, Michelle has always fascinated me with her books and research. I just enjoyed reading the truth about
    “Ramesses!” Contrary to belief, he was only 5’7″, had flaming red hair and a distinctive nose! Please enter me in your delightful drawing. Many thanks…..Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

  25. Please enter me!!!

    I had always been fascinated by Wgypt and pyramids and part of the reason for this has been Nefertari. I have seen many documentaries about her on the TV, but i guess now i have to have something to read too.

    Although i know Ramesses was not tall and dark and handsome as we all think, but still, whenever i think or read about him, i always get that typical handsome look of his in my mind.

  26. Put my name in the hat for this one!

    An interesting thing from Michelle’s post. Ramesses had red hair. I certainly agree that surprises make learning more fun.

    Thanks for yet another great giveaway! I’ve blogged about it in my right sidebar here:

    http://janelsjumble.blogspot.com/

  27. What a great guest post! My husband and I are both fascinated by the history of Nefertiti and the whole Egyptians, pyramids time in history. The part of the interview that I liked was finding out that Nefertiti was an orphan. That is one thing that I did not know. I look forward to a chance of winning one of these books. Thank you!

  31. Hey Dar this is some giveaway… I have no business doing another… but gosh all the buzz around here really has me exited to read more. Please enter me.

    I too was surprised about the red hair. And the next book set in Rome sounds wonderful with Cleopatra’s kids sounds really good.

    Thanks for excellent review and blog post!!

  33. I love Historicals and I’ve long been meaning to read Moran’s books. This will be just ideal.

    Thanks for this great giveaway!
    callmeabookworm AT gmail DOT com

  37. I, too, am very surprised to hear that the pharohs had red hair. But that’s a great fact to tell at cocktail parties!

  38. I just love learning about Egypt in school, such a fasincating subject. The Michelles books sound great. I really enjoyed reading her guest post. Please enter me.

  39. An interesting period of time; so much research obviously went into this book. Cannot wait to read it!!

  41. I would love to win either of these books. I am a huge fan of historical fiction, I always say I have learned so much from reading well-researched books. I was amazed at the research Michelle put into her books. I was surprised Ramses had red hair, I was also intriqued at how much history fit in with the Bible. I am anxious to read more!
    Thanks for the chance and I blogged about your giveaway at:
    http://readinginappalachia.blogspot.com/2008/09/challenges-and-giveaways.html

  42. I’ve been wanting to read these ever since the rave reviews have been popping up all over the place. I’ve recently ordered Nefertiti, and can’t wait for it to arrive, but I’d love a chance to win The Heretic Queen.

    I was also surprised by the red hair, my image had always been dark hair, dark skin. Sounds like the research itself was fascinating. I look forward to reading these books.

    I’ve mentioned the giveaway here.

    tanabata2000 at gmail dot com

  44. Imagine a reign of thirty years. I think I was under the impression the life span in those days was not too long so this sort of surprised me. Enter me in the contest please

    florida982002@yahoo dot com

  46. Kaye, most people’s life spans at the time were VERY short. The average age of mummies is between 20-30. Ramesses had an unusual life in many, many ways!

  47. Please enter me for both books, I have not read either one & they sound very interesting. I will also put your giveaway on my blog. I find historical books fascinating & the fact that his wife went into battle wtih him-bizarre! Thanks:)
    http://julyso4463.blogspot.com/

  50. I would love to be able to win, and read, either of these books. I was fascinated by Ms. Moran’s comment about there being evidence of a peace treaty executed back in Biblical times. Amazing!

  51. I’d love to win these books for my daughter, she’s very into ancient cultures.

    How cool to be able to visit the Hall of Mummies in the name of research! I wonder why Ramesses is always portrayed as being so tall when in reality he was only five foot seven inches, shorter than both my husband(5’9″) and son(5’10” and still growing). A fascinating misconception…

  52. I thought I’d entered but I don’t see my name anywhere. I really want to read these books.

  53. I would love to be entered in the contest for the book. I found the author very intriguing. Thanks

  54. I read a blog by Nathan, a literary agent, and the author of these books did a couple of guest posts about publicity. Her blogs was really good, very insightful, so I’d like to look at her novels.

  55. Whew! Made it in time. Dar, I visited your site the other day and meant to enter but got side tracked.

    Vicki