- What kind of pregnancy test did ancient Egyptian doctors use?
- What tribe of African men veiled their faces while the women wore none?
- What mode of transportation did ancient Nubians use?
- Did Timbuktu really exist?
- How did Egyptians treat STDs?
- Did people in ancient civilizations marry for love or for convenient arrangements?
If you’ve ever read historical romance, you probably wonder how the ancients handled a lot of the issues we’re faced with today””especially where women are concerned.
My name is Chanta Rand. I’m a bestselling author of historical and contemporary romance. While I don’t get into detail about everything, in my books, I do try to answer those nagging questions we all want to know about. For instance, if you were invited to a dinner party in 11th century Timbuktu, what would you wear?
Yes, Timbuktu was a real place. I talk about that in my latest book, Rise of a Queen. It’s set during 1061 AD in the Kingdom of Ghana (West Africa). The Kingdom of Ghana (not to be confused with the modern day country of Ghana) existed from 300 AD to 1200 AD. Societies were matriarchal, meaning power passed from the mother’s side of the family. Female leadership wasn’t uncommon. That’s one of the reasons I love writing about this culture.
Another reason is the clothes. I love animal prints””so much that my husband has forbidden me to bring any more leopard or zebra print pillows into this house. So, I live vicariously through my characters.
Back to my original question: What would you wear to a dinner party in Timbuktu? If you were an ordinary citizen, you wore very little clothing due to the scorching hot weather. A cute little skirt of woven grass and maybe a leopard skin halter top would have done the trick.
If you were a member of royalty, you would have had access to all the fine fabrics from Arab traders who braved the warring tribes to bring caravans of spices, gold, and other luxuries. You’d probably have rocked a linen dress or a silk kaftan or even a Kente cloth dashiki. Of course, had I been there, I would have strapped a leather belt around my waist, added some chic gold earrings, and draped a five-strand, cowrie shell necklace around my neck. Yes, clans in the Kingdom of Ghana did have leather. And plenty of gold!
If you’re interested in learning more history and reading some steamy romance in the process, pick up one of my historical romances. In the back of each one, you’ll find an Author’s Note chock full of in-depth details about the ancients.
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