Sophy Roberts Explores Faiyum Oasis After Boston Portrait Encounter

In a feature for the Financial Times, travel writer Sophy Roberts recounts how a portrait in a Boston museum sparked her journey to the Faiyum Oasis in Egypt. The article, titled "Face to face with ancient Egypt," details her exploration of the region's temples, monasteries, and desert landscapes. Roberts's pilgrimage begins with a captivating portrait, likely a Fayum mummy portrait, which draws her to the oasis known for its rich Greco-Roman heritage. The piece highlights the cultural and historical significance of the Faiyum, a fertile depression west of the Nile, home to archaeological sites such as the Temple of Sobek at Kom Ombo and the ruins of Karanis. Roberts visits Coptic monasteries, including the Monastery of Saint Anthony, and describes the stark beauty of the desert. The article reflects a personal journey of discovery, intertwining art history with travel narrative. The publication date is not specified, but the piece appears in the FT's travel section. The story underscores the enduring allure of ancient Egyptian art and its power to inspire contemporary exploration.