Summary
Summary:
The text discusses the historical significance and value of pearls across different cultures. Thousands of years ago, pearls were likely discovered during food searches by humans at the sea shore. They have been esteemed in various mythologies and religious texts since ancient times. The ancient Egyptians buried pearls with the dead, and Cleopatra famously drank dissolved pearls as a tribute to her nation. The Greeks viewed pearls as symbols of wealth and love, while in ancient Rome, they represented social status. Noble women adorned themselves with pearl necklaces, and knights believed pearls brought good luck in battle.
Key Questions:
- Were pearls likely discovered by accident? Yes.
- Why were pearls highly valued? They symbolized wealth, love, and status.
- What good luck did knights believe pearls brought? They were thought to bring good fortune in battles.
Information Table:
- Who: The ancient Egyptians - When/Where: Buried pearls with the dead
- Who: The Greeks - When/Where: Valued pearls as signs of wealth and love
- Who: The ancient Romans - When/Where: Wore pearls as symbols of social status
- Who: The brave knights - When/Where: Wore pearls for good luck in battles
Key words : mythology ancient dissolved status unparalleled association delicate
A. Look at the pictures and discuss in pairs.
B. Read the text and answer the questions that follow.
Thousands of years ago, the first pearl was probably discovered while human beings were searching for food at the sea shore. Throughout history, the pearl with its shine has been one of the most highly valued gems.
Pearls have been mentioned many times in religious texts and mythologies from the earliest times.
The ancient Egyptians valued pearls so much that they were buried with them. It is said that the famous queen of Egypt, Cleopatra would dissolve a pearl in a glass and drink it as a sign of love and respect for the entire nation.
The Greeks thought of pearls as a sign of wealth and social position. The beauty of pearls was associated with love and marriage.
In ancient Rome, pearls were considered the greatest sign of wealth and social
status.
At that time the young women of noble families loved to wear beautiful pearl necklaces.The brave knights used to wear them in the battles for good luck.
Questions
- Do you think 'pearls' were discovered by accident? Why?
- Why do you think pearls were valued so much in the past?
- What good luck the knights thought would pearls bring them?
C. Read the text in B again and write the information in the table.
| Who | When/ where | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| The ancient Egyptians | wore
| pearls
| |
| The Greeks | |||
| The ancient Romans | |||
| The brave knights | |||
