WHAT is Freemasonry? When did it come to Egypt? And what does it have to do with the Great Pyramid?
According to Wikipedia, studies on masonic history centre on the development, evolution and events of the fraternal organisation known as Freemasonry.
This history is generally separated into two time periods: before and after the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717. Before this time, the facts and origins of Freemasonry are not absolutely known and are therefore frequently explained by theories or legends. After the formation of the Grand Lodge of England, the history of Freemasonry is very well documented and can be traced through the creation of hundreds of Grand Lodges that spread rapidly worldwide.
In recent years professional historians have been studying the impact of Freemasonry on the history of Europe and America in the 18th century. In its ritual context, Freemasonry employs an allegorical foundation myth: the foundation of the fraternity by the builders of King Solomon's Temple.
Beyond myth, Wikipedia says, there is a distinct absence of documentation as to Freemasonry's origins, and this has led to a great deal of speculation among historians and pseudo-historians both from within and from outside the fraternity.
more Al-Ahram Weekly | Egypt | The masonic story
According to Wikipedia, studies on masonic history centre on the development, evolution and events of the fraternal organisation known as Freemasonry.
This history is generally separated into two time periods: before and after the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717. Before this time, the facts and origins of Freemasonry are not absolutely known and are therefore frequently explained by theories or legends. After the formation of the Grand Lodge of England, the history of Freemasonry is very well documented and can be traced through the creation of hundreds of Grand Lodges that spread rapidly worldwide.
In recent years professional historians have been studying the impact of Freemasonry on the history of Europe and America in the 18th century. In its ritual context, Freemasonry employs an allegorical foundation myth: the foundation of the fraternity by the builders of King Solomon's Temple.
Beyond myth, Wikipedia says, there is a distinct absence of documentation as to Freemasonry's origins, and this has led to a great deal of speculation among historians and pseudo-historians both from within and from outside the fraternity.
more Al-Ahram Weekly | Egypt | The masonic story
