Faiyum portraits are a collection of ancient Egyptian paintings that date back to the Roman period, around the 1st to 3rd centuries AD. These portraits were typically created using the encaustic technique, where pigments are mixed with hot wax. They were applied to wooden panels and often served as funerary items, placed over the faces of mummies to provide a lifelike representation of the deceased. These portraits are named after the Faiyum Oasis, where many of them were discovered. They depict individuals, often with detailed facial features and vibrant colors, reflecting the cultural blend of Roman and Egyptian artistic styles. The Faiyum portraits offer valuable insights into the social and cultural life of ancient Egypt during this period.