Greek artists were using Encaustic Art as long ago as the 5th century B.C. where shipbuilders used beeswax and resin to seal the joints and waterproof the hulls of their vessels. In 79 B.C. the artists at Pompeii were painting most of their murals with Punic wax. A large Greek population had established itself in Egypt and they participated in the mummifying of their dead. An encaustic portrait was then placed over the person’s mummy memorial. These portraits were remarkably preserved, testifying the unique color qualities and durability of encaustic paints.