Egyptomaniacs: How We Became Obsessed With Ancient Egypt

For centuries, Ancient Egypt has fascinated people around the world with its rich history, captivating myths, and enigmatic artifacts. From the discovery of the Rosetta Stone to the grandeur of the pyramids, the allure of Ancient Egypt has gripped the imagination of many, leading to the rise of a unique group of individuals known as Egyptomaniacs.

What exactly is Egyptomania? Simply put, it is an intense interest or obsession with Ancient Egypt and its culture. These individuals dedicate their lives to studying, collecting, and emulating the ancient civilization in various ways. From amateur archaeologists to avid collectors, Egyptomaniacs come from all walks of life, driven by their passion for all things Egyptian.

Ancient Egypt's impact on popular culture cannot be understated. Films like "The Mummy" and "Cleopatra" have become iconic, captivating audiences worldwide and adding fuel to the fire of Egyptomania. Countless books, documentaries, and exhibitions continue to fuel our fascination with this ancient civilization.

Egyptomaniacs: How We Became Obsessed with Ancient Epypt

by Nicky Nielsen (Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6684 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	277 pages
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But what drives this obsession? One could argue that the allure is rooted in the mystery surrounding Ancient Egypt. Despite significant advancements in modern archaeology, there are still many aspects of this civilization that remain shrouded in mystery and speculation. From the construction of the pyramids to the belief in an afterlife, Ancient Egypt presents us with countless unanswered questions.

Additionally, the art and architecture of Ancient Egypt are awe-inspiring. The intricate hieroglyphics, beautifully preserved murals, and colossal statues evoke a sense of grandeur and majesty that resonate with people even today. The splendor of these ancient artifacts has a timeless quality that continues to captivate us.

Another factor contributing to Egyptomania is the symbolism associated with Ancient Egypt. The mythology, gods, and pharaohs have been immortalized in various cultures throughout history. Ancient Egyptian symbols, such as the Eye of Horus and the Ankh, have found their way into modern fashion, jewelry, and tattoos.

It's worth noting that Egyptomania is not a recent phenomenon. This fascination with Ancient Egypt goes back centuries. From Napoleon Bonaparte's expedition to Egypt in 1798, which led to the deciphering of ancient hieroglyphs, to the opening of the Suez Canal, which brought Egypt closer to the world, Egyptomania has continually evolved and intensified over time.

Today, with the advent of the internet and social media, Egyptomania has reached new heights. Online communities, forums, and websites dedicated to Ancient Egypt provide a platform for enthusiasts to connect, share knowledge, and showcase their collections. This virtual interconnectedness has fueled the spread of Egyptomania, fostering a global appreciation for this ancient civilization.

So, how do you know if you're an Egyptomaniac? If your bookshelf is filled with volumes on Ancient Egyptian history and mythology, if you find yourself constantly watching documentaries or movies featuring this ancient civilization, or if you've ever dreamed of visiting the pyramids, then chances are you might be one.

Whether you consider yourself an Egyptomaniac or not, the impact of Ancient Egypt on our culture is undeniable. The fascination with this ancient civilization has not only shaped our understanding of history, but has also inspired countless works of art, literature, and entertainment.

As long as the mysteries of Ancient Egypt persist, Egyptomania will continue to thrive. The allure of Ancient Egypt's symbols, artifacts, and stories will keep captivating our imagination, ensuring that this fascinating civilization remains an eternal obsession.

Egyptomaniacs: How We Became Obsessed with Ancient Epypt

by Nicky Nielsen (Kindle Edition)

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6684 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	277 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

An examination of the popular view of ancient Egypt as an exotic, esoteric, and mystical culture that questions if that view is entirely accurate.

The Greek historian Hecataeus of Abdera declared during the 4th century BCE that the Egyptian civilization was unsurpassed in the arts and in good governance, surpassing even that of the Greeks. During the Renaissance, several ecclesiastical nobles, including the Borgia Pope Alexander VI claimed their descent from the Egyptian god Osiris. In the 1920s, the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings prompted one of the first true media frenzies in history. For thousands of years, the Pharaonic culture has been a source of almost endless fascination and obsession. But to what extent is the popular view of ancient Egypt at all accurate?

In Egyptomaniacs: How We Became Obsessed With Ancient Egypt, Egyptologist Dr. Nicky Nielsen examines the popular view of Egypt as an exotic, esoteric, mystical culture obsessed with death and overflowing with mummies and pyramids. The book traces our obsession with ancient Egypt throughout history and methodically investigates, explains and strips away some of the most popular misconceptions about the Pharaohs and their civilization.

Praise for Egyptomaniacs

“I have always been attracted to and fascinated by Ancient Egypt. In this superb book, Nicky Nielsen explains why we are so caught up in what happened in Ancient Egypt.” —Books Monthly (UK)