Egyptomania at the RI

Abstract

Ever since Napoleon invaded Egypt in 1798, there has been enormous interest in the civilization of the ancient Egyptians, that has lasted more than six millennia. There were many early Discourses in the RI on the nature and unwrapping of Egyptian mummies. There were also speculations about the construction and dimensions of the famous Giza pyramids, especially that known as Khufu. Some of the speculations turned out to be bizarre. The highlight of this chapter, however, is a summary of the account that Howard Carter gave at the RI in 1925 when he described his discovery, and the contents of the Tomb of Tut-ank-Amun. He showed some spectacular objects that were discovered in the Tomb. Also discussed in this chapter is the role of colour (of minerals especially) in the lives of the ancient Egyptians. Humphry Davy was able to re-discover the recipe for making the coloured synthetic mineral, Egyptian Blue, which is used a the crown of Queen Nefertiti.