The British Museum Membercast
049 Egyptologists' notebooks
Jan 27, 2021
Dr. Chris Naunton, an Egyptologist and author of 'Egyptologists' Notebooks,' shares valuable insights into the evolution of Egyptology. He reveals hidden stories in Egyptologists' notebooks, emphasizing their significance in understanding the discipline's history. The conversation explores early pioneers, the impact of Napoleon's expedition, and the troubling legacy of colonialism in archaeological practices. Naunton examines the dualities of discoveries and exploitation, urging listeners to reflect on the complexities of studying ancient Egypt and its cultural narratives.
32:18
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Quick takeaways
- Egyptology encompasses not only the study of ancient civilizations but also the critical examination of how knowledge about them evolved over time.
- The transition from hand-drawn documentation to modern methods in Egyptology has resulted in a loss of artistic and historical depth in archaeological records.
Deep dives
Understanding Egyptology through Historiography
The discussion highlights that Egyptology is not solely about ancient Egypt but also includes the historiography of how knowledge about the civilization was developed. The book 'Egyptologists' Notebooks' serves as a visual history of the discipline, focusing primarily from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century. It emphasizes the dual disciplines of reading ancient texts and understanding the evolution of Egyptology itself. Notably, historical figures like Herodotus and Strabo provided foundational accounts that contemporary Egyptologists worked to reconcile with archaeological findings.
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