Stuff To Blow Your Mind

Vintage Egyptology, with Colleen Darnell

Jul 31, 2025
Colleen Darnell, an Egyptologist and educator with a flair for vintage fashion, dives into the wonders of ancient Egypt. She discusses the innovative ways of engaging audiences through social media and online classes, making ancient history accessible. Darnell reveals the significance of Akhenaten and explores the intricacies of hieroglyphs and ancient warfare, including the fascinating role of chariots. Finally, she connects vintage fashion to ancient cultures, showcasing her unique perspectives and passion for Egyptology.
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ADVICE

Start with Language and Ma'at

  • Prioritize learning that embraces the complexity of ancient Egyptian language and culture without oversimplifying.
  • Focus on the phonetic nature of hieroglyphs and the moral ideal of ma'at to gain authentic understanding.
INSIGHT

Akhenaten's Radical Theocracy

  • Akhenaten and Nefertiti centralized political, religious, and economic power uniquely in ancient Egypt.
  • Their portrayal as gods reshaped ritual roles and challenged traditional access to deities.
INSIGHT

Reassessing Akhenaten's Legacy

  • Extreme views of Akhenaten stem from shifts in scholarship and failing to re-examine primary sources.
  • Careful translation reveals his actions were more nuanced than previously believed.
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