The Gilded Gentleman Egyptomania: From Napoleon to the Discovery of King Tutankhamen
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Apr 29, 2025 Join Dr. John Darnell, a Yale Egyptologist and curator, along with his fellow scholar Dr. Colleen Darnell, as they unpack the 19th-century craze for all things Egypt—dubbed 'Egyptomania.' They dissect how Napoleon’s exploits and monumental finds like the Rosetta Stone shaped modern perceptions of ancient culture. From art and architecture to the vibrant life celebrated in tombs, they illuminate the evolution of Egyptology and its profound social impact. Discover the intriguing partnership behind the discovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb and the transition of archaeological practices into Egyptian hands.
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Napoleon Sparked Egyptomania
- Egyptomania surged in the 19th century fueled by Napoleon's 1798 expedition with scholars seeking to document Egypt scientifically.
- This expedition ignited global fascination and laid foundations for modern Egyptology.
Rosetta Stone Decoded Egypt
- The Rosetta Stone was the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs and revolutionized understanding of ancient Egyptian culture.
- Translation unlocked names, religion, and storytelling, vastly expanding knowledge.
Egyptian Revival Influenced Style
- Egyptian revival strongly influenced 19th-century architecture with faithful ancient design elements, symbolizing common humanity.
- Fashion adopted Egyptian geometric motifs later, inspiring 1920s Art Deco styles.
