Egyptian Discussion Thread

[Hursticon]

Hey guys,

Well, as most have probably noticed, I'm a bit of an Ancient Egypt nut and although there are a couple of random news threads of relevance, There wasn't really a central place for general and open discussion on the subject. :)
The thought behind this thread is for anyone with the slightest interest or curiosity about anything Egyptian; be it current or ancient events, cultural or physical aspects of philosophy or objects and/or new discoveries or revelations relating to Egypt, that this could be a place of discussion as well as the display of pictorial relevance.



...


On Wednesday the 8th of June I attended the Tutankhamun Exhibition at the Melbourne Museum.
With Australia being the last stop on this prized collection's round world journey before returning to Egypt permanently, my Father saw this as a once in a life time opportunity for me to see a fraction of Ancient Egypt without actually flying overseas and hence gifted me a ticket for my recent Birthday.

Unfortunately, for security reasons :(, photography was not permitted within the actual exhibition which sucked but - fair enough. Outside the exhibition however, they did have a couple of displays in which photography was allowed so here are the few pics I was actually able to take:


1:1 Scale, Brass Replica of Tutankhamun's Skull derived from CRT Scans performed in '05

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/04-TutankhamunExternalExhibition-04.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/04-TutankhamunExternalExhibition-07.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/04-TutankhamunExternalExhibition-09.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/04-TutankhamunExternalExhibition-05.jpg


1:1 Scale, Cast Resin Replica of the Un-Wrapped remains of Pharaoh Tutankhamun

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/04-TutankhamunExternalExhibition-15.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/04-TutankhamunExternalExhibition-16.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/04-TutankhamunExternalExhibition-17.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/04-TutankhamunExternalExhibition-19.jpg


Inpu (Anubis) Life-Size Statue Standee - From Ibis Hotel Lobby

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Crap/01-IbisHotel-13.jpg


What was within the actual Exhibition however was light-years more amazing that the above!

The exhibition was broken up into 10 rooms with the 1st 5 housing objects that detailed Tutankhamun's ancestors, starting with his Great-Great Grandfather Amenhotep II and his wife, and with the last 5 rooms focusing on Tutankhamun's short life and reign.

The 1st thing that grabs you is the sheer beauty of these objects but then the realisation of just how old these objects are with some up to 3500 years old! :eek:
The insane attention to detail, intricacy and master-craftsmanship is truly incredible and with such objects as Tutankhamun's Great Aunt's Sarcophagus, gilded in Gold Leaf sheets, her Canopic Jars, which are far larger than what I thought they'd be, or her little Shabtis - All displayed truly mind-blowing levels of excellence.

Tutankhamun's leg of the exhibition was truly where the magic shone brightest - Especially when you round the corner of his Father Akhenaten's exhibit and are immediately presented with a black room with one solitary object within it. Positioned roughly 6ft from the back wall, mounted on a pedestal and protected by a Glass case, bathed in a rich golden light... Was the 1:1 scale bust of a 9 y/o Tutankhamun wearing the crown of a Prince - your eyes are instantly met with his gaze and with the sheer brilliance of the sculpt of this statue, which still bore it's original paint, you're suddenly enshrined with a feeling that you are standing before the Pharaoh himself
Truly, this was the defining moment of the exhibition for me because I must've stood there for about 5mins completely transfixed by this movingly life-like inanimate object - I had never felt such a moment of awe before.

Proceeding into the following 4 rooms, Tutankhamun's treasures looked as new as the day they were made, whilst some even showed signs that they were actually used throughout his lifetime (Which is believed to be the case with at least one of his chairs) but certain displays were not without their share of sombreness. The sarcophagi of of his highness's still born children, the hereditary deformities that exacerbated the ailments that lead to his death and the untimely prevention of seeing the completion of his country's return to normalcy after his Father's reign - really brought home the reality of how truly mortal he was in life but also how truly apparent it was that the end of the 18th Dynasty Pharaohs laid with this adolescent.

I really wish I could've taken some photos rather than trying to draw a picture in script but I hope this has formed a reasonable image in your mind's eye and I must say that if you've the opportunity? - I highly recommend you see the exhibition before it's closure on November 31st 2011 at which point, it will then embark on it's final journey home never to be seen outside of Egypt physically again.


I'd like to end this beginning by saying that whilst I hope to be able to visit Egypt myself one day and see more of this glorious chapter in Humanity's history - I truly hope that the current caretakers of Egypt's past understand, respect and are proud of the legacy that lies all around them and that they are able to swiftly find a peaceful and productive solution to their future not only for themselves, but for their children and the admiring visitors to their great nation. :)

[Verno]

Egypt is an... interesting place, in every sense of the word.

I went in May 2009, just before their summer, and it was beautiful... Well, sailing down the Nile on the top deck of a 5 Star Cruiser on a cloudless day was beautiful.

The poverty and dirtiness of the cities, however, was an eye-opener. I'd never been overseas before and to go to a 3rd world country (as I believe Egypt is classed) was a shock to the system for the young lad from Tassie.

And so many bloody tourists :p

[LordCyrusOmega]

I've always been interested in Egyptian history.
In one oyramid (can't remember which one) there's a hole in the side of the burial chamber that lines up with Alpha Centuri (?), incredible really the engineering that would have gone into that.
Also apparently the pyramids are built on intersecting lay lines. How could they have detected them that long ago.
They truly were engineering masterpieces

[optimus1]

Hey guys,

The thought behind this thread is for anyone with the slightest interest or curiosity about anything Egyptian; be it current or ancient events, cultural or physical aspects of philosophy or objects and/or new discoveries or revelations relating to Egypt, that this could be a place of discussion as well as the display of pictorial relevance.

I'd like to end this beginning by saying that whilst I hope to be able to visit Egypt myself one day and see more of this glorious chapter in Humanity's history - I truly hope that the current caretakers of Egypt's past understand, respect and are proud of the legacy that lies all around them and that they are able to swiftly find a peaceful and productive solution to their future not only for themselves, but for their children and the admiring visitors to their great nation. :)

Thanks for the report and pics Hursti :D

I really want to see this exhibit, hopefully I will have the chance to go down to Melbourne this year before it finishes.

I hope you can go to Egypt someday, it's actually cheaper than going to Europe or the US (if you do a tour).

You may want to have a look at some of pics of my trip last year (or is it Bumblebee's?)

http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=7023



Egypt is an... interesting place, in every sense of the word.

I went in May 2009, just before their summer, and it was beautiful... Well, sailing down the Nile on the top deck of a 5 Star Cruiser on a cloudless day was beautiful.

The poverty and dirtiness of the cities, however, was an eye-opener. I'd never been overseas before and to go to a 3rd world country (as I believe Egypt is classed) was a shock to the system for the young lad from Tassie.

And so many bloody tourists :p

Verno - you went on one those larger ships down the Nile? I went on one of the Feluccas for a 3 day sail. At night we watched from the banks of the Nile as cruiser after cruiser went past.
How was the temperature in May? I went in February and found it really warm already during the day in Aswan and the Sinai.

Going to a 3rd world country is an eye-opener, particularly when there is great potential for Egypt's economy to rise up.

[Verno]

Verno - you went on one those larger ships down the Nile? I went on one of the Feluccas for a 3 day sail. At night we watched from the banks of the Nile as cruiser after cruiser went past.
How was the temperature in May? I went in February and found it really warm already during the day in Aswan and the Sinai.

Going to a 3rd world country is an eye-opener, particularly when there is great potential for Egypt's economy to rise up.

I had the choice between a felucca or the 5 star cruiser. Well, it's not even really a choice is it? :p

Boarding the cruisers was odd, as they would all moor up beside each other, so you'd have to walk through the foyer of 3 or 4 other boats before getting into your own. The docks just aren't big enough to accomodate them all.

Most days were high 30's from memory, only one stinking hot day, when we went to the Valley of the Kings, it was mid 40's, but that might have also been due to the locality.

I'd go back. Maybe not at present with all thats going on, but I'd definately go back one day.

[Hursticon]

Egypt is an... interesting place, in every sense of the word.

I went in May 2009, just before their summer, and it was beautiful... Well, sailing down the Nile on the top deck of a 5 Star Cruiser on a cloudless day was beautiful.

The poverty and dirtiness of the cities, however, was an eye-opener. I'd never been overseas before and to go to a 3rd world country (as I believe Egypt is classed) was a shock to the system for the young lad from Tassie.

And so many bloody tourists :p

I agree as I have always found the country and it's history to be fascinating ever since I was little but I can't quite put my finger on what the exact catalyst for my infatuation was. :p

I SO want to take a trip down the Nile, preferably in a more traditional vessel like a Felucca but at the end of the day - I'll take what I can get as I think it would be awesome travelling from the Delta south to Nubia (Current-day Ethiopia). Just the idea of seeing the constant changes and contrasts of the built up areas to the wild to the farming regions and seeing the ancient traditional agricultural methods being employed - But also, to see the country in a way that one would've back in antiquity and gazing upon the many monuments peppered along the way. :D

Unfortunately, Egypt seems to suffer a very similar set of circumstances to that of India - A Roaring Tourism trade with many, many wealthy areas and opportunities but overwhelming clear class divides and a somewhat unfair system that prevents people from breaking free of the poverty line. :(
This is why I hope that the overturning of the previous ruling regime will hopefully set Egypt upon a path that will see her achieve all that we know her to be capable of, akin to that of her prime and a true Middle-Eastern Leader and World Leader. ;):)


I've always been interested in Egyptian history.
In one oyramid (can't remember which one) there's a hole in the side of the burial chamber that lines up with Alpha Centuri (?), incredible really the engineering that would have gone into that.
Also apparently the pyramids are built on intersecting lay lines. How could they have detected them that long ago.
They truly were engineering masterpieces

Indeed, the Pyramid you speak of is the Great Pyramid of Khufu at Giza and share a common trait with it's fellow counterparts on the Giza plateau in that a great many facets of the pyramids align with various constellations. ;)
The engineering levels achieved by the Ancient Egyptians is truly spectacular considering what was realised in a period well and truly before cranes and heavy lifting and moving equipment. :eek:

What really irks me is the suggestion that is popularised by both Hollywood and certain religious accounts, that the pyramids along with all other structures, were built by slavery... :rolleyes::mad:
There are so many things wrong with this theory but I'll just say this: Slaves are not capable of the perfection achieved by the Ancient Egyptian culture. ;):cool:

The Ancient Egyptians were truly advanced thinkers and were well versed in both astronomy and engineering, they were way ahead of their time really and it's argued that their approach to Technological Advancement was very much akin to our own - This is very much evident in Vizier Imhotep's architectural re-thinking when looking at his prototype pyramids, such as the 'Bent' Pyramid. :)

I remember seeing a Documentary a year or two ago that showed that archaeologists had found a series of post holes that had significant alignment to the Great Pyramid. They believed that when the sun set and rose behind the pyramid at a certain time of year it would cast a certain shadow that corresponded to the progress of each step/level of the pyramid and allowed the chief architects to monitor that the building progress with such factors being if the inclining angles of each side were being followed during construction, as this was pivotal in ensuring that each preceding step/level would correctly and safely bare the weight of the next, but also so that each side of the pyramid was equal in dimension. :cool:
(If I find the video on Youtube I'll post a link :))


Thanks for the report and pics Hursti :D

I really want to see this exhibit, hopefully I will have the chance to go down to Melbourne this year before it finishes.

I hope you can go to Egypt someday, it's actually cheaper than going to Europe or the US (if you do a tour).

You may want to have a look at some of pics of my trip last year (or is it Bumblebee's?)

http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=7023

No probs dude, I would've liked to of taken photos within the exhibit as it would've aided me in writing up a far more in-depth report but there was so much in the exhibition that it's hard to remember all the details of each item - My eyes were as wide as saucers and I was kind of like a 'restrained' kid in a candy store. :p

I hope you do go and see it dude as I highly recommend it, if you'd like I can give you a link to the Qantas package that my Father and I took advantage of that I think is on offer until November (Will have to clarify that though). :)

I very much hope to get to Egypt one day, hopefully when things settle down over there and I've got the money, it's definitely at the top of my International Destinations list. ;)
The only countries I'd like to see in Europe would be England, Scotland and Germany really - But Egypt is far and beyond the 1st place I want to visit if I were to leave Australian shores. :D

Thanks for the link to the photos dude, I'll be trawling through them shortly with very envious eyes. :D:cool:


Most days were high 30's from memory, only one stinking hot day, when we went to the Valley of the Kings, it was mid 40's, but that might have also been due to the locality.

I'd go back. Maybe not at present with all thats going on, but I'd definately go back one day.

How did you find dealing with the temperatures dude? - Would you say that being Aussies that we'd have a slightly easier time dealing with the heat at all?
Also, perhaps you guys who've been there can answer this, is the heat along the Nile more of a Humid heat compared to that of the desert regions or are they more or less comparable?

If you had the chance to go back Verno, I hope you do take it dude as I'd like just one opportunity :p - But I agree that the current situations in Egypt unfortunately aren't favourable which doubly sucks because that only hurts their Economy further with Tourism basically being at a stand still. :(


I have a question to put to those interested, who is your favourite Pharaoh and/or God and why? :D

[SkyWarp91]

I have a question to put to those interested, who is your favourite Pharaoh and/or God and why? :D

Very interesting thread here Hursticon, I'm not an Egypt-fan myself but I do like the visual styles they had - very exotic yet there's like an imperial feel to it too.

I don't really know the gods, but the only one I know is Anubis.

If you did go to Egypt, would you bring The Fallen and Jetfire and Optimus Prime? :)

[Hursticon]

Very interesting thread here Hursticon, I'm not an Egypt-fan myself but I do like the visual styles they had - very exotic yet there's like an imperial feel to it too.

I know what you mean by Imperial, they've always had a very uniform approach to their look as it's very much a reflection of their art, writing and religious styles and how they all correlate and blend with each other. :cool:


I don't really know the gods, but the only one I know is Anubis.

That's understandable with Pantheons and to be honest, I'm not privy to every Egyptian God myself either but purely with my own tastes I tend to gravitate to Anubis as well but also Osiris. :)
Partly because they're both denizens of the Dead and the Underworld but also because they are the 2 one must appease if one is to get to the Field of Reeds (Ancient Egyptian equivalent of Heaven), but that is if you subscribe to the New Kingdom version of Egyptian beliefs. ;):D


If you did go to Egypt, would you bring The Fallen and Jetfire and Optimus Prime? :)

Honestly, I'd very likely consider it - But then I'd need as much space in my luggage as possible as I'd be bringing back a small house's worth of odds and ends with me. :D

[Verno]

How did you find dealing with the temperatures dude? - Would you say that being Aussies that we'd have a slightly easier time dealing with the heat at all?

I think you've forgotten that I'm from Tassie :p A place where it's so cold (and I'm so poor being a Uni student) that I'm currently breathing out steam and I'm sitting in my loungeroom :(

Having said that, I had no problem dealing with the heat. Just keeping hydrated and wearing a hat, short and a t-shirt (sadly not quite that easy for the females) was enough to stay a bit cooler.

It was a bit cooler on the water as you'd expect, but the heat remained a dry heat.

[Hursticon]

I think you've forgotten that I'm from Tassie :p A place where it's so cold (and I'm so poor being a Uni student) that I'm currently breathing out steam and I'm sitting in my loungeroom :(

Nah I didn't forget, about 3-4 years ago my Parents went down to Tassie for a holiday and they packed for it's reputed weather... Only to get there and Tassie was in the middle of the hottest and longest heat-wave it had apparently seen in quite some time. :eek:
(I don't doubt that it's normally an Ice-Box though :p:D)


Having said that, I had no problem dealing with the heat. Just keeping hydrated and wearing a hat, short and a t-shirt (sadly not quite that easy for the females) was enough to stay a bit cooler.

It was a bit cooler on the water as you'd expect, but the heat remained a dry heat.

Ah ok, yeah that's sort of what I had thought would be the case, as you say; stay hydrated and dress lightly - Which I agree wouldn't be too easy for women. :o
Interesting that it remains a dry heat, I honestly prefer that to humid heat which is why I don't envy those in the top-end. :D

Cheers for the info dude, all food for thought. ;):)

[Hursticon]

For those interested, last night I 'found' a pair of thoroughly interesting Documentaries with one paying heavy reference to what was discussed here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=11122&highlight=egypt). :eek:

Egypt's Lost Cities (2011) (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b011pwms): Clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvzfStONXro)

It is possible that only one percent of the wonders of Ancient Egypt have been discovered, but now, thanks to a pioneering approach to archaeology, that is about to change.
Dr Sarah Parcak uses satellites to probe beneath the sands, where she has found cities, temples and pyramids. Now, with Dallas Campbell and Liz Bonnin, she heads to Egypt to discover if these magnificent buildings are really there.


Egypt Unwrapped - The Pyramid Code (2008) (http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/egypt-unwrapped/3916/Overview): Clip (http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/egypt-unwrapped/3916/Overview#tab-Videos)

The pyramids are astounding feats of architectural engineering, but how did the ancient Egyptians conceptualize these enormous monuments? And why did the golden age of pyramid construction end? Experts trace the development of pyramids from simple flat mud-brick structures to the giant masterpieces still standing today.


If anyone would like some 'links' to where you can view these, feel free to PM me. :)