After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal — Episode Summary: "The Dark Side of Ancient Egypt"

Release Date: May 15, 2025
Hosts: Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling
Guest: Dr. Campbell Price, Egyptologist

Introduction to the Dark Side of Ancient Egypt

In this episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal, hosts Anthony Delaney and Maddy Pelling delve into the lesser-known, grim aspects of Ancient Egyptian civilization. Joined by returning guest Dr. Campbell Price, an esteemed Egyptologist from the University of Liverpool and curator at the Manchester Museum, the conversation dismantles the utopian image often associated with Ancient Egypt, uncovering the societal flaws, brutal punishments, and harsh realities faced by its people.

Understanding the Timeframe of Ancient Egypt

Timestamp: 07:22

Dr. Campbell Price begins by addressing a common misconception about the vast timeline of Ancient Egypt. He explains that Ancient Egyptian history spans approximately 3,000 years, from 3000 BCE to the death of Cleopatra in 30 BCE. This extensive period encompasses significant eras such as the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age, overlapping with civilizations like the Greeks and Romans.

Notable Quote:
"Ancient Egypt exists as a 3,000-year-slice of history, from 3000 BCE to 30 BCE, which is three millennia. The pyramids are relatively near the beginning of this span." — Dr. Campbell Price [07:22]

Perceptions vs. Reality of Ancient Egyptian Society

Timestamp: 10:34

Maddy Pelling challenges the romanticized view of Ancient Egypt as a peaceful and aesthetically driven society. She raises the question of whether Ancient Egypt was as serene as commonly portrayed or if it harbored significant violence and societal issues.

Notable Quote:
“My perception is that this was quite a peaceful era... I don't necessarily think of it as being especially violent. Am I right to think that or have I made a horrible assumption?” — Maddy Pelling [10:58]

Dr. Price concurs, emphasizing the polarized perceptions of Ancient Egypt. While some view it as a utopia teeming with wealth and civilization, others perceive it through the lens of tyranny and oppression, influenced by historical texts and modern interpretations.

Notable Quote:
"Ancient Egypt tends to exist as a utopia in people's minds... but then there is another angle, the opposite extreme, where Pharaohs are seen as tyrannical figures and Egyptians as slave drivers." — Dr. Campbell Price [12:01]

Crime and Punishment in Ancient Egypt

Timestamp: 13:08

The discussion transitions to the judicial system of Ancient Egypt. Anthony Delaney posits that crime and punishment were integral to maintaining societal order, much like modern systems.

Notable Quote:
"The criminal justice system essentially is king and court, and then punishment will be met accordingly." — Anthony Delaney [13:08]

Dr. Price elaborates on this by citing literary works like "The Tale of the Eloquent Peasant," which illustrates social inequalities and the lack of a formal court system. Instead, justice was often administered locally by important individuals.

Notable Quote:
"It's about social inequality and where someone is going to get redress for an injustice... it's probably a local important person who metes out the punishment." — Dr. Campbell Price [14:50]

For more severe crimes, such as regicide, punishments were brutal and total eradication of the offender's name and memory was common. Dr. Price references the assassination of Ramses III, where culprits were executed brutally and their names were altered to damn their legacy.

Notable Quote:
"The guilty party's names are changed. So you might be called Mary Ray... changed to Masjid Ray, Ray hates him." — Dr. Campbell Price [18:19]

Warfare and Treatment of Non-Egyptians

Timestamp: 19:04

Maddy Pelling probes into how Ancient Egypt treated non-Egyptians, especially in the context of warfare and empire-building.

Notable Quote:
"If you are not Egyptian, you are not Good." — Dr. Campbell Price [19:35]

Dr. Price explains that Ancient Egypt did not have modern borders, and non-Egyptians were often subjected to harsh treatment, especially prisoners of war. Fortresses in Nubia serve as evidence of military dominance and the subjugation of local populations.

Notable Quote:
"These are probably people working under duress, under conscription or compulsion." — Dr. Campbell Price [21:23]

Magic and Magical Practices

Timestamp: 31:00

The conversation shifts to the role of magic in Ancient Egyptian society. Dr. Price explains that magic, particularly black magic, was pervasive and intertwined with daily life and state affairs. Sympathetic magic, such as destroying figurines to curse individuals or groups, was a common practice.

Notable Quote:
"It's a magical thing where you enact what we call execration, where you do something bad to the figurine, you smash it, you break it, you burn it, you bury it, and that will affect the punishment or the repulsion on the group." — Dr. Campbell Price [34:27]

This belief system extended to warfare, where magical acts were believed to have tangible effects on enemies, reinforcing the power dynamics between Egyptians and other groups.

The Construction of the Pyramids: Reality Behind the Myths

Timestamp: 39:38

One of the focal points of the episode is the construction of the pyramids. Anthony Delaney confronts the common myth that pyramids were built by slaves or even aliens, highlighting the human cost behind these monumental structures.

Notable Quote:
"The reality, as your introduction suggested, must have been not great. It's not easy to build a pyramid." — Dr. Campbell Price [41:07]

Dr. Price discusses recent discoveries, such as the papyrus record of Merer, a foreman responsible for moving blocks, which provides evidence of the organized labor and logistical efforts involved. Contrary to the notion of overworked slaves, there is evidence suggesting that pyramid builders were compensated in kind with food, shelter, and medical care, fostering a sense of pride and communal achievement.

Notable Quote:
"They were paid in kind. So paid with rations. You're given shelter, you're given food... there's a sense of pride, like, 'I helped build this incredible monument.'" — Dr. Campbell Price [42:55]

However, Dr. Price acknowledges the hardships faced by workers, including extreme labor conditions and the potential for brutal treatment, as inferred from wall scenes depicting laborers in distress.

Notable Quote:
"Common mortals in the tomb scenes of the elite are all shown bending at the waist. I kind of wonder, is that maybe because they have literally been cowed by the work?" — Dr. Campbell Price [44:27]

Conclusion: Unraveling the Complexities of Ancient Egypt

Timestamp: 47:02

As the episode wraps up, Anthony Delaney reflects on the evolving interpretations within Egyptology. The dynamic nature of archaeological discoveries means that our understanding of Ancient Egypt is continually refined, often challenging long-held beliefs.

Notable Quote:
"Egyptologists are constantly unraveling some of this data... it's so enduring as a subject area where it keeps evolving." — Anthony Delaney [47:46]

Dr. Price expresses satisfaction in deciphering the "codes" left behind by the ancient civilization, finding fulfillment in uncovering the nuanced and often harsh realities that existed beneath the surface of Egypt’s grand monuments.

Notable Quote:
"To feel like you are communicating or get some point that the ancient Egyptians were trying to make to us, that is so, so rewarding." — Dr. Campbell Price [48:58]

Final Thoughts

This episode of After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal provides a compelling exploration into the darker facets of Ancient Egypt. Through insightful dialogue and expert analysis, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and contradictions within one of history's most fascinating civilizations. From brutal punishments and harsh labor conditions to the pervasive influence of magic, the episode challenges the simplistic, idealized narratives often associated with Ancient Egypt, offering a more balanced perspective rooted in historical evidence.

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