Podcast Summary: "Acontece que no es poco | Comienza la campaña de Egipto de Napoleón… y le sale regulinchi"

Podcast: Todo Concostrina
Host: Nieves Concostrina (with Marta González Novo)
Date: 16 May 2024

Episode Overview

This episode explores the ambitious but ultimately flawed Egyptian campaign of Napoleon Bonaparte, which began on May 19, 1798. With Nieves Concostrina's trademark wit and historical insight, the episode unpacks not just the military disaster, but also the surprising cultural and scientific triumphs that resulted from this ill-fated French invasion.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pop Culture & Napoleon’s Propaganda

• Napoleon in Film and Art (00:46 - 03:51)
  • The recent "Napoleón" film by Ridley Scott is discussed, with Concostrina noting it focuses on the legend and imagery built around Napoleon, often crafted by Napoleon himself.
  • Memorable reference: The film's shots are inspired by the painting of Napoleon before the Sphinx by Jean-Léon Gérôme.
  • Quote (Nieves, 01:21):
    "El propio Napoleón es el mejor propagandista de sí mismo y mucha de esa propaganda es la que los pintores y sus cronistas nos han trasladado."

2. The Real Objective and Outcome of the Egyptian Campaign

• Why Invade Egypt? (03:51 - 05:16)
  • Napoleon’s main goal was not only military glory but also to cut off Britain’s trade route to India. The military campaign, however, "le salió regulinchi" (turned out so-so, or rather disastrous).
  • Notable Insight:
    • While the military mission failed, the accompanying scientific expedition brought enormous cultural benefits, including the rediscovery of ancient Egypt and the finding of the Rosetta Stone.

3. The Directorio and Napoleon’s Role

• French Internal Politics (05:16 - 08:16):

  • Napoleon was a young, successful general (just 28), and after his victories in Italy, the Directory—a floundering government—wanted to keep him out of France for fear he’d outshine them.
  • Quote (Nieves, 07:36):
    “Paul Barrás, uno de los miembros del Directorio, dijo: promocionad a este o se promocionará a sí mismo... o este nos va a comer.”

• Strategy:

  • Since they couldn’t invade Britain directly, they opted to hit them economically—by targeting their link to India via Egypt.

4. Organization of the Invasion

• The Armada & Its Odd Mix (10:04 - 12:14):

  • Over 300 ships and 40,000 soldiers left Toulon for Egypt, but significantly, they also brought 167 scholars—engineers, cartographers, astronomers, biologists, etc.
  • Egypt’s ancient heritage was neglected by its then-rulers, so it was these French scientists who documented, studied, and rescued much of Egypt’s past splendor.
  • Debunked Myth: Napoleon did NOT blow off the Sphinx’s nose. That myth stemmed from, among others, Asterix comics!

• Quote (Nieves, 11:08):
  “Anda que no hace tiempo que perdió la nariz [la Esfinge].”

5. The Enlightenment Spirit and Secret Objectives

• A Secret Scientific Adventure (12:14 - 14:05):
  • Napoleon was clever and embraced the spirit of the Enlightenment, aiming for France to lead not just militarily but culturally. The scholars were told only they’d live “an extraordinary adventure,” but kept in the dark about the real destination.
  • The presence of British Admiral Nelson nearby made secrecy crucial.
  • Quote (Nieves, 12:28):
    “Napoleón era muy listo. Si es que era un tipo muy visionario. Él era consciente de la época en la que vivía. Estábamos en plena Ilustración.”

6. Enduring Results: Disaster and Triumph

• Final Tally (14:05 - 14:10):
  • The campaign was a military fiasco but a scientific and cultural triumph, with consequences for archaeology and Egyptology lasting to this day.
  • Memorable Conclusion (Nieves, paraphrased):
    • Nothing worked out for Napoleon as planned, but nobody expected the campaign would fail militarily and succeed so spectacularly scientifically.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Ridley Scott’s Napoleon:

  • “Ridley Scott no es historiador y su objetivo no es instruirnos, sino entretenernos… Ha hecho una peli espectacular, pero no académica.” (Nieves, 02:27)

• On Napoleon’s Self-promotion:

  • “El propio Napoleón es el mejor propagandista de sí mismo…” (Nieves, 01:21)

• On the Directory’s reasoning:

  • “Promocionad a este o se promocionará a sí mismo…” (Nieves, 07:36, citing Paul Barrás)

• On the scientists’ real legacy:

  • “Aquellos 167 sabios fueron los verdaderos triunfadores de la campaña napoleónica en Egipto.” (Nieves, 11:08)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:46 — Introduction to Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign; referencing the Ridley Scott film.
• 03:56 — The unexpected cultural and scientific value of the expedition.
• 05:27 — Napoleon’s burgeoning power and political climate in France.
• 08:25 — The Directorio’s motives and fears regarding Napoleon; context for the invasion plan.
• 10:04 — Scale of the invasion; major military and scientific mobilization.
• 12:23 — Napoleon’s Enlightenment vision and the secret preparations.
• 14:05 — Summary: the legacy of the campaign and teaser for future episodes.

Tone and Style

Nieves delivers the narrative with characteristic humor and sharp analogies, connecting historical events to contemporary issues (“Este era el Feijóo de la Francia del final del XVIII…”, [04:34]). Her explanations simplify complex political structures for listeners, making the history both accessible and entertaining.

Verdict

A lively and enlightening look at how Napoleon’s bid for glory in Egypt backfired militarily but sparked a lasting global fascination with ancient Egypt—the “egiptomanía”—and paved the way for modern Egyptology.

For more engaging episodes with Nieves Concostrina’s unique historical lens, follow Todo Concostrina on your favorite podcast platform.