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Danielle Phelps, Director of Development

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  • Danielle Phelps, Director of Development

Intentionally Forgetting King Tutankhamun (aka King Tut)

In November 1922, Howard Carter unearthed the remarkably well-preserved tomb and burial of King Tutankhamun (c. 1336–1327 BCE), a discovery that has since sparked extensive research and speculation. Although numerous publications have explored Tutankhamun’s lineage, life, and demise, few have applied anthropological theories and methodologies to analyze his burial. This presentation offers a novel perspective through a multi-scalar analysis of Tutankhamun’s royal interment, proposing a reinterpretation of his funeral and burial as a calculated social maneuver by his successor, Ay. Furthermore, it suggests that these actions were part of a deliberate strategy to distance Ay from the controversial Amarna period, effectively engaging in an act of intentional forgetting.

Unearthing Truth: Distinguishing Archaeology from Pseudoarchaeology

Pseudoarchaeology is the misinterpretation or misrepresentation of archaeological evidence that often supports fantastical or unscientific claims. It can be identified by its rejection of the scientific method, exaggeration of evidence, and use of fallacious arguments. It also appeals to conspiracy theories and nationalism. Unlike legitimate archaeology, which relies on careful observation, rigorous scientific standards, and peer reviews, pseudoarchaeology often starts with a conclusion and selectively interprets data to support it. A prime example is the claim that aliens built the Great Pyramid of Egypt, ignoring the extensive evidence of its human construction. Although archaeology traces the evolution of pyramid design from early mastaba tombs to the Great Pyramid, pseudoarchaeological theories propose sudden, advanced civilizations or extraterrestrial intervention without supporting evidence.

To Shake or Not to Shake—An Archaeological Examination of a Scene from Luxor Temple

The Luxor Temple is adorned with reliefs that glorify and assert the power of Ramesses II. One notable relief, located on the exterior wall of the Processional Colonnade Hall, portrays a devastated landscape featuring uprooted trees and destroyed vegetation surrounding a crumbling, unnamed town in the Syria-Palestine region. Through art historical analysis and archaeological investigation, this scene provides valuable insights into the timing of the siege it depicts and sheds light on Egypt’s military strategies during the reign of Ramesses II.

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