Ancient Egypt has always been shrouded in mystery, filled with legends that continue to intrigue scientists and archaeologists. However, among the many myths about this ancient civilization, several misconceptions have been widely circulated.
1. The Beauty of Queen Cleopatra
Cleopatra VII, the last Pharaoh of ancient Egypt, is often remembered for her captivating beauty. This idea has been reinforced by countless portrayals, from Shakespeare’s plays to director Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s films. However, Roman coins depict Cleopatra with masculine features: a large nose, a prominent chin, and thin lips—far from conventional beauty standards. On the other hand, historical records suggest that Cleopatra was highly intelligent, which may have been her true source of allure.
2. Obsessed with Death? Not Quite!
It’s easy to assume that the ancient Egyptians were obsessed with death, given their elaborate pyramids, mummies, and funerary rituals. In reality, their burial practices were a way to celebrate life. Tomb illustrations depict agricultural festivals, hunting, and fishing rather than somber farewells. Lavish burial treasures ensured the deceased could continue their earthly activities in the afterlife without hardship. Mummification, rather than a morbid ritual, was an effort to preserve the body as realistically as possible. Clearly, the Egyptians were far more fascinated with life than with death.
3. Aliens and the Pyramids?
Some theories claim that the Egyptians had contact with extraterrestrials, arguing that the pyramids’ construction was beyond human capability and that some wall paintings depict alien-like beings. However, this undermines the remarkable ingenuity of ancient Egyptian architects, astronomers, and scholars. The Great Pyramid of Giza, while an astonishing mathematical and architectural feat, was built through sheer human ingenuity. The fact that pyramids remained the tallest structures for nearly 4,000 years speaks to the Egyptians' advanced knowledge, not alien intervention.
4. Fully Explored? Think Again!
Many people believe that we have discovered everything there is to know about ancient Egypt. This is far from the truth. New findings continue to emerge, shedding light on previously unknown aspects of Egyptian civilization. For instance, an ancient “solar boat” is currently being excavated from a pyramid site. This vessel was believed to carry a Pharaoh’s soul alongside the sun god Ra in his nightly battle against Apep, the demon of eternal darkness. Every night, Ra would sail the solar boat to defeat Apep, rising victorious at dawn.
5. The Truth About Hieroglyphs
Contrary to popular belief, the Egyptians did not invent hieroglyphs. Early hieroglyphic writing likely spread to Egypt through Western invaders. Another myth suggests that hieroglyphs were used exclusively for magical spells and curses. In reality, most hieroglyphs were inscriptions of historical events and records. Curses were rare in tombs and typically contained simple warnings like: “Your lifespan will be shortened” or “You will be left without an heir.” Interestingly, until the Rosetta Stone was discovered in 1798 and later deciphered, scholars incorrectly believed that hieroglyphs were purely pictorial and not phonetic.
6. Pyramid Interiors Were Not Decorated
Hieroglyphs were widely used in ancient Egyptian tombs and palaces, but pyramids were largely undecorated. Until recently, the pyramids at Giza were believed to be completely bare inside. This changed when hidden hieroglyphs were discovered behind a secret door. Additionally, while pyramids are often imagined as plain limestone structures, some sections—like interior pillars—were originally painted in red or white, adding a surprising touch of color.
7. Did Pharaohs Kill Their Servants?
A common myth suggests that when Pharaohs died, their servants were killed and buried with them. While there are rare exceptions, this was not a widespread practice. Two kings from Egypt’s First Dynasty are known to have buried their servants alongside them, but later rulers likely realized that their living attendants were far more useful. Instead, small figurines called ushabtis were buried with the Pharaohs, symbolizing servants who would assist them in the afterlife.
8. Slaves Did Not Build the Pyramids
The idea that slaves built the Egyptian pyramids has persisted since the Greek historian Herodotus made the claim in the 5th century BCE. However, this has been debunked by archaeological discoveries. The tombs of pyramid builders were found near the Giza pyramids, a burial honor never granted to slaves. Additionally, large quantities of cattle bones unearthed at the site indicate that these workers were well-fed, consuming beef—an expensive delicacy in ancient Egypt. The builders were clearly skilled Egyptian craftsmen, not enslaved laborers.
9. The Curse of the Pharaohs
The so-called “curse” of Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb was largely a media sensation fueled by public fascination. The myth claims that a deadly curse killed Lord Carnarvon, the financial backer of the tomb’s excavation, along with other members of the team. Although theories suggest exposure to toxic mold or trapped gases inside the tomb, only 8 out of 58 expedition members died within 12 years of the discovery. Howard Carter, the expedition leader, lived for another 16 years. The idea of a Pharaoh’s curse is a classic example of people preferring an exciting story over factual evidence.
10. Egyptians and Their Sacred Love for Cats
The ancient Egyptians revered all animals, but cats held a special place in their spiritual beliefs. The goddess Bastet, often depicted as a feline, symbolized protection and home life. Cats’ glowing eyes at night were likened to the moon, adding to their mystical significance. In case of a house fire, rescuing the family cat was a top priority.
When a pet cat died, family members shaved off their eyebrows in mourning. Killing a cat—even accidentally—could result in severe punishment, including being thrown into a pit of venomous snakes. The Egyptians also mummified cats, often burying them alongside mummified mice. In 1888, an Egyptian farmer discovered a mass cat burial containing over 80,000 cat mummies, offering invaluable insight into ancient Egyptian life.
11. Skincare Secrets: Gold Therapy
The ancient Egyptians were believed to have a skincare secret that gave them divine beauty. This mystery remained unsolved until the late 20th century when researchers in France uncovered its truth. Archaeologists found gold particles embedded in the remains of Egyptian nobles. It turns out that the Egyptians used ultra-fine gold threads, sewn beneath the skin, to maintain elasticity, smooth wrinkles, and give the skin a luminous glow.
12. The Underworld: Duat
Ancient Egyptian reliefs describe Duat, the realm of the dead ruled by the god Osiris. Duat was a shadowy mirror of Earth, featuring lakes of fire and walls of iron.
To enter, souls had to pass through seven gates, each guarded by monstrous half-human, half-animal beings with ominous names like “The Blood Drinker from the Slaughterhouse” and “The Excrement Eater from His Own Hind Legs.”
At the final trial, the deceased’s heart was weighed against the Feather of Ma'at. If the scales balanced, they were granted entry into Osiris’s paradise. If their heart was heavier, symbolizing impurity and ambition, it was devoured by Ammut, the soul-eating demon.
13. The Mysterious Sea Peoples
Ancient Egyptian records mention the Sea Peoples, a group of maritime raiders who wreaked havoc across the Mediterranean. Their primary target was Egypt, yet their identity remains a mystery. Egyptian documents from Ramses II’s reign reference the Sea Peoples, stating they allied with the Hittites while also serving as mercenaries for the Pharaoh.
