Through Their Eyes — Ancient Egypt In Western Media
From the Egyptomania of the late 19th and early 20th centuries to modern-day depictions, ancient Egypt has always been a part of the Western imagination. Ancient Egypt is simply alien enough to be exotic yet familiar enough to be relatable. This isn’t something new or unique to our modern world. Similar attitudes toward Egypt can be observed dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. However, all these depictions share a common feature, regardless of time and place: a total disregard for how the Egyptians themselves think about the portrayal of their history, country, and people.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at how Western media tells the stories of ancient Egypt, how this affects modern Egyptians, and we'll also examine which portrayals get it right and which ones miss the mark.
Why Do I Care?
Before we start, you might be wondering why I care about Egypt’s portrayal and even what gives me the right to discuss this topic. These are fair questions. After all, here I am, talking about Egypt’s depiction in Western media while simultaneously adding to the stockpile.
I care because I am Egyptian myself. I grew up in Cairo until the age of 15. That’s when I moved with my family to Munich, Germany. One thing you probably don’t know about me—or maybe you do if you've looked around my website—is that I LOVE fantasy and history. If it includes magic and a mad god on the loose, you bet I’m going to read it, watch it, or play it. My main problem growing up was that there was no Egyptian fantasy, and when there was, the way it depicted ancient Egypt—or Egypt and the Egyptians in general—was likely going to make me mad.
You see, ancient Egypt is usually depicted in one of three ways:
Medieval Europe Ancient Egypt
Take your usual medieval European setting and switch the title of King with Pharaoh. Add sand, mummies, a couple of pyramids, curses, and camels. Now fetishize Egyptian women and voilà, you have ancient Egypt! We’ll get to why this is problematic in a moment, but the history nerd in me just wants to ask one question,
“Why can’t these people at least get their facts straight?”
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t believe it’s bad to change history in fiction as long as the changes are deliberate, serve the narrative, and are clearly marked as fake. Think of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter or Moon Knight as good examples. Even I am guilty of this in my debut novel, Treasures of Egypt: the Spear & the Scythe. But for the sake of clarity here are some facts Hollywood always gets wrong about ancient Egypt.
Except for Ahmose I, pyramids were mostly built in the Old Kingdom while Hollywood stories are usually set in the New Kingdom. Also, camels were introduced by the Persians around the 6th century BCE in the Late Period. And while we’re at it, the term “Pharaoh” began to be used as a synonym for king around the reign of King Hatshepsut in the 15th century BCE. If you could ask King Khufu (26th century BCE) if he’s the Pharaoh of Egypt, he’d probably give you a strange look and tell you that “Pharaoh” or “Per-Aa” means “Great House.” It’s kind of how we use the terms “White House” and “US President” interchangeably nowadays.
Modern Egypt? Yuk!
You want to visit ancient Egypt in the modern world Indiana-Jones-style? Easy! Hype up ancient Egypt as the pinnacle of civilization. Send a Western man to Egypt. Let him be shocked by the "savages" living beside the ruins of the ancient civilization, which turns out not to be as great as his own anyway. Let this man teach these "uncivilized" modern Egyptians a better way to live and how to value their heritage, which only he seems to respect. There you go, you have the perfect depiction of both modern and ancient Egypt. Great job!
Biblical Egypt
Show slaves building the pyramids during the reign of Ramesses II and you have your Biblical Egypt.
Look, I understand that each has their faith and I respect that. I also understand that it’s a delicate subject. But this combination I just mentioned is nonsensical for so many reasons.
First of all, by the time Ramesses II ruled Egypt (1279 BCE), the pyramids were already ancient—so much so that his son, Prince Khaemwaset—arguably the first Egyptologist—spent a hefty chunk of his life on excavation work at the pyramids. So, no pyramids were built during his time, I’m afraid. Also, they weren’t built by slaves at all. Okay, there might’ve been some slaves involved for sure, but the main workforce was mostly just Egyptian workers. It paid well and the workers got an express ticket to the afterlife with the king, so why would they give up on that and let slaves take their jobs? We also still have the tombs of the workers in the Giza necropolis next to the pyramids—which was a great honor. So, when you watch Prince of Egypt or Exodus: Gods and Kings, just know that nothing about that is historically accurate. As a matter of fact, the Egyptians hate that Ramesses’ name is being forcibly attached to this story but they can’t really do much about it.
This brings me to my next point: What do the actual Egyptians think about the depiction of their heritage and their culture in general?
The Egyptian Perspective
Now that we’ve covered the different depictions of Egypt, let's zoom in a little and examine the people.
Imagine being an Egyptian watching these Western portrayals of your heritage. You see your cultural legacy used as a tool to fit a foreign narrative, your country reduced to just another exotic setting for Western heroes, or your people depicted as uncivilized and unworthy of their ancestors' legacy. It’s frustrating. Often, the creators of these portrayals don’t genuinely care about how Egyptians feel about these representations as long as their products are commercially successful.
What people often fail to remember—either deliberately or out of ignorance—is that for Egyptians, ancient Egypt isn’t just about pharaohs and treasures. It’s part of their identity, history, and heritage. It’s the answer every Egyptian child receives when they ask the profoundly human question, “Where did I come from?” Even the ancient Egyptians aren’t just an abstract concept to them. One can even notice a difference in perception through the language, as modern Egyptians rarely refer to their ancient counterparts as “the ancients” but rather “the ancestors.”
That is the core difference between Western and Egyptian perceptions of ancient Egypt—abstract vs. personal.
A mural mourning the deaths of over 70 people during a riot at a soccer match, February 2012.
Artist—Alaa Awad/Photographer—Ali Khaled
The depiction of modern Egypt isn’t much better either. In typical Hollywood movies, modern Egypt is mostly portrayed as a country covered in sand and ancient ruins, inhabited by nothing but camels and nomads, or if a city is shown, it is depicted as stuck in the Middle Ages—a period when Egypt was able to defeat both the Crusaders and the Mongols while the Egyptian king’s corpse was decaying in his bedroom, mind you. Long story, just google Queen Shajar al-Durr.
From a Western perspective, Egypt occupies a peculiar position in modern times where it is praised for its past yet also regarded as part of the Middle East. This creates two conflicting versions of Egypt in Western literature that simply cannot coexist: the civilized ancient Egypt and the backward modern Egypt of the Middle East.
Of course, as bad as all of this sounds, it’s not even the worst part. Yes, it’s time to talk about the ancient space elephant in the room.
The History-Bros
If you’ve read the article so far—thank you, by the way—you might get the impression that I simply hate anyone from the West who shows any interest in Egypt. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, I have tremendous admiration and gratitude for Egyptologists from around the world. After all, how many people can say that folks from distant lands dedicate their lives, generation after generation, to studying their history? Don’t get me wrong, Egyptology certainly has its dark history, but the same can be said for every scientific discipline. As long as the current generation of scholars is aware of past mistakes and actively prevents their repetition, I’m all for it.
You can imagine, then, that I hold a special grudge against pseudoarchaeologists, especially those who focus on Egypt. I like to call them the History-Bros. You know the type—they love to throw around terms like “elitists” and “mainstream archaeology” while spreading bizarre “theories” about history that are based solely on their imagination and a superficial understanding of archaeology.
Now, you might be wondering why you should care about the History-Bros. After all, every field, scientific or otherwise, has its share of fools. That’s true. But the History-Bros are particularly harmful for several reasons.
For example, you've probably heard about the aliens who built the pyramids or the super-advanced civilization that existed in the Ice Age and mysteriously vanished.
Recall my earlier points about 1) the inability of some in the West to view ancient and modern Egypt as one, and 2) the dark days of Egyptology. The History-Bros are essentially a modern manifestation of these issues, repackaged. They represent the pseudoscience of early archaeology combined with a refusal to accept that the so-called backward Middle Easterners (and Africans, by the way) could have achieved what modern people with superior technology still struggle to understand. To the History-Bros, aliens are, ironically, a more plausible explanation.
But even all of that isn’t really the main problem. Racism and ignorance are ingrained parts of humanity, almost preinstalled in our model. Even Egyptians themselves aren't immune to it. The real issue begins when misinformation is accepted by the public as fact. This becomes even worse when media outlets (notice how I turned it back to Western media) divert resources from legitimate archaeologists and redirect them to the History-Bros. This, in turn, forces people whose cultures are being falsely portrayed in these “documentaries” into a constant struggle to prove their connection to their cultural heritage.
I can’t count how many times people have asked me why Egyptians don’t speak “ancient Egyptian” or worship Amun anymore, but I’ve never heard anyone ask someone from Rome why they aren’t speaking Latin or worshiping Jupiter. The answer is simple. Remember the two Egypts I mentioned earlier? That’s why. A modern Roman or Greek is part of the Western world and therefore their modern culture—as well as that of their ancestors—is admired, while modern Egyptians are part of the MENA (Middle East and North African) cultural sphere, which is often looked down upon, unlike their ancient counterparts' culture.
This is all without mentioning the negative impact the History-Bros have on the work of real Egyptologists and archaeologists in general. But that’s another topic, and there are people more qualified to discuss it than me. For example, here is a lecture by Archaeologist and Environmental Scientist Milo Rossi (aka Miniminuteman) on the dangers and implications of pseudoarchaeology.
The Cleopatra Problem
I think everyone knows who Cleopatra VII is, and that's precisely the point. During the recent controversy surrounding Netflix’s Cleopatra documentary that stirred up debates about representation, I couldn't help but notice a glaring omission: the Egyptian perspective on their queen’s depiction was completely ignored.
Look, I don’t really care all that much about the documentary itself but I still remember that I couldn’t help but ask myself one simple question, “Why always Cleopatra?”
I’m not going to rant about her depiction or debate which portrayal was most accurate (Assassin's Creed Origins in my opinion), but as Amun is my witness, I am going to express how tired I am of Cleopatra monopolizing all the attention.
Don’t get me wrong—she was remarkable, tried her best, and cared about the Egyptians (probably).
But why always Cleopatra?!
My main issue with Netflix’s Cleopatra series was that it promised to “show strong African queens,” and then they chose Cleopatra when they could have looked just one country south to find their badass African queen, Queen Amanirenas of Nubia. Never heard of her? That’s exactly my point.
Queen Amanirenas didn’t just succeed where Cleopatra had failed; she pushed the Romans out of Nubia, marched into Egypt, and returned home with the bronze head of Emperor Augustus, burying it under a temple doorway so that everyone would step on his face. This was essentially the ancient equivalent of teabagging.
If you’re still unable to appreciate the sheer badassery of Queen Amanirenas here is your TLDR:
The woman lost an eye in battle, waited for it to heal, returned to fight the Romans with one eye, and won!
Bronze head from an over-life-sized statue of Augustus, found in the ancient Nubian site of Meroë in Sudan
But sure let’s talk about Cleopatra for the millionth time!
If your badass African queen has to be Egyptian, why not present Queen Ahhotep, the first recorded female general who freed her country from foreign rule and helped establish the New Kingdom? Why not tell the stories of female pharaohs like Hatshepsut or Twosret, or powerful queens like Tiye and Nefertari? Perhaps you could imagine the life of Queen Neithhotep—the wife of King Narmer—and her role in unifying Egypt.
There is an endless well of incredible queens in Egypt and its neighboring regions across Africa and Asia, so why always Cleopatra?
A Change for the Better
Of course, it's not all doom and gloom. Despite the frequent missteps, there are shining examples of Western media getting it right, and even instances where Egyptians have been given the chance to tell their own stories in Hollywood.
Take Marvel's recent Moon Knight live-action adaptation, for example. Whether you love or hate it, Moon Knight is the first Hollywood production that truly felt like Egypt to me. This authenticity largely stems from it being directed by the Egyptian director Mohamed Diab. If you want to understand what I mean by everything I've discussed so far in this article, watch Moon Knight and then switch over to Indiana Jones or, God forbid, Gods of Egypt! I believe you'll find the contrast in depiction striking.
But I don't want to just highlight Egyptians in this article because I don't want you to come away from this with the impression that I believe only Egyptians should represent Egypt. Quite the opposite—I love it when people from all over the world show interest in Egypt. The issue is that quality takes time and is usually quite subtle, while the bombastic depictions and the History-Bros' content are cheap, loud, and easy to produce. That's why I believe it's important to support everyone willing to put in the time and effort.
Below, you'll find some great depictions of Egypt, as well as excellent resources to learn more about Egypt and archaeology in general.
Neferura
Neferura, a princess and high priestess of Kemet (Egypt), understands her duty to her people. When your mother is the great Pharaoh, it's hard to forget. But Neferura's unique position at court comes with high stakes for her country, especially when she is forced to serve her vile half-brother, a man determined to thwart Neferura's potential ascent. Peace never seems to last for women who wield power openly, especially when they confront a vengeful man. When Neferura overhears Thutmose plotting to end her mother's rule, she knows he must be stopped, regardless of the cost. The discovery of a mysterious, tattooed wise woman and her shadowy network of spies offers an uneasy alliance. However, the wise woman wields more power than Neferura ever imagined—power that could rival her own. Neferura must decide where her loyalties lie and how much she is willing to sacrifice to protect the people she loves before everything crumbles at the hands of a tyrant.
Neferura is an incredible read written by actual Egyptologist, Malayna Evans. It’s a novel that manages to entertain with its intriguing plot, expansive world, and colorful cast, while also educating the reader on the finer details of life in 18th Dynasty Egypt. One of my favorite aspects of this book is the feminist perspective it adopts, shifting the narrative from the male-centric depiction of ancient Egypt and allowing Egyptian women to shine and have their stories represented in fiction.
Malayna Evans' Neferura is, without a doubt, my favorite depiction of ancient Egypt in fiction. The world felt incredibly authentic, which is not surprising since this depiction of ancient Egypt comes from an expert. But more than that, Egypt felt like a real place with real people. Every character had their own life aspirations, societal backgrounds, and quirks that made them unique. While the royal family plays a significant role in the story, the heart of the narrative lies with the commoners surrounding Neferura and the traditions that the people earnestly believed in and practiced.
The Shabti
It's 1934. Former medium Dashiel Quicke travels the country debunking spiritualism and false mediums while struggling to stay ahead of his ex-business partner and lover who wants him back at any cost. During a demonstration at a college campus, Dashiel meets Hermann Goschalk, an Egyptologist who is convinced he possesses a genuinely haunted artifact. Although Dashiel is sure there is a rational explanation for the phenomena associated with Hermann’s relics, he'd rather skip town but soon finds himself falling for Hermann. He agrees to investigate and discovers that something indeed haunts Hermann’s office. Faced with a real ghost, Dashiel is terrified. However, when the haunting escalates dangerously, he must use the tools of the shady trade he abandoned to communicate with this otherworldly spirit before his past catches up with him.
The Shabti by Egyptologist Megaera C. Lorenz is a prime example of how Egyptian history can inspire unique and compelling stories that have little to do with Egypt itself. It has quickly become one of my favorite romance stories of all time—and that’s from someone who doesn’t usually enjoy romance.
What I love most about this book—aside from the main characters, cat definitely included—are the ancient Egyptian elements of the story. If you're a New Kingdom enthusiast like me, especially if you're into funerary texts, you're in for a treat! The best part is that no prior knowledge is needed to appreciate the references to ancient Egyptian customs and rituals because Lorenz finds creative ways to introduce the lore. The portrayal of ancient Egypt feels authentic largely because Lorenz is an expert in her field. This expertise shines throughout the book and lends a touch of humanity often missing in narratives about “ghosts from the past.”
The History of Egypt Podcast
The History of Egypt Podcast is written and produced by Egyptologist Dominic Perry. The podcast's main goal is to narrate the history of Egypt from its creation to Cleopatra. Dominic also offers tons of mini-episodes and specials about different ancient Egyptian topics as well as interviews with Egyptologists who explain their latest projects.
What I love most about the History of Egypt Podcast is the way it tells the history. Of course, the Kings have a massive presence, but what makes the podcast shine, in my opinion, is the focus on the people and the tiny details that non-experts wouldn't be able to find on their own.
Dominic’s way of explaining history resonates deeply with the human need to hear a great story, which is exactly what he's doing: he's simply telling the story of ancient Egypt.
Dominic Perry's History of Egypt Podcast is definitive proof that history can be more exciting than any “fake history” if it is made accessible to anyone who isn't an expert but wishes to learn more about the past.
Miniminuteman
Since we mentioned the History-Bros, I thought I should finish my recommendations section by giving a shout-out to Milo Rossi’s YouTube channel, Miniminuteman. Rossi, an archaeologist and environmental scientist, specializes in debunking pseudoarchaeology. He educates his viewers on its dangers and implications, and on the real science they should arm themselves with.
Bridging the Gap
So, how can we do better? The key is inclusion. Not just of Egyptians, but also experts like Egyptologists, archaeologists, and cultural experts. It's about giving a voice to those who genuinely care about the history, regardless of their origins. This will lead to more accurate and respectful portrayals, as seen in my examples of Neferura, the Shabti, and Moon Knight. We need more of these stories. Ones that don’t just entertain but also educate, respect, and celebrate the rich history and culture of Egypt.
However, we can't overlook the importance of educational outreach. Experts like Dominic Perry and Milo Rossi are making strides with their podcast and YouTube channel. By providing viewers and readers with factual context, they will automatically become more critical of the information presented by the media and hopefully demand more accurate and respectful depictions.
Final Thoughts
Representing any culture is as much a responsibility as it is a challenge. It shapes how the world views that culture and, more importantly, how people from that culture see themselves through the eyes of the world. When it comes to Egypt, whether ancient or modern, there’s much more to the story than what is typically portrayed. By seeking and supporting authenticity, respecting the people, and involving them and experts in the decision-making process, we can ensure that portrayals of Egyptian history and culture are both enjoyable and educational.
If you’ve made it this far, well, wow, thank you! I hope this article has offered you a new perspective. The last thing I’ll leave you with is a request to show support for the positive examples presented in this article. Only then can we encourage more awesome stories and resources in the future.
Hi, there. I hope you enjoyed this article. While you’re here why not wander a little more in the Rambling Realm or check out my YA fantasy debut, Treasures of Egypt: The Spear & the Scythe? If you’d like to receive updates on future articles and novels do consider signing up for my newsletter.
Thank you for your interest and support!
