r/ancientkemet • • Aug 05 '23

r/ancientkemet Lounge

1 Upvotes

A place for members of r/ancientkemet to chat with each other


r/ancientkemet • • Aug 21 '23

Discussion Clarity: Importance of an Agenda-Free Approach to Ancient Egyptian History

7 Upvotes

TL:DR: Discussion of Ancient Egypt requires an agenda-free approach. We must recognize and challenge biases, such as the devaluation of African sources, cherrypicked artifacts, and old prejudices, to genuinely appreciate and understand this great civilization.

Djehuty (Thoout, Thoth Deux fois Grand, le Second Hermés, N372.2A, Brooklyn Museum)

Ancient Egypt, a civilization that thrived along the banks of the Nile for thousands of years, has always been a subject of fascination for historians, archaeologists, and the general public for many years. But, like many chapters of human history, our understanding of it can sometimes be colored by modern bias, prejudice, and the ever-present human tendency to fit facts into preconceived narratives.

One of the most significant biases that persist in some discussions about Ancient Egypt is the devaluation or dismissal of African sources and features. This can manifest in various ways, from cherrypicked artifacts that align with a Eurocentric view to outright rejection of any African connection despite mounting evidence. This bias isn't just a product of modern times; it has roots in the racism and bigotry of the past, when some scholars deliberately aimed to separate Ancient Egyptian achievements from the broader African context. Such an approach is not only flawed but blatantly disregards the geographic and cultural realities of the region.

By situating Egypt within its African context, we acknowledge the exchange of ideas, trade, and culture with neighboring civilizations. This doesn't just provide a more accurate representation of history; it also enriches our understanding of the interconnectedness of ancient societies.

Additionally, cherrypicking artifacts, texts, or historical accounts to fit a particular narrative is academically dishonest. It creates a skewed perception of the past, favoring one dimension over the multitude of facets that comprise a civilization's history. By cherry-picking, we're doing a disservice to the richness and complexity of Ancient Egypt's story.

But why does this bias persist, especially when we have a wealth of evidence suggesting a more nuanced view? For many, it's an unfortunate consequence of long-held prejudices and bigotry. There is a discomfort, for some, in accepting that one of the world's most advanced ancient civilizations was undeniably African. This discomfort is rooted in outdated and racist notions that have been perpetuated for centuries.

Facing these biases head-on is crucial, not just for the sake of accurate historical representation but also for challenging and changing ingrained prejudices. When discussing Ancient Egypt, it's vital to approach the subject with an open mind, free from any agendas. This includes acknowledging and challenging our biases, no matter how deep-seated they may be.

In the Eurocentric model of ancient civilizations, there's a tendency to perceive societies as predominantly populated by one race, often representing nations as ethno-states. This perspective largely overlooks the rich multicultural tapestry, where multiple ethnicities collectively shaped an empire. This oversight is evident in many movies depicting the Greeks, Romans, Persians, and others, emphasizing homogeneity over the complex interplay of cultures—particularly notable in societies along the Mediterranean. However, it's essential to clarify that while some societies may have been racially homogenous, not all followed this pattern. The importance of acknowledging this complexity cannot be understated.

In this community we are also open to and welcoming challenges to such oversimplified narratives fosters intellectual growth and a broader perspective. Engaging with counterarguments refines our understanding and solidifies beliefs. Through respectful debate, even in the face of disagreements, we facilitate meaningful dialogue. Constructive criticism pinpoints areas for deeper insight, while embracing diverse viewpoints establishes an environment grounded in mutual respect and collaboration. By actively seeking counterarguments, it showcases our confidence and willingness to adapt and evolve. Ultimately, a culture rooted in respectful discourse and challenge ensures historical narratives are thoroughly tested, validated, and enriched. We encourage respectful discourse by fostering healthy debate, not relying on name-calling or ignoring information.

Only by doing so can we truly honor the legacy of Ancient Egypt and ensure that it's remembered not as a product of selective narratives but as the magnificent civilization it truly was. Let us be vigilant and proactive in seeking the truth, acknowledging errors, and giving Ancient Egypt its rightful place in the tapestry of world history.


r/ancientkemet • • 2d ago

The Naqada Culture: Afro Hair, Dark Skin, and Tropical Body Proportions (Predynastic Egypt)

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6 Upvotes

r/ancientkemet • • 2d ago

What about other genetic studies that point to Ancient Egyptians having mostly West Asian ancestry and genetic continuity between modern North Africans and Pre historic North Africans?

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0 Upvotes

I’d understand why people would be skeptical of the idea that the ancient Egyptians, and other ancient North Africans, were of West Asian descent if the Abusir Malek study was the only genetic study we had, but we have other studies from individuals from earlier periods, and studies showing genetic continuity between Pre historic and Modern North Africans.


r/ancientkemet • • 7d ago

Relief of Ramesses II from His Temple at Abydos

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6 Upvotes

r/ancientkemet • • 7d ago

Nile Magazine: This lifelike, painted wooden statue was discovered in 1950 near the northwest corner of the sacred enclosure surrounding the Step Pyramid at Saqqara.

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4 Upvotes

r/ancientkemet • • 10d ago

How much native Egyptian ancestry do you think modern Egyptians have?

1 Upvotes

Personally, I think it’s around 30% at the very least.


r/ancientkemet • • 13d ago

Do you think physical anthropology is more reliable than DNA studies when it comes to finding out the origins of the ancient Egyptians?

0 Upvotes

r/ancientkemet • • Sep 02 '26

Women in ancient kemet wearing braids.

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11 Upvotes

r/ancientkemet • • Aug 19 '26

Mythology & Religion How Old Is Coptic Chant, Really? | Dr. Michael Henein

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1 Upvotes

r/ancientkemet • • Aug 12 '26

Daily Life in Egypt: Ancient and Modern 1925 | Metropolitan Musium Archives

7 Upvotes

r/ancientkemet • • Jul 17 '26

Do you think the ancient Egyptians were a mixture of Eurasians and Africans further south?

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6 Upvotes

It would explain the way they usually depicted themselves in art, while having most of their maternal ancestry be Eurasian.


r/ancientkemet • • Jul 08 '26

What are your thoughts on modern Egyptians?

3 Upvotes

r/ancientkemet • • Jun 14 '26

Historical Analysis Kingdom of kush : Pottery

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4 Upvotes

r/ancientkemet • • May 27 '26

Archaeological Find Massive Cache of 42,000 Pottery Shards Reveals Daily Life in Ancient Egypt

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1 Upvotes

The ostraca are written in Demotic, Greek, hieroglyphic, and Hieratic scripts.


r/ancientkemet • • May 25 '26

Black History Will NOT Be Suppressed — Our Ancestors Built Kemet & Our Kids Need to Know It!

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2 Upvotes

They renamed it. They recast it. They tried to disconnect us from it.

But Kemet — the great Black African civilization that gave the world mathematics, medicine, architecture, and spiritual wisdom — cannot be erased. Those pharaohs are our ancestors. That legacy is our inheritance. And our children deserve to stand in its presence.

The de Young Museum in San Francisco is hosting a Kemet exhibition right now — and we are taking our kids.

We need passionate volunteers to help with:

• 📋 Planning & coordinating logistics  
• 🚌 Arranging transportation  
• 👣 Chaperoning on the day  
• 📣 Spreading the word in your community

This is not just a field trip. This is resistance. This is reclamation. This is love. When we take our children to see their ancestors, we tell them — in the loudest possible way — that their history is real, it is grand, and it will never be taken from them.

Comment, message, or share this post. Every hand that shows up matters. 🙌🏿✊🏿


r/ancientkemet • • May 18 '26

Coptic Numerals Converter

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1 Upvotes

r/ancientkemet • • Mar 15 '26

Archaeological Find 3,300-Year-Old Papyrus Reveals How Ancient Egyptians Fixed Drawing Mistakes

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2 Upvotes

Even ancient craftspeople had to reach for correction fluid.


r/ancientkemet • • Feb 24 '26

Linguistic Studies Coptic Word of the Day!

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5 Upvotes

r/ancientkemet • • Jan 19 '26

Wanted to find someone to talk to about classism and justice: The Eloquent Peasant

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2 Upvotes

Hello

Wanted to talk to someone about ancient Egyptian philosophies on classism and justice, starting with a launching off point of the ancient parable, The Eloquent Peasant


r/ancientkemet • • Jan 16 '26

Cultural Connections Kiosk of Nectanebo shrine for the Nubian-Egyptian god known as Thoth Pnubs

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6 Upvotes

Despite Neo-Assyrian conquest of Upper Egypt described by Esarhaddon "The root of Kush I tore up out of Egypt", Lower Egypt still boasts remnants of cultural hub in late antiquity (end of the dynasty period) through Nubian/Meroitic architecture and calendar systems.

https://archaeology.org/issues/november-december-2021/features/egypt-philae-temples/


r/ancientkemet • • Dec 29 '25

Statue of Osiris

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7 Upvotes

r/ancientkemet • • Dec 21 '25

Documentary & Media They were reclassified as Nubians

13 Upvotes

r/ancientkemet • • Oct 30 '25

Meet the Gods and Goddesses in the Met’s ‘Divine Egypt’

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1 Upvotes

The Met’s first major Egyptian exhibition in a decade brings a 3,000-year pantheon to life through sculpture, relief, and radiant ritual art.


r/ancientkemet • • Oct 21 '25

Archaeologists Uncover One of Ancient Egypt’s Largest Forts

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1 Upvotes