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Grace Farrell
Grace Farrell
History and International Studies, College of Arts and Sciences, Miami University
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kimberly Hamlin
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kimberly Hamlin
Abstract/Introduction
Abstract/Introduction
Egypt gained its independence from Britain in 1922; simultaneously, the biggest discovery in archaeological history occurred later that year by famed Egyptologist Howard Carter. Though Britain ostensibly gave Egypt full independence, British Egyptologists still managed to control the field of archaeology, seemingly withholding access to artifacts and antiquities from Egyptians.
Although it is clear that Britain fought to maintain control of the field of Egyptology as a means to bolster its reputation, to what extent was this a form of colonialism? Were the British attempting to maintain control over Egyptians or did they actually care about the antiquities? This research hypothesizes that it is a mixture of both. Controlling the field of Egyptology was a way to deter nationalistic sentiments from boiling over, while simultaneously bolstering British influence. While there were mentions in some sources regarding nationalism and the alleged threat it posed Egyptology, the question still remains of how much of a role did Egyptology play in nationalist movements? Clearly, the British felt threatened by Egyptian nationalists, but did nationalists view ancient history as essential to their country’s identity, or was that a lesser priority? How has the field of Egyptology and the view of it as colonialism shaped Egyptian collective historical memory around ancient history? This research aims to understand how Egypt's ancient history has evolved from a form of soft colonialism by the British to today one of nationalism.
Research Questions
Research Questions
This research aims to answer the following questions: To what extent was the field of Egyptology used as a form of soft colonialism by the British? How did Egyptology transition from a form of soft colonialism to one of nationalism? Finally, how has the field of Egyptology and the view of it as colonialism shaped Egyptian collective historical memory and the perception of national identity around ancient history?
Methods
Methods
This research utilized primary sources at the National Archives and British Library in London, specifically letters from Egyptologists and the Deparment of Antiquities.
Results/Findings and Discussion
Results/Findings and Discussion
Egyptology evolved between the years 1924-1973. First, it was used as a mechanism to paint the British in a savioristic light in terms of the artifacts, working to portray them as protectors of Egyptian history. Similarly, the British also used Egyptology to paint Egyptians as inherently anti-British, working to reaffirm their power over their territorial claims of the artifacts. During the 1960s, there was a shift in the sentiments regarding Egyptians history, using antiquities as pawns on the global stage during the Cold War, shifting sentiments away from colonization to a 'universalization' of history, thus reaffirming British claims on the protection of artifacts. Finally, the British reluctantly allowed Egyptians to have more control over Egyptology; yet, artifacts still weasel their way into the field of politics, with the revitalization of Egyptian museums seen as a key way to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Conclusions and Future Study
Conclusions and Future Study
The most important takeaway from this research is that colonization of Egyptology and the protection of artifacts by the British are not mutually exclusive: they both can happen simultaneously without changing the motive of either. Britain did protect Egyptian artifacts, yet the colonial and anti-Egyptian nationalist tint in which they did so must be acknowledged. Today, the ancient history of Egypt has become a major facet of national identity, as especially seen with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in 2025, reclaiming a major aspect of Egyptian history that had been 'universalized' in the twentieth century.
For future study, it would be interesting to hone in on the field of Egyptology as more of a nationalistic outcry. Did those in political parties use Ancient Egyptian history as a form of propaganda or as a justification to lay claim to the state?
NACE Career Readiness Competencies
NACE Career Readiness Competencies
This research accomplishes the career readiness behavior of critical thinking because it analyzes different documents to sift out sentiments of colonization and nationalism. Additionally, this project demonstrates good communication skills because it articulates nuanced ideas and concepts in a digestible fashion. Finally, I gained a deeper understanding of equity and inclusion by exploring both the British and Egyptian perspective that allowed me address the systems of privilege that allows for some perspectives on antiquities, such as the British, to be articulated more than others, like the Egyptians.
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