The Archaeology of the Real Scorpion Kings - TPM 30

Written By Rachel Roden

In this episode, host Stephanie Rice shares information about the origins of Ancient Egyptian kingship during the Predynastic period.

Discover the real archaeological evidence of two different rulers known as King Scorpion that inspired the Scorpion King from The Mummy franchise. But unlike the cinematic portrayal, the real kings didn't amass and sustain their power through military conquest.

Explore the Tomb of Scorpion I at Abydos which was filled with imported wine, lapis lazuli, and the first evidence of writing in Egypt. Learn about the ceremonial Scorpion Macehead that depicts Scorpion II planting crops.

Together, their stories reveal that Egypt’s first kings built their power through prosperity, order, and the sacred duty to sustain life not through warfare.

Transcript

Works Cited

  • Bard, Kathryn A. "Political Economies of Predynastic Egypt and the Formation of the Early State." Journal of Archaeological Research, Vol. 25, No. 1, March 2017.

  • Dodson, Aidan. "The First Dynasty." In The First Pharaohs: Their Lives and Afterlives. American University in Cairo Press, 2021.

  • Hendrickx, Stan and Renée Friedman. "Gebel Tjauti Rock Inscription 1 and the Relationship between Abydos and Hierakonpolis during the early Naqada III Period." Göttinger Miszellen (GM) 196, 2003.

  • Leeman, Diane. Abydos Tomb U-j of Predynastic Egypt. Compiled 2007, Revised 2018.

  • Stevenson, Alice. "The Egyptian Predynastic and State Formation." Journal of Archaeological Research, Vol. 24, 2016.

  • Teeter, Emily, ed. Before the Pyramids: The Origins of Egyptian Civilization. Oriental Institute Museum Publications 33, 2011.

  • Wilkinson, Toby A. H. "What a King Is This: Narmer and the Concept of the Ruler." The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology, Vol. 86, 2000.

Links

ArchPodNet

Affiliates

Rachel Roden
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Ancient Fossil Finds and Mythical Creatures Part 2: The Bones of Heroes and Monsters - TPM 29