Of golden books and evil eyes – a new research project in Egyptology

A book with a golden cover, hieroglyphics to decipher yourself, travels with the children of the djinn or the magical tree house to ancient Egypt. What is what and much more. Who doesn't know it from childhood? Ancient Greece probably only exerted a similar fascination through romanticisation and stylisation as the "enchanted land" of the gods. If this period – admittedly, depicted very fictionally in children's books – captivated you back then just as much as it did me, then join me in taking a look at Egyptology at our university. 

Now from an adult, university-shaped perspective, you will certainly be interested in the new research project by Dr. Andreas Pries there. With research focuses on Egyptian religious and cultural history as well as ritual research, he has specialised quite precisely in the aspects on a scientific basis that make children's hearts and many an adult's heart race with fascination. Of course, the project described below must be viewed with scientific objectivity, not as a fantasy world. Furthermore, another focus, namely the edition and critique of texts, cannot really be called a romanticised pursuit. However, it should be said that all history students – and correspondingly probably also Egyptology students – are pleased with good editions and translations. These make essays considerably easier. 

But back to the topic: Within the framework of the Heisenberg Programme for outstanding scientists, Pries has been researching since this year under the title: "Myth and Crisis Management in Ancient Egypt: The Mobilisation of Mythical Traditions in the Context of Ruling, Cultic and Lifeworld Coping Strategies Using the Example of the Horus Myth". This research project consists of three intertwined sub-projects, which the Egyptologist who recently moved from Tübingen to Universität Würzburg is dedicating himself to. 

In doing so, Pries will research texts within the first sub-project that were found during excavations of the temple complex in Tanis in 1884 by Flinders Petrie – archaeologist and Egyptologist. The papyri describe a ritual to protect the Pharaoh, with the help of which enemies were to be fought. Since the papyri are heavily carbonised, collaboration is taking place with the chemistry department at Durham University, which is processing the texts for better readability. Not to be forgotten is the University of Oxford, where the writings are located. 

The second project also deals with writings, but inscriptions. These can be found in the best-preserved temple in Egypt, namely the Horus Temple in Edfu. The temple is dedicated to the god Khons. Here, the influences of the Horus myth on other god cults are to be researched. The research focuses on theological aspects as well as aspects that legitimise rule. The temple spaces are also to be documented digitally and made publicly accessible. In this regard, a 3D model is also planned.  

With the subject matter of the third project, however, most people can probably relate more directly: the evil eye. A superstition that is and was feared in many countries, cultures and times. The fear of the evil eye can also be located in ancient Egypt. The aim is to provide an overview of the existing, still preserved texts, whether amulets or protective spells against the evil eye. 

All of this already sounds very exciting, even though editions and translations of texts probably don't seem particularly gripping at first glance to most people outside the field. But if you look at the spectrum covered by Pries, you have to be impressed. After all, with the lifeworld of the population, the celebrated cults and rule, important aspects of a specific life reality have been brought into focus. It is certainly worth taking a look at the forthcoming publications, even if you are outside the field. Pries will remain at Universität Würzburg for the next three years. It remains exciting what insights he and his team will find about the described aspects of life in ancient Egypt. And who knows, perhaps his next publication will be the new book with a golden cover – for scientifically interested adults, of course.