Ancient Egypt has been a source of fascination for centuries and has become an important part of popular culture. By incorporating elements from Egypt’s mythology, filmmakers and game developers have created captivating narratives that have fascinated audiences worldwide. This article will review the influence of Ancient Egypt in games and movies.
Gods and pharaohs of ancient Egypt
The most famous god is perhaps Ra – the ancient Egyptian sun god and creator of all life. Ra was often depicted as a falcon-headed male with a sun disk above his head. Other notable gods include Osiris, the god of death and resurrection; Isis, the goddess of motherhood; Horus, the sky god; Anubis, the jackal-headed god of embalming; Thoth, the ibis-headed god of wisdom; Bastet, the cat goddess; Sekhmet, the lioness goddess; Hathor, the cow goddess; and Ptah, the creator god. Pharaohs were considered demigods in ancient Egypt, as intermediaries between humans and deities who could communicate with the latter through rituals (such as offerings or sacrifices). Popular pharaohs from ancient Egyptian mythology include Tutankhamun (King Tut), Akhenaten (the Heretic King), Ramses II (the Great), Hatshepsut (the Female Pharaoh) and Cleopatra VII (the Last Pharaoh). These revered figures have featured in many popular films, including ‘The Ten Commandments’ (starring Charlton Heston) and more recently ‘Gods Of Egypt’, starring Gerard Butler. In terms of games, ancient Egypt has an undeniable influence on casino games – for example, the Luxor Casino in Las Vegas, shaped as a giant pyramid. Two of the most popular online slots games include Eye of Horus and Cleopatra.
Ancient Egyptian architecture
From the classic ‘The Ten Commandments’ to modern-day Assassin’s Creed Origins, filmmakers and game developers have used ancient Egypt’s iconic style of architecture to create stunning visuals. In movies, Egyptian architecture is often used as a backdrop for epic battle scenes or to enhance grandiose settings. It can also evoke a sense of mystery and awe – as seen in films such as ‘The Mummy’ and ‘Stargate’. In video games, ancient Egyptian architecture is often used to create immersive worlds that players can explore – such as ‘Age of Empires III: The Asian Dynasties’ – which features detailed recreations of famous monuments (like the Great Pyramid of Giza). Other titles, such as ‘Assassin’s Creed Origins’. use the architecture to lend authenticity to their virtual world. Overall, Ancient Egyptian architecture continues to captivate audiences with its timeless beauty and grandeur.
The art of ancient Egypt
Ancient Egypt has been a source of inspiration for modern cultural output over the last century – from movies to games to music. To capture the essence of this ancient civilization, filmmakers, game developers and music producers who work with popular Egyptian singers often draw on its rich visual history. This includes iconic symbols such as the Eye of Horus, hieroglyphics, pyramids, sphinxes and obelisks. Traditional Egyptian motifs are often used in designs, from colourful wall paintings to intricate jewellery pieces, to bring an authentic feel to their work. Producers often incorporate elements from ancient Egyptian mythology into their stories or gameplay mechanics, creating unique worlds that transport players back in time whilst still providing them with a modern gaming experience.
Hieroglyphic writing system
In films, hieroglyphs are often used to add a sense of mystery and intrigue to a story. For example, in the 1999 film ‘The Mummy’, hieroglyphs are used to tell an ancient Egyptian story about a cursed mummy. In video games, hieroglyphs are used as part of puzzles or levels that require players to decipher them. For instance, in ‘Assassin’s Creed Origins’, players must solve various puzzles involving hieroglyphs to unlock new areas and progress through the game. Hieroglyphics can also be found on items such as jewellery or clothing, adding an extra layer of authenticity for fans of ancient Egypt.
Myths of sphinx
The Sphinx is a mythical creature that has been featured in many games and movies over the last century. This chimerical beast is usually depicted as a large, lion-like creature with the head of a human or an animal – often with wings. The most common myth associated with the Sphinx is that it guards an entrance to a secret place or treasure. This dates back to ancient Egypt where the Great Sphinx was believed to guard the entrance to the Valley of Kings. In modern times, this myth has been used in various video games and films – such as ‘Tomb Raider’ and ‘The Mummy Returns’. Other myths about the Sphinx include its ability to propound riddles, turning people into stone if they answer incorrectly. This myth likely originated from Oedipus Rex – an ancient Greek play by Sophocles that features a riddle-speaking sphinx to travellers attempting to pass through her domain.
In conclusion, ancient Egypt has been a popular source of inspiration for games and movies due to its long history, rich mythology and iconic art. By understanding the reality behind these myths, viewers can better appreciate the stories they tell in creative works.
