367. Ancient Egypt: “Tut-mania” And Tutankhamun’s Tomb (Ep 6)
Summary
Hosts Anita Anand and William Dalrymple, joined by Dr. Campbell Price, explore the global "Tutankhamen mania" following the 1922 tomb discovery. They discuss how the find resonated with post-WWI trauma, fueled Art Deco trends, and sparked Egyptian nationalism against British colonialism. The episode also covers the myth of the curse and how Tut’s artifacts later served as diplomatic tools during the Cold War, culminating in massive 1970s exhibitions.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and intro
Introduction to Tutankhamun mania
Post-war context and cultural impact
Why Tutankhamun captivated the world
Egyptian nationalism and Pharaonism
The Curse of the Pharaohs
Artifacts and excavation politics
Sponsors and break
Nasser era and Aswan Dam
1972 British Museum exhibition
US tour and Cold War diplomacy
Modern museum experiences
The spinning statue viral moment
Conclusion and sponsors
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