From the Vault: Ancient Egyptian Curses, Part 2
Summary
This episode continues the series on ancient Egyptian curses, exploring "reader-directed" threats that punish those who access the text, such as the Coptic Papyrus Lichachev. The hosts analyze how these spells functioned as security systems to protect ritual purity and secrecy, noting that words themselves held magical power. They then examine the "Curse of the Pharaoh" myth surrounding Tutankhamun’s tomb, debunking the idea that Lord Carnarvon’s death was supernatural since no actual curse existed in the tomb. The discussion highlights how media sensationalism and pre-existing fiction crea…
Topics discussed
Sponsors and show introduction
Welcome to Ancient Egyptian Curses Part 2
October season overview and new yard skeletons
Recap of Part 1: Heka and types of curses
Analysis of political curse texts and enemy lists
Reader-directed curses and the 'by the way' threat
Rittner's argument on divine compulsion and legal texts
Gnostic influences and the concept of Ma'at
Why curse texts? Secrecy and the power of words
Sponsor segments: YouTube, testing, and Lincoln
The 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb
Tutmania and the history of Egyptomania in media
Lord Carnarvon's death and the media frenzy
Statistical analysis of deaths among tomb workers
Sponsor segments: YouTube, Love Lately, Lincoln
Debunking common curse myths: mosquitoes and toxins
The toxic mold hypothesis: Aspergillus and aflatoxins
Sponsor segments: YouTube, BKFC, NBC News
Real tomb traps vs. magical protection and eternity
Closing remarks, show schedule, and final sponsors
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