“The Afterlife of Ancient Egyptian Ideas in the Modern World” My title, but blog essay below comes from a chat with ChatGPT...

For thousands of years, the civilization of ancient Egypt has captivated people around the world with its rich history, mysterious symbols, and fascinating culture. Despite its long history, the influence of ancient Egypt can still be felt in many areas of modern life, from art and architecture to religion and politics. One of the most striking examples of the influence of ancient Egyptian art can be seen in the classical style of the Greeks and Romans. The Greeks were heavily influenced by the monumental style of the pharaohs, and incorporated many of their architectural innovations into their own monumental structures, such as the Parthenon. In turn, the Romans were heavily influenced by the Greeks, and their monumental buildings, such as the Colosseum, continue to evoke the grandeur of ancient Egypt. The influence of ancient Egyptian architecture can also be seen in modern buildings and design. The use of columns, for example, was an important feature of ancient Egyptian architecture, and continues to be a defining characteristic of many modern structures, from government buildings to banks and museums. Additionally, the proportioning and balance of ancient Egyptian buildings, such as the Temple of Karnak, have been studied and admired for centuries, and continue to inspire architects and designers. Religion has also been greatly influenced by ancient Egypt. The concept of Ma'at, or cosmic balance and harmony, has been influential in both Western and Eastern philosophy, and continues to be a source of inspiration for many people today. Similarly, the ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses, such as Ra, Osiris, and Isis, continue to captivate people with their powerful and mysterious personalities, and are often referenced in popular culture, including literature, film, and television. The image of the pharaoh, with his god-like authority and absolute power, has also had a lasting impact on politics. The idea of the pharaoh as a symbol of political power and authority has been adopted and adapted by many cultures throughout history, and continues to be referenced in modern political discourse. For example, the use of the pharaoh's crown as a symbol of power and legitimacy can be seen in many different forms, from the monarchies of Europe to the presidential palaces of Africa. In the realm of science and technology, ancient Egypt has also left a lasting legacy. The ancient Egyptians were known for their innovations in areas such as medicine, astronomy, and mathematics, and their contributions have had a lasting impact on the development of science and technology. For example, their understanding of anatomy and medical treatments, as recorded in the Edwin Smith Papyrus, continues to be studied and appreciated by modern scholars. The myths and legends of ancient Egypt have also had a lasting impact on popular culture. From the epic tales of the gods and goddesses, to the mysterious curse of the pharaohs, the stories of ancient Egypt continue to inspire works of art, literature, and film. The enduring fascination with ancient Egypt is perhaps best exemplified by the recent popularity of the Mummy franchise, which has introduced new generations to the rich history and culture of this fascinating civilization. Finally, ancient Egyptian symbols, such as the Eye of Horus and the Ankh, continue to be used in jewelry, clothing, and other forms of decoration, and are widely recognized as symbols of power, protection, and life. These symbols, which were so important to the ancient Egyptians, continue to hold meaning and significance for people around the world today. In conclusion, the influence of ancient Egypt can still be felt in many areas of modern life, from art and architecture to religion and politics. The rich history and culture of this fascinating civilization continues to captivate and inspire people around the world, and its legacy will live on. Some modern ancient Egypt influences in a few of my favourite Egypt posters below:-