Auguste Mariette

Definition

Auguste Mariette was a French Egyptologist known for founding the Egyptian Antiquities Service and playing a crucial role in establishing modern Egyptology as a discipline. His work significantly impacted the understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and artifacts, highlighting the importance of systematic archaeological practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mariette was instrumental in the establishment of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, which became a key institution for the preservation and exhibition of Egyptian antiquities.
2. He is best known for his discovery of the Serapeum at Saqqara, a burial place for sacred bulls, which provided vital insights into ancient Egyptian religious practices.
3. Mariette was a pioneer in promoting the need for systematic excavation techniques, which laid the groundwork for future archaeological practices in Egypt.
4. He published several influential works on ancient Egypt, contributing to the growing interest and scholarship surrounding Egyptian history and culture during the 19th century.
5. Mariette's efforts helped shift perceptions of ancient Egypt from mere curiosity to a legitimate field of study, fostering international interest in Egyptology.

Review Questions

• How did Auguste Mariette contribute to the establishment of modern Egyptology?
  • Auguste Mariette significantly contributed to modern Egyptology by founding the Egyptian Antiquities Service in 1858, which aimed to protect and study Egypt's ancient heritage. He promoted systematic excavation techniques and organized archaeological efforts, allowing for more organized and scientific approaches to uncovering Egypt's past. His establishment of key institutions like the Egyptian Museum further legitimized the field and advanced knowledge about ancient Egyptian culture.
• In what ways did Mariette's discoveries at Saqqara impact our understanding of ancient Egyptian religion?
  • Mariette's discoveries at Saqqara, particularly his excavation of the Serapeum, revealed important aspects of ancient Egyptian religious practices related to the worship of sacred bulls. This site provided evidence of burial customs and rituals associated with these revered animals, showcasing how they were integrated into Egyptian belief systems. The findings offered valuable insights into how religion influenced daily life and governance in ancient Egypt.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Mariette’s work on contemporary views of ancient Egyptian culture and archaeology.
  • The long-term effects of Auguste Mariette's work on contemporary views of ancient Egyptian culture are profound. By establishing systematic excavation practices and advocating for the preservation of artifacts, he helped shift perceptions from viewing Egypt as merely a relic of history to recognizing it as a complex civilization worthy of serious academic study. His contributions laid the foundation for modern archaeology in Egypt, influencing not only how future generations approach the study of ancient cultures but also shaping global interest in Egyptology that continues today.

Related terms

Egyptian Antiquities Service: An organization founded by Mariette in 1858 to oversee the preservation and study of ancient Egyptian artifacts and sites.

Hieroglyphics: The writing system used in ancient Egypt, consisting of symbols and pictures that represented sounds and concepts, which Mariette studied extensively.

Pyramid of Saqqara: An ancient burial site located near Memphis, Egypt, where Mariette conducted significant excavations that revealed much about early Egyptian architecture and tomb practices.