1999’s “The Mummy” is one of the most thrilling action and adventure films from my perspective as a cinema enthusiast, but its opening scene takes some liberty with historical facts. Directed by Stephen Sommers and featuring Brendan Fraser in an iconic role, “The Mummy” redefined Universal Classic Monsters for the contemporary era. It masterfully combines the spirit of “Indiana Jones” with a chilling modernization of the mummy legend. In contrast to the slow-moving mummies from movies past, Imhotep is a captivating villain with terrifying new abilities that make him an even more menacing adversary.
The original film was a tremendous success at the box office, leading to sequels in 2001 and 2008 and spawning a spin-off series focusing on The Scorpion King. What made the initial movie captivating were its impressive production quality and unique blend of historical setting with a modern, ironic feel. In fact, the film features scenes set in both the 1920s and 3,000 years prior, but it occasionally strays from historical truth. While some flexibility is to be expected, The Mummy makes errors even in its very first scene.
The Pyramid In The Mummy’s First Shot Is Factually Inaccurate
The Mummy Is About 500 Miles Off The Mark With Its Pyramids
YouTube personality Rachel Maksy had a discussion with actual Egyptologist Dr. Colleen Darnell, during which they analyzed the historical accuracy of the film “The Mummy”. Shortly into their analysis, Dr. Darnell noted that the initial scene in the movie is incorrect since it depicts pyramids in the ancient Egyptian city of Thebes. Dr. Darnell clarified that there are no pyramids in Thebes and that the city is approximately 500 miles south of where the pyramids are located, indicating not only an error but a significant deviation from historical truth.
Why The Pyramid In The Mummy’s Opening Works (Even If It’s Not Accurate)
Recognizable Imagery Is More Important Than Accuracy In The Mummy
It’s quite possible that the creators of The Mummy knew that there were no pyramids in Thebes, yet chose to include them at the start of the movie. This is because the iconic image of pyramids serves as a swift way to set the scene without needing extensive explanations, which could be cumbersome and confusing. Even someone with little knowledge about ancient Egyptian history would likely recognize pyramids, and they are undeniably the most recognizable symbol associated with that era of world history.
Furthermore, the initial sequence of “The Mummy” clearly indicates that the movie deviates from actual history. Since Imhotep was not a historical figure in Ancient Egypt, everything depicted as happening 3,000 years ago is purely fictional. The film’s inclusion of pyramids in places they don’t historically exist signals that “The Mummy” takes place in a world that may not adhere strictly to historical facts. Essentially, this means the rest of the movie doesn’t need to be completely accurate when depicting Egyptian mythology and history.
How Accurate The Rest Of The Mummy’s Opening Scene Is
The Opening Scene Still Gets Quite A Few Things Right
The Mummy films blend authentic historical details with creative liberties, and this combination is particularly evident at the start of the initial movie. Narrated by Arnold Valee (Imhotep), the opening scene unfolds in Thebes, portraying his romantic entanglement with the Pharaoh’s mistress, Anck-su-namun, her demise, and his subsequent punishment. This prologue is pivotal to the plot that unfolds in the 1920s, providing the backstory for the ensuing adventure.
The original Mummy trilogy includes:
| Movie | Release Year | Rotten Tomatoes Score |
|---|---|---|
| The Mummy | 1999 | 62% |
| The Mummy Returns | 2001 | 46% |
| The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor | 2008 | 13% |
Although the pyramids are located around 500 miles from their expected position, Dr. Darnell did offer some positive comments about the initial scenes. Initially, the pyramids on screen appeared authentic, with the outer layers of stone depicted as undamaged. However, the temple structures at the base of these pyramids do not correspond to that particular era. In summary, Dr. Darnell pointed out that the temple designs were somewhat fanciful but overall “acceptable.”
Except for the clearly fantastical elements presented at the outset, The Mummy blends elements that are wildly inaccurate with some surprisingly accurate portrayals. For instance, Anck-su-namun’s attire is historically fitting, but her mummification process contains factual errors. The Book of the Dead should have been a scroll rather than a conventional book, yet it did indeed exist. Essentially, The Mummy modified historical facts to create an engaging narrative while maintaining enough authenticity to lend a touch of historical accuracy to its visuals.
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2025-05-25 01:23