Napoleon Bonaparte's campaign in Egypt, over two centuries ago, remains a topic of fascination for historians, keeping their curiosity alive. Questions persist about the destruction of the pyramids and whether Napoleon directed his cannons toward them, forming part of an age-old debate that continues to captivate researchers to this day.
Details of the Debate:
Scenes from Ridley Scott's recent film "Napoleon" vividly portray this debate, with the director's statements deviating from established history, placing him in the crossfire of questions regarding whether Napoleon intentionally targeted the pyramids to assert his dominance over Egypt. However, what do the experts say?
A swift response came from Dr. Zahi Hawass, the former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities, who vehemently denied these claims. He affirmed that Napoleon did not strike the pyramids or the Sphinx, emphasizing that his campaign involved a group of scholars and researchers who collected information and artifacts from Egypt, showcasing their respect for Egyptian heritage.
Another confirmation came from Dr. Magdi Shaker, Chief Archaeologist at the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities, who pointed out the inaccuracy of this information. He clarified that Napoleon was accompanied by a team of scientists who established a scientific institute to study Egyptian history and civilization, rather than to destroy it.
The Sphinx Controversy:
In addition to the debate about the pyramids, questions arose about Napoleon's destruction of the nose of the Sphinx. With no historical evidence supporting this claim, it remains a wide-ranging point of contention.
Here, Dr. Zahi Hawass reiterated that this allegation is false, highlighting the importance of Napoleon and his team in the discovery and study of Egyptian history. This serves as evidence of the French appreciation for Egyptian civilization.
The French Campaign in Egypt:
It is essential to highlight that the French campaign in Egypt was more than just a military invasion; it had political and cultural dimensions. Napoleon was well-versed in Egypt's history, and this campaign was part of his military and cultural strategy.
Conclusion:
The question of the destruction of the pyramids and Napoleon's cannon fire towards them remains a subject of debate. However, official statements and evidence suggest otherwise. The curiosity surrounding this historical French campaign persists, emphasizing the importance of appreciating the role Napoleon and his scholars played in understanding Egyptian history and civilization, rather than perpetuating rumors that attempt to tarnish this significant campaign.
