Where have Egyptian artifacts been found outside of Egypt?
There is a persistent myth that ancient Egyptian artifacts were discovered in the Grand Canyon. This legend has been circulated for decades, but there is no evidence to support it. Despite the lack of evidence, the rumor persists, fueled by speculation and conspiracy theories.
The Origin of the Myth
The story of the discovery of Egyptian artifacts in the Grand Canyon can be traced back to an article that appeared in the Arizona Gazette in 1909. The article, titled “Explorations in Grand Canyon,” claimed that a Smithsonian-funded expedition had discovered a lost civilization in the Grand Canyon. According to the article, the expedition had found “artifacts of an exceedingly curious nature,” including tablets with hieroglyphic inscriptions.
However, there are no records of this expedition ever taking place, and the article appears to be a hoax. It is possible that the article was a publicity stunt or an attempt to boost tourism in the area.
Debunking the Myth
Despite the lack of evidence, the myth of Egyptian artifacts in the Grand Canyon has persisted. However, there are several reasons why this claim is unlikely to be true.
Firstly, there is no evidence of Egyptian contact with the Americas. While there is evidence of trade between the Americas and other ancient civilizations, such as the Vikings and the Chinese, there is no evidence of contact between Egypt and the Americas.
Secondly, the geography of the Grand Canyon would make it difficult for ancient Egyptians to travel there. The Grand Canyon is located in the western United States, thousands of miles from Egypt. It is unlikely that ancient Egyptians would have had the means to travel such a distance, particularly given the lack of evidence of their presence in the area.
Finally, the supposed discovery of Egyptian artifacts in the Grand Canyon is not supported by any credible sources. The Arizona Gazette article that started the myth has been debunked, and no other credible sources have reported the discovery of Egyptian artifacts in the Grand Canyon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the myth of Egyptian artifacts in the Grand Canyon is just that – a myth. There is no evidence to support the claim, and several factors that make it unlikely to be true. While the story may be intriguing, it is important to separate fact from fiction and rely on credible sources when exploring claims of ancient discoveries.