Aegyptiaca Titanica

Popular Fascination with Egypt:

• Egypt has long been a subject of fascination, attracting tourists and scholars alike.
• By the early 20th century, Egypt was a popular destination for wealthy travellers, including several Titanic passengers.

Mummy’s Curse Legend:

• A legend emerged linking the Titanic’s sinking to a “mummy’s curse.”
• The “Unlucky Mummy” story involves an inner coffin lid from the 22nd dynasty, which was rumoured to bring bad luck.
• This object, however, never left the British Museum and was not on the Titanic.

Passengers Returning from Egypt:

• Over two dozen Titanic passengers had recently travelled to Egypt, including notable figures like John Jacob Astor IV and Margaret Tobin Brown.
• These passengers brought back souvenirs, some of which may have included antiquities.

Margaret Tobin Brown’s Souvenirs:

• Brown’s insurance claim included “Souvenirs (Egypt)” valued at $500 and “3 crates ancient models for Denver Museum” also valued at $500.
• She carried a small faience ushabti off the ship, which she later gave to Captain Rostron of the Carpathia.

Survival of Artifacts:

• The survival of artefacts from the Titanic depends on their materials and storage conditions.
• Items made of stone, faience, metal, or ceramic have a good chance of being recovered intact.

Cultural and Social Significance:

• The entanglement of ancient Egypt and the Titanic highlights how the past is valued both socially and monetarily.
• Brown’s purchases reflect her interest in education and her efforts to improve her social standing.

Challenges of Artifact Recovery:

• Retrieving artifacts from the Titanic wreck is expensive and controversial.
• The potential academic value of such artifacts may not justify the cost of recovery.