Entertainment over historical accuracy

Exodus: Gods and Kings

Photo credit: Twentieth Century Fox

I watched the movie back in December 2014 when it was released here in Australia. I wanted to see it not for its historical content but for its visual depiction of Ancient Egypt. We are fortunate to live during a time where computer technology and continued archaeological discoveries can be used together to re-create these periods. As a writer of historical fiction/fantasy, I am very grateful for the advancements.

Like all mythology, the story of the exodus and Moses has a basis in some fact, and not meant be taken literally. [Read: “Does Exodus: Gods and Kings deserve to be banned for historical inaccuracy?”] Like ancient stories, it was a moralistic tale, one of caution and retribution. The Ancient Egyptians were exemplary record keepers and there was no hint or comment on such an event. Of course, the pharaohs amended written evidence to suit their propaganda; we just have to look to Ramesses II and his victory over the Hittites which we know didn’t happen the way he viewed it. The fact is the truth is quite different.

Egyptian pharaoh Ramesses II storming the Hittite fortress of Dapur
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hittites

There is no evidence to suggest the exodus happened. Israeli archaeologists surveyed the area of Sinai during the period 1967 to 1982 and found nothing. Historians also note it wasn’t Ramesses II who expelled the Jews from Egypt. There seems to be new theories that Amenhotep II was the pharaoh of the time that correlates with the exodus. There has also been other suggestions that point to when the volcano erupted on Thera/Santorini during the 1300 BCE, there was at the time in Egypt an incursion involving the Hyskos, a military race. Evidence of this war is written on the walls at Karnak and proof of an “exodus” of the Hyskos people (not the Jews) from the east due to the natural disaster.

Amenhotep II
Photo credit:
http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/amenhotep2.htm

As to the movie, the visual effects are stunning and it brings to life Ancient Egypt during the reign of Ramesses II. I was surprised to see one of the classifications of the movie by IMBD as a biography. We know Ramesses existed, yet the events of this story are not accurate. The movie was entertaining, and if not over the top with it some of the acting. I thought Christian Bale was wooden and the supporting cast a little trite. Good movie for a Sunday afternoon where you can switch off for a while.

Did anyone else watch the movie? What did you think of Ridley Scott’s version?

Thank you for visiting and reading. As always, your comments are valued and welcomed.

Historical fiction fantasist Luciana Cavallaro, a secondary teacher, meanders from contemporary life to delve into the realms of mythology. Subscribe to her FREE short story http://eepurl.com/bhESs1