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[Up to allergy specialists' consideration: did Pharaoh Menes die of a wasp sting?]
1Wojskowy Instytut Medyczny, Klinika Chorób Infekcyjnych i Alergologii CSK MON w Warszawie.
Abstract:
Several allergologists interested in allergies to wasp venom, pass a seemingly probable information that the first Egyptian pharaoh, Menes, was allergic to the venom of stinging insects, and died of an insect sting while on a long journey, somewhere in the area of present-day Great Britain. A relief decorating the pharaoh's sarcophagus and the tomb's walls is to prove the historicity of this event. The whole story is a typical hoax. Insufficient historical sources do not confirm the thesis that Menes visited Europe. The tomb which is considered to be his burial site, contained no sarcophagus, reliefs or paintings. The above-mentioned relief is a contemporary illustration which should raise suspicions even of a layman who looked at it carefully. It is interesting why so many respectable scientists believe the hoax and quote it without previous verification.
Insights
The purported allergy of Pharaoh Menes to wasp venom and his death from an insect sting is a historical hoax. Scientific analysis reveals no evidence supports this claim, debunking a widely circulated myth.
Area of Science:
- Allergy Research
- Historical Hoaxes
- Scientific Verification
Background:
- A widely circulated claim suggests Pharaoh Menes had a wasp venom allergy and died from an insect sting in Britain.
- This narrative is supported by a supposed relief on his sarcophagus and tomb.
Discussion:
- The historical evidence for Menes's journey to Britain and subsequent death is unsubstantiated.
- The alleged relief is a modern illustration, not an ancient artifact.
- The lack of primary sources contradicts the narrative.
Key Insights:
- The claim regarding Pharaoh Menes's insect sting death is a fabrication.
- Scientific and historical scrutiny reveals the story lacks factual basis.
- The ease with which this hoax was accepted highlights a need for critical evaluation of historical claims.
Outlook:
- Further investigation into the origins of this specific historical hoax is warranted.
- Promoting critical thinking and source verification in scientific and historical research is crucial.
- Understanding how such myths propagate can inform future debunking efforts.
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