Nicky Nielsen's User Profile - Atlas Obscura

Nicky Nielsen

I'm a Senior Lecturer in Egyptology at the University of Manchester specialising in the study of New Kingdom and Late Period material culture as well ancient Egyptian society.

https://research.manchester.ac.uk/en/persons/nicky.nielsen

2023
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a beginner's guide to the afterlife

In Denmark, an Ancient Army Met a Mysterious End in a Lake

Archaeologists have found the remains of hundreds of Iron Age fighters at Alken Enge—but they didn't die there.

November 5, 2024

a beginner's guide to the afterlife

Viking Hell Is Just as Metal as You'd Expect

Judged unworthy of Valhalla? Welcome to Helheim.

a beginner's guide to the afterlife

Bali's Massive Stone Sarcophagi Included Global Grave Goods

Mirrors from China, glass beads from Roman Egypt, and other treasures from far-flung places accompanied ancient Balinese elites to the afterworld.

a beginner's guide to the afterlife

Svalbard's Lonely Whaler Graves Included Burial Kits With Pieces of Distant Homes

For centuries, the cruel industry decimated entire whale species—and claimed countless human lives. Whalers arrived prepared for their own deaths.

a beginner's guide to the afterlife

In Ancient Egypt, Jar Burials May Have Helped the Dead Be Reborn in the Afterlife

First found at the ancient fortress of Tell el-Retaba, child burials in ceramic jars perplexed early archaeologists.

a beginner's guide to the afterlife

In Newfoundland, a Bird Spirit May Have Guided a Lost Culture's Dead

For centuries, the Beothuk people relied on seabirds to survive—and likely to find their way to the afterlife.

February 7, 2024

The Surprising Roots of Ancient Rome's Gladiator Fights

The quintessential Roman spectacle, originally a way to honor the dead, was not Roman in origin.

January 9, 2024

guide to the ancient egyptian afterlife

In Ancient Egypt, Judgement of the Dead Was Severe

To enter the realm of Osiris, the dead had to complete a long to-do list—and face a terrifying devourer of souls.

October 24, 2023

human sacrifice

In Ancient Egypt, Human Sacrifice and Shabti Figures Ensured an Afterlife of Servitude

Clay figurines and murdered retainers provided plenty of company—and a workforce—for the dead.

October 17, 2023

guide to the ancient egyptian afterlife

In Ancient Egypt, Soul Houses and False Doors Connected the Living and the Dead

Rich or poor, you could reach out to friends and family in the afterlife—and communication went both ways.

October 10, 2023

guide to the ancient egyptian afterlife

In Ancient Egypt, the Duat Was a Netherworld of Gods and Monsters

A guide called the Amduat helped pharaohs navigate the complex afterlife.

October 3, 2023