Ancient Egyptian Slots
What is it about the pharaohs, Tutankhamun, Cleopatra, pyramids, and ancient Egypt that gives slot machine developers such a thrill? Ever since the Las Vegas strip first spun into action, the Egyptian trope has been a firm favourite with punters, players, and casino owners alike. We’ve cracked open the tomb, to discover a few classics of the genre. Grab that chariot and get ready, as we dodge the Mummy’s curse and spin our way through the very best Egyptian-themed slots.
Egyptian-Themed Slots: The Background
In 1922, Indiana Jones prototype, and Egyptologist, Howard Carter made – arguably – the most incredible archaeological discovery of the 20th century: the tomb of Tutankhamun. Hidden for more than 3,000 years, the tomb was crammed with treasures. When Carter’s eyes grew accustomed to the light, he said he could see ‘wonderful things – and everywhere the glint of gold’.
Carter’s discovery was a sensation, inspiring a craze of ‘Tutmania’. This was hidden treasure on an epic scale. Ancient Egypt was an authentic source of mystery and legend; all held together by a pantheon of gods, and a culture rich with mythology, cruelty, and mind-blowing architecture.
Incredible but true: the ancient Egyptian civilisation lasted for more than 3,000 years, from 3100 BC to around 600 AD. To put that in perspective, the people that built the pyramids, the Lighthouse and Library at Alexandria, as well as developing basic medicine, mathematics, irrigation, and art, were dying out, as we were still sitting in mud huts, fending off rapey Vikings, and at least 1,000 years away from eating our first potato.
Ancient Egypt is one of the most important human civilisations ever. Only equalled by the Sumerians, Chinese, and Incans. It’s longevity a testament to its brutality, power, and effectiveness.
The period that attracts the most love and attention starts in 2700 BC. It is the age of the Pyramid Builders, including the kings Khufu, Khafre and Menkaure, who built the pyramids at Giza. A millennium later and temple-building pharaohs like Ramesses II and queen Hatshepsut were still expanding the empire.
The unique art, the hieroglyphics, the burial customs, the many gods: Osiris, Anubis, Horus and co., the Book of the Dead (a guide to the afterlife), and a mind-blowing architectural legacy, that still stands today. It all combines to make this ancient civilisation rich pickings for storytellers and creatives.
Ancient Egypt Slots: Sights and Sounds
There are plenty of reasons why ancient Egypt is such a popular theme for online slot developers. Aside from the drama and the narrative, the iconography is stunning and easy to identify. The scarab beetle, obelisks, hieroglyphs, and the classic Ankh: the symbol of life. All are iconic and timeless.
Not surprisingly, all of these – and many more – have weaved their way into the portfolio of every online casino. When the written language is basically symbols and icons, it’s easy to find great material for that brand new slot.
On the audio front, it’s not so cut and dried. Ancient Egyptian music would have been played on a lyre, benet, darbuka, sistrum, percussion, pipes, and trumpets. Combined, it creates that generic ‘Sands of Arabia’ vibe. Add some strings and you get the Hollywood remix.
