From Reels to Pharaohs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Ancient Egypt
The great thing about video slots is their ability to transport players to another time or place. Modern games offer so many themes, storylines, options, and features that there seems to be a game for anyone.
Ancient Egypt has become a more popular theme for slot developers in recent years, allowing players a shot at winning some cash or simply spinning some reels for fun while imagining life in ancient Cairo or Luxor. Egyptian-themed slots are a nice way to travel back to ancient times and appreciate this history and culture at least just for a bit.
Keep reading to learn more about ancient Egypt-themed slots and why they’ve become so popular..
Exploring Ancient Egypt's Influence on Slots
British archaeologist Howard Carter unearthed King Tut’s tomb in 1922 and it seems the world has been intrigued by Egyptian pyramids, mummies, rulers, and hieroglyphs ever since. More than 100 pyramids dot the Egyptian landscape, and these colossal structures took as many as 30,000 laborers to build over many years.
The oldest, the Pyramid of Djoser, is believed to date back to 2650 B.C. The intriguing pyramids and tombs have fascinated people around the world for decades and even Netflix has recently featured documentaries on continued exploration of the Egyptian desert as archaeologists continue unearthing even more major discoveries.
The discovery of King Tut, officially Tutankhamun, more than 3,300 years after his death and burial fueled the interest in Egyptology even more when the country began sending exhibitions featuring objects from Tut’s tomb to museums around the world in the 1960s. That reached the U.S. in the 1970s and drew more than eight million visitors in the U.S. Comedian Steve Martin even produced his own song about the famed Egyptian ruler and dressed as Tut to perform it on Saturday Night Live.
Many remain fascinated with objects and historical figures like the Sphinx, King Ramses II (who has also toured much of the world), Cleopatra, Nefertiti, and so much more. About 15 million visitors head to the Egyptian pyramids each year. But even those in ancient times were apparently fascinated by Egyptian culture.
“Egypt has exerted a peculiar charm since ancient times,” reports the New York Times. The Greeks and Romans referred to it as a far older civilization whose monuments and writing seemed both baffling and magical. Egyptian culture appeared to have emerged fully formed and to have disappeared almost as suddenly, but its 3,000-year history cast a long shadow over later centuries and is felt even today.”
Slot manufacturers have taken advantage of this fascination by adding their own take on this unique history. Those who enjoy playing some of these games will find many on the casino floor in recent years as well as many options online via platforms like Jackpot Party.
The Sphinx's Riddle: The Diversity of Egyptian-Themed Slots
Perhaps you’re a history buff and have an interest in Egypt-themed slots. From pharaohs to gods to hieroglyphics, these types of games feature plenty of symbols and iconography.
For example, the Lady of Egypt on Jackpot Party focuses on Cleopatra, who ruled as queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt from 51 to 30 B.C. Three Egyptian pyramids are featured in the background behind the reels and as they spin, players will find symbols like ankhs, Canopic jars, statues, Cleopatra herself, and more.
Another Jackpot Party option is Rome & Egypt, which features some brilliant opening graphics that take players inside the ancient worlds of these two cultures. The Sphinx and pharaohs play a major role in this game, along with other symbols of this era such as sword and shield, grapes, the Colosseum, Cleopatra, and more.
As archaeologists continue to reveal even more Egyptian treasures, this idea of discovery, including the possibility of unknown riches, seems to work well with slot manufacturers as also seen in Asian and Irish-themed slots.
One popular option along these lines found in a live casino is Nefturi’s Treasures. The opening sequence of this game features a smiling Nefturi, possibly a fictional take on the Egyptian queen Nefertari, who was the wife of Ramses II and whose tomb is viewed as one of the largest and most lavishly decorated in the Valley of the Queens.
Nefturi’s Treasures features the reels spinning in front of a great golden temple, complete with hieroglyphics on the walls. Players look for symbols like golden cats, scarabs, Nefturi herself, and more. Treasure chests also fill with gold coins, allowing players to cash in for some jackpots along the way. Like many Egyptian games, there are free spin and bonus feature options as well.
The Influence of Ancient Egypt on Slot Themes
Those new to the world of Egyptian slots may not recognize all of the symbols that are seen spinning on the reels. Here’s a quick look at a few of these:
Hieroglyphs: This was the formal writing system used in Ancient Egypt. Hieroglyphs included logographic, syllabic, and alphabetic elements, with about 1,000 distinct characters. The discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1799 provided the first opportunity to decipher this ancient script. The stone featured hieroglyphic texts translated into ancient Greek.
Scarabs: In ancient Egypt, this was an important symbol in the form of the dung beetle. ”This beetle was associated with the divine manifestation of the early morning sun, Khepri, whose name was written with the scarab hieroglyph and who was believed to roll the disk of the morning sun over the eastern horizon at daybreak,” Encyclopedia Britannica notes. “Since the scarab hieroglyph, Kheper, refers variously to the ideas of existence, manifestation, development, growth, and effectiveness, the beetle itself was a favorite form used for amulets in all periods of Egyptian history.”
Ankhs: This is also known as the “key of life” hieroglyphic symbol to represent the word for “life.” An ankh is shaped like a cross with a loop at the top.
Cats: Most people obviously know what a cat is but may not realize that ancient Egyptians saw them as divine creatures and protectors. These felines provided companionship and pest control for many of those along the Nile. Some were featured on artwork in tombs and many Egyptians had their cats mummified and have been discovered in tombs alongside their human owners.
Obelisks: These were tall, thin stone structures that are similar to the Washington Monument in the U.S. These were known as tekhenu to the ancient Egyptians. “The ancient Egyptians were prolific in their use of obelisks, which were erected to honor major events such as a coronation, a major victory, or other such events, as well as to honor their sun god,” Ancient-Egypt-Online.com reports.
All of these symbols and concepts are regularly infused into Egyptian-themed slots. Those who enjoy some of the mystery of the ancient world will find some of this in these types of games as well.
The Art of the Pyramids: Graphics and Sound Design in Egyptian-Themed Slots
Like many historical themes seen in slot machine games, the art and culture of ancient Egypt lends itself to great opportunities for slot manufacturers.
Much of what many are fascinated with tombs, mummies, jewelry, gold, riches, pyramids, sculptures, and more, make for some great graphical elements, mysterious music, and interesting narrative opportunities for some of those creative designers who create some of the games
Many of these icons’ geometric nature makes for some particularly stunning graphical representations. Some of the brilliant aesthetics of these games offer players some real insight into what daily life in ancient Egypt may have looked like, albeit with some creative license and fictional overtones as well.
Modern graphics, high-definition screens, computer technology, and surround sound are revolutionizing the slot industry as a whole and that goes for all themes – including Egyptian slots.
The Pharaoh's Appeal: Why Egyptian-Themed Slots Fascinate Players Worldwide
What keeps so many around the world fascinated by Egyptian slots? Perhaps it’s just human nature to find an interest in history and a unique people. The idea of building great pyramids and mummifying bodies and tombs with brilliant artifacts still fascinates visitors to Egyptian exhibits.
The fact that so many artifacts have been discovered also means that museum visitors and those who actually head to Egypt get a first-hand visual experience of Egyptian culture. That sense of wonder has carried over and Egyptian culture served as inspiration for artists, authors, and Hollywood filmmakers, including some of the more absurd mummy depictions in films. The mummy movies started in the 1930s shortly after the discovery of King Tut's tomb and continued through the 1950s.
More recently, mummy films continued into the 1990s and 2000s, including releases starring Dwaye “The Rock” Johnson and Tom Cruise. A slot was even made from the 1999 version of The Mummy. That game features some excellent Egyptian graphics and symbols. The allure of Egyptian-themed slots looks to continue.
Cracking the Hieroglyphs: Understanding Odds and Winning Strategies
The ancient Egyptians may have believed good fortune smiled upon them in the afterlife, but playing slots – even Egypt-themed slots – doesn’t mean you’ll get as rich as a pharaoh. Casinos, even Egyptian-themed locations like the Luxor in Las Vegas, always have the upper hand when it comes to playing a slot.
Players should always relate the the house edge means that there is a big chance they may lose money – except at free-to-play online platforms like Jackpot Party. Slots should be seen as entertainment, so set a gaming budget and try not to go over it.
And just because a casino has an edge doesn’t mean players can’t book winning sessions. Here are a few recommendations to keep in mind when playing slots.
Play a bit more slowly to make those dollars last.
Take some breaks here and there, especially during downturns.
Know the game’s and casino’s return to the player (RTP). This is the amount of money put into slot machines that is paid back to players. The higher that percentage is, the better it is for players.
Stick with games that fit your goals and personality. Games with a high volatility pay out higher amounts but less frequently. Lower volatility games pay out more often but with smaller amounts. Players have to gauge the risk versus reward as well as their bankroll when selecting which slots to play.
Don’t fall for the myths. Some players think there are certain times a slot will pay out or that there are “hot” slots versus “cold” slots. In fact, all payouts on modern games are based on the RNG (random number generator) and that alone determines payouts.
Play at stakes you can afford. Playing higher may sap away your bankroll and leave you saying “game over” more quickly.
If you’re looking to play for progressive jackpots, make sure you’re on a progressive game. Also, some of these games require players to bet a certain amount to qualify for the progressive jackpot. Make sure that you’re playing at that level.
Responsible Gaming: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times
Obviously, not everyone has a gambling problem when playing slots, but betting above your bankroll is always possible if you don’t manage your gaming experience in a positive way. It’s important to stay within your means and only gamble money that you are prepared to lose and isn’t required for important bills or other payments. A few responsible gaming tips include:
Wager only for entertainment purposes. Only gamble money you can afford to lose.
Gambling shouldn’t be seen as an income source.
Take regular breaks while playing.
Have a gaming bankroll or budget – and don’t go over it.
Set time limits – whether daily, weekly, or monthly whether in live casinos or playing online.
Additionally, consider playing online slots for free at sites like Jackpot Party. Players can spin some reels on some of their favorite games right from their cell phone or computer without spending any money at all.
Someone with a real gaming problem should consider treatment programs available for free by some gaming regulators. There are also other options, such as self-exclusion. This is available in many jurisdictions and bans that player from entering a casino over a certain period of time. Some states in the U.S. even charge that player with trespassing if they self-exclude and then try to enter a casino. Self-exclusion is also available for many online gaming sites as well.
Other resources may include problem gaming groups within your own state or legal jurisdiction. Other great resources include the National Council on Problem Gambling, Before Your Bet for Problem Gambling support groups in your area, GamblingTherapy.org for online help around the world, and Gamblers Anonymous.
The Sands of Time: Future of Egyptian-Themed Slots
As noted, slot companies continue making advancements when it comes to game technology. Gameplay continues to become more interactive and advanced, and that goes for Egyptian slots as well. Over the last decade, creativity and design have ramped up even more as games begin to feature more narrative story elements as well.
Cabinet technology has also made playing slot games an even more immersive experience. For example, Aristocrat Gaming recently released the new NFL Super Bowl Jackpots game. This is the company’s first game as part of a multi-year deal with the league. The company has gone all out and is introducing the new King Max cabinet as part of this, which includes:
a 63.5-inch vertical curved screen
LED Edge lighting
a 27-inch LCD topper screen located at the top of the cabinet
an iChair 3.0 and iBench for players to sit
premium surround sound compatibility with either chair format
a virtual button Deck design
Some of these types of improved technology eventually carry over to other products and as more Egyptian-themed slots also get produced, look for more advancements like this in other games as well.
Egyptian slots lend themselves for better storytelling as well, and that could be part of these games’ future as well. Whether you’d like that trip to Luxor or Cairo, Egyptian slots continue offering players a trip back to this mysterious world
Conclusion
The popularity of pharaohs and ancient Egypt, in general, can be traced back decades to interest in the country’s great pyramids, the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1922, traveling museum exhibitions featuring the numerous artifacts unearthed by archaeologists, and even classic mummy horror movies.
That interest in all things Egypt continues today and has translated to today’s slot machines as well. These games feature many of the symbols that have become recognizable from this unique culture including hieroglyphs, scarabs, ankhs, obelisks, jewelry, obelisks, pharaohs, queens, pyramids, mummies, and more.
These games tend to offer a real display of artifacts and elements of the ancient world while, for the most part, still respecting this cultural heritage. Give one of these games a shot at Jackpot Party for the chance to unearth your own major win.
Treasures of the Nile: Fun Facts and Trivia
Now that you have a grasp on these types of slots, here’s a look at some interesting facts and trivia about Egyptian-themed games.
Buried in Style: The Great Pyramid of Giza is considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and was constructed as a ceremonial burial vault for Egyptian pharaohs.
Tut + Jackpots: King Tut has been featured in several slots through the years. King Tut’s Chamber takes players inside his tomb as they try to walk away with some of his treasure. Egyptian Pharaoh King Tut features a nice image of the boy king peering out at players.
Boy King: Tutankhamun only lived to see about age 18, from 1341 to 1323 B.C. He was named pharaoh around age eight and served for about a decade before passing away. He was only 5 feet, 6 inches tall and his exact cause of death isn’t certain, although some believe he may have died from complications due to a broken leg, which may have been exacerbated by malaria.
The Nose Knows: The famous Great Sphinx of Giza is believed to have been constructed around 2600 B.C. and features the head of a man (believed to be the pharaoh Khafre) and the body of a lion. Observers may notice that the nose has weathered away through the years. Archaeologists estimate that the nose was originally about three feet wide.
BEST EGYPT-THEMED SLOTS
