ABSTRACT
This chapter offers an analysis of the historical phenomenon. It examines the ways in which both Ancient Egypt and Egyptology served as a powerful reference/ model for the investigation and interpretation of Mesoamerican prehispanic remains during the early 19th century. The chapter attempts to explain the rationale behind such incorporation of perceptions and experience, also examines its associations with the intellectual development of archaeology. It demonstrates that the critical examination of historical displays constitutes a rich ground for understanding the 19th century development of regional archaeologies and their connections throughout the 19th century. The chapter shows the ways in which Ancient Egypt and Egyptology served as powerful models for investigation and representation of Mesoamerica in the early 1800s. It also shows that the idea that the Napoleonic invasion of Egypt, the works of Vivant Denon's Commission and the development of Egyptology became powerful referents and sources of inspiration for imperialist expectations, projects and plans.
