An ancient Egyptian tale, almost 3,000 years ago, tells the story of two brothers—Anpu and Bata. Anpu's wife was sexually attracted to Bata, who was young and handsome. But, Bata refused her sexual advances, which angered the wife, who told Anpu that his younger brother tried to rape her. In his anger, Anpu chases his brother, intent on killing him. Bata runs and prays to the sun god, Ra, to protect him. Because he is innocent, Ra diverts the river Nile, filled with crocodiles, to separate the two brothers. Bata, to prove his innocence, castrates himself and throws his genitals in the river and tells his side of the story. Anpu regrets his actions, goes back home and kills his wife.

This story, of a woman falsely accusing a man of rape, is a recurring theme in stories around the world. In the Old Testament of the Bible, we hear the story of Joseph, who is sold into slavery by his brothers in Egypt, where he is purchased by Potiphar, known in Islamic mythology as Aziz. Aziz's wife, Zuleikha, a name that is found only in Islamic mythology, falls in love with Joseph and tries to seduce him. But, Joseph refuses. Zuleikha then accuses him of rape and Joseph is put in the dungeons, where his ability to read dreams secures him the attention of the pharaoh.