The thing is, people didn't really care about race the way we do now. They were more focused on culture and nationality than skin color. The ancient Egyptians themselves were a very diverse people, as were many civilizations in the past such as the Mongols, and Romans, which is why people back then had a tendency to focus more on someone's culture and nationality. Back then what seemed to have mattered most was what language you spoke, who you prayed to, and who you paid your taxes to :P But to answer your question, they did view their culture as more civilized than their neighbors, but they didn't see themselves as semigods, and intermarriages were extremely common. There's records of marriages between Egyptians and Berbs, Romans, Greeks, Jewish people, Hittites etc.

What you said and your reasoning for saying it was NOT a social faux pas! What you said was totally normal and fine, and is something couples do all the time! My S/O and I (who is also autistic) love talking about hot people! We've made entire lists of movies to watch together just because they star our favorite celebrities! :P Sure it's led to us watching some crappy movies, but never to a fight because we trust each other, and know that there's not a chance in hell we'd leave one another for a celebrity (or someone who looks like one) <3 It sounds like your boyfriend was the one acting out of line here, although I understand that having low self-esteem can be rough to deal with. Jealousy is a natural reaction, but what isn't right is the way he's making you feel bad about it :( You did nothing wrong, and you sound like very sweet and loving partner <3

Has he looked into therapy, or anger management classes?