Unas in the sky with deities. Around 2320 BCE, King Unas did something interesting. His pyramid, at Saqqraa, is the first (surviving) monument to feature the Pyramid Texts. These elaborate hieroglyph texts reveal the religious rituals, references, and philosophy of the Old Kingdom Egyptians. In this episode, we begin a journey deep into the night and up to the sky, as King Unas travels to his immortality… Date: c.2320 BCE. Pyramid Texts in translation:...

The daughters of Akhenaten and Nefertiti were not just "ornaments" for their parents. Like many princesses, they also participated in the religious rituals and royal pageantry of the Egyptian government. In this interview, Courtney Marx (MA, George Mason University) joins us on behalf of the American Research Center in Egypt, to discuss the Amarna princesses and their role as priestesses. We also explore the history of royal women as priestesses and the unique roles they played in the temple...

Following a complicated rise-to-power, King Men-kheper-Ra Djehuty-messu (aka Thutmose III) achieved great victories on the battlefield. His campaigns extended far to the north and south, bringing tribute and captives into Egypt. At home, Thutmose’s building projects were enormous and elaborate. And over fifty-four years of rule, the King’s followers established a legendary reputation… Date: c.1495 - 1441 BCE. Episode Chapters: Part Five - Wives and Warriors: 00:01 - 01:26:22. Part Six -...

At the height of the 18th Dynasty (c.1495 - 1441 BCE), King Men-kheper-Ra Djehuty-messu (aka Thutmose III) ruled Egypt. The start of his reign was unusual, with power wielded primarily by the Queen-King Hatshepsut. But following Hatshepsut's death, Thutmose would rise to the challenges of rule. In this episode, we explore the King's upbringing, his rise-to-power, and the famous Battle of Megiddo. Compilation of previously released material. Date: c.1495 - 1441 BCE. Episode Chapters: Part One...

In New Kingdom Egypt (c.1500 – 1150 BCE), the rulers and people of the Nile Valley communicated extensively with their eastern neighbours. Trade and diplomacy were far more common than outright conflict. And the Egyptian pharaohs were highly regarded in distant courts. These contacts survive in the archaeological record: detailed texts recording interactions; shipwrecks carrying cargo from the Egyptian court; and even tombs recording the high status of foreigners serving the pharaoh...

In New Kingdom Egypt (c.1500 - 1150 BCE), the pharaohs and their agents had many dealings with people of the Mediterranean. These include the ancient Cretans (the "Keftiu" or Minoans) and the Mycenaeans (the "Danae" or "Danaeans"). And from the time of Amunhotep III (c. 1400--1362 BCE), we have tentative evidence for Egyptian embassies visiting these islands. From Memphis to Mycenae, Karnak to Crete, we go in search of international relations. Compilation of previously released material. Logo...

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Warrior, protector, murderer. By 1300 BCE, the Egyptian god Seth had become a complex and multi-faceted deity. Chaotic and destructive, but not "evil," Seth played an important role in the gods' realm and our own. This legend developed and evolved over centuries, from the earliest religious literature to the imperial age. In this episode, we explore Seth's role, appearances, and descriptions in the Pyramid Texts, Coffin Texts, Book of the Dead, Amduat, and Book of Gates. And we try to get to...

Identity crisis. Seth (aka Sutekh / Setekh / Suty) is a complicated deity. A master of storms, winds, deserts and seas, Seth dominates foreigners and the world outside Egypt. However, he is also treacherous, violent, and aggressive; a god who slew his own brother and tried to seize the throne for himself. As a result, Seth has a complicated relationship with the Egyptian kingship. Part defender and source of legitimacy, but also a threat to the stable order of the world (ma’at). Most kings...

How the west was won. Around 1298 BCE, King Sety I (Men-ma’at-Ra) attacked the peoples of modern-day Libya and, in a supposedly swift victory, took many captives back to Egypt. The relationship between Libyans and ancient Egyptians is complicated, but we go in search of some answers… Date: c.1298 BCE (Sety I, year 6). Music intro/outro: “Godzilla theme” by Akira Ifukube, cover version by Luke Chaos. Music interludes by: Keith Zizza, Luke Chaos. Sety’s War Reliefs at Karnak: Available in...

Remember “Going Forth by Day”? It’s back! In song form. Many creative projects have explored themes around the Egyptian underworld. But in 2023, the Czech band Nemuer has taken a novel approach. Their album, Book of Going Forth by Day is based on original funerary papyri; and for the pronunciation of the Egyptian language, they consulted with Egyptologist Dr. Christian de Vartavan. This gives us an opportunity to explore excerpts from the Book of the Dead from a new perspective and connect...

A new year dawns, and it’s time to look back. Egyptology and archaeology had a great year in 2023, with numerous major discoveries, studies, and conservation projects reaching fruition. Here is a sample selection of some particularly significant finds… Support the podcast at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast. References and images for all episodes at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com. Chat with ancient Egypt enthusiasts at our Discord. Logo image: Statue discovered at Saqqara, 2023. Discoveries...

A tale of terror and tombs. In 1924, Weird Tales magazine published "Imprisoned with the Pharaohs" (aka "Under the Pyramids"). A short story in which Harry Houdini, world-famous escape-artist, illusionist, and advocate of rationalism, came face-to-face with horrors beyond his comprehension. The tale is work of horror, ghost-written by H.P. Lovecraft. It is a fun story, worthy of the genre. Logo image: The statue of Khafra / Khephren in Cairo's old museum (Photo Dominic...

Restoration, Recovery, Wreckage. Around 2520 BCE, King Men-kau-ra (or Menkaure) ruled Egypt. In his time, royal artists produced high-quality sculpture, and builders constructed another pyramid at Giza. But Menkaura has a complicated legacy. Although his pyramid is the smallest of the three "Great Pyramids of Giza," this King's legacy proved far more positive than his predecessors. Likewise his treasures, including his beautiful sarcophagus, have gone through a difficult journey over the past...

How archaeology can increase your life expectancy by 40%! For centuries, popular perceptions of the Great Pyramid’s construction have hinged on Herodotos reference to “twenty years.” While historians have debated that, hard evidence on the reign of Khufu (and its length) has always been fragmentary. In the past ten years, though, things have changed substantially. We now have strong evidence that Khufu reigned much longer than the “twenty years” story. This fundamentally changes our...

A crime scene with no crime? In 1925, archaeologists working at Giza uncovered a remarkable monument. The tomb chamber of Queen Hetep-Heres (c.2630-2580 BCE) contained a wealth of beautiful, high-quality items. But the monument itself was strange, the excavation was a serious challenge, and the results were baffling in many ways. In this episode, we explore the discovery, revelation, the life, and the legacy of Queen Hetep-Heres... Extended version of this episode and digital booklet...

In 1798, an army of soldiers and scientists invaded Egypt. At their head, the young general Napoleon Bonaparte. The French Expedition had an enormous impact on Egypt's political history, and Egyptology as a field of scholarly inquiry. Remarkable discoveries, and dedicated study, led to an explosion in knowledge about the ancient past. Today, William Clark of Grey History: The French Revolution & Napoleon joins me to discuss these momentous undertakings. And, of course, we talk about the...

Karnak, Abydos, foreign wars, and prince Ramesses. In this interview, Prof. Peter Brand joins us once again to explore the life, reign, and legacy of Sety I. We also explore the rise of prince Ramesses (later King Ramesses II), who becomes increasingly prominent in the later years of his father's rule. Links and more info: Peter Brand at Memphis University. National Geographic documentary "Egypt: Quest for Eternity," on YouTube. Peter Brand articles and books on Academia.edu. Peter Brand,...

The Opportunist and the Last of His Kind. In the Late Bronze Age, there were few kingdoms as mighty as Hatti. Their Great Kings, like SUPPILULIUMA and KURUNTA, were a significant force in Anatolia and the Near East. But around 1200 BCE, their royal house was divided. And the Hittites suffered greatly in the Late Bronze Age Collapse. In Total War: Pharaoh, you must reunify the highlands, guard the lowlands, and weather the coming storm… Preview and purchase Total War: Pharaoh at...

The Pretender and the Herald of the Collapse. The Chancellor BAY is a fascinating figure. Although an outsider, he politicked his way to supreme authority. IRSU, meanwhile, is a shadowy man, known only from tiny fragments. Following their methods you may craft a new path to power, or precipitate the collapse of civilizations. Choose your role, and their fate, in Total War: Pharaoh... Preview and purchase Total War: Pharaoh at https://pharaoh.totalwar.com/. Music in all episodes by Richard...

The Puppeteer. When the old methods are failing, a kingdom needs a new perspective. Across three thousand years, only a few women took power as a “King” in Egypt. One of these was TAUSRET, wife of Sety II and daughter-in-law of Merneptah. When the royal line crumbled, Tausret took power into her own hands. And as Total War: Pharaoh begins, she is ready to do what her relatives and rivals will not… Preview and purchase Total War: Pharaoh at https://pharaoh.totalwar.com/. Music in all episodes...

The Successor and the Brute. Legitimacy is no guarantee of peace. King SETY II, son of Merneptah, is a powerful leader in Total War: Pharaoh. Historically, this King enjoyed a smooth inheritance and accession. But all the legitimacy in the world could not protect his rule... Preview and purchase Total War: Pharaoh at https://pharaoh.totalwar.com/. Music in all episodes by Richard Beddow © Creative Assembly 2023. See the History of Egypt Podcast on all podcasting apps and at...

The Gilded Rebel. One may seize power, by any means, as long as they succeed. In Total War: Pharaoh, the prince AMENMESSE is a strong-willed and strong-armed warrior. Taking command of his faction, you may build a mighty (and wealthy) powerbase, before taking the crown for yourself. Preview and purchase Total War: Pharaoh at https://pharaoh.totalwar.com/. Music in all episodes by Richard Beddow © Creative Assembly 2023. See the History of Egypt Podcast on all podcasting apps and at...

Begotten by the sun god. The "last great pharaoh," RAMESSES (aka Ramesses III) is a warrior and a builder. In Total War: Pharaoh, you will lead this man to victory over his rivals, and remake Egypt in your image… Preview and purchase Total War: Pharaoh at https://pharaoh.totalwar.com/. Music in all episodes by Richard Beddow © Creative Assembly 2023. See the History of Egypt Podcast on all podcasting apps and at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com. Select references: D. D. Baker, Encyclopedia of...