The Great Egyptians

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[edit] General Information

History Documentary narrated by Bob Brier and published by Discovery Channel in 1998 - English narration

[edit] Cover

[edit] Information

This epic series explores the lives of some of Egypt's greatest rulers: Ramses the Great, pyramid pioneer King Sneferu, the most famous woman who ever lived, Cleopatra, the rebel heretic Akhenaten, the ill-fated Tutankhamen and feminist trailblazer Hatshepsut. Hosted by renown Egyptologist Dr. Bob Brier, this series unveils the true stories of their battles, loves, obsessions, preoccupations and deaths. Brier guides viewers on an enlightening quest for answers to the mysteries surrounding the legacies of the pharaohs. Spectacular footage and unique information make this series a perfect guide to the history of ancient Egypt.

[edit] King of the Pyramids

This episode focuses on Sneferu whose name is not widely recognized, but whose contribution to Egyptian and world culture is the most lasting since Sneferu is the pharaoh who gave the world the pyramids. Host and Egyptologist Bob Brier leads the viewer on a study of his great architectural achievements, and the obstacles that had to be overcome to build them. The secrets of their construction and symbolism are discussed, and an on-site visit takes the viewer inside one of Sneferu's pyramids to explore its history-shaking concepts.

[edit] The Real Cleopatra

How did a Greek without a drop of Egyptian blood become one of the most famous Egyptians of all time? Part 2, "The Real Cleopatra", takes you back to Alexander the Great, who established Egypt's Ptolemaic dynasty into which Cleopatra was born. Explore the true source of her beguiling power and her intelligence symbolized by her restoration of the magnificent library at Alexandria. Cleopatra's role as ruler, mother, and consort are examined, revealing a woman very different from her reputation as cruel and promiscuous. Relive her final, dramatic days after Mark Antony's defeat at Actium, and discover her lasting influence on the Roman Empire

[edit] The Mystery of Tutankhamen

No pharaoh's name is more famous than that of King Tut, the Boy King, who only lived to be 20 years old. The treasures from his tomb have been exhibited all over the world. Host and Egyptologist Bob Brier investigates the mystery that surrounds the young king's untimely death. Was he the victim of a murder plot? And what about the mysterious deaths of the pharaoh's young widow and the Hittite king to whom she subsequently became betrothed? The story is told through dramatizations and art.

[edit] The Queen who Would be King

The topic of this episode is the queen of Egypt who became pharaoh. Hatshepsut ruled in her husband's stead for seven years after his death. When her son, Tuthmosis III, came of age, Hatshepsut refused to step aside. She continued her rule as one of the most powerful pharaohs of all time. Until modern discoveries were made, both her son and patriarchal society successfully conspired to hide her name and achievements from future generations. With dramatic re-enactments and art works, the story of Hatshepsut is told.

[edit] The Rebel Pharaoh

Host and Egyptologist Bob Brier takes the viewer on a journey back through time to the most radical pharaoh of Egyptian history, Akhenaten, who was a visionary and revolutionary. Born Amenhotep IV, he changed his name to Akhenaten to reflect his belief in Aten as a monotheistic god, rejecting the polytheistic tradition of his country. The "Rebel Pharaoh" was also an artist, who broke from the art forms of the past, creating stylized sculpture and paintings. His artworks are included in the presentation.

[edit] Ramses the Great

In this episode, the subject is the pharaoh Ramses, who would be known, if nothing else, for his longevity; Ramses ruled Egypt for 67 years. But he did much more than sit on the throne for more than six decades and produce over 200 children. Some of Egypt's greatest architectural achievements were the vision of Ramses. He was a renowned warrior, exemplified by his defeat of the superior Hittite forces at Kadesh. But there is one defeat for which he is remembered. The video looks at the historical and archaeological evidence that Ramses lost his battle with Moses, led by the God of the Israelites.