Egypt: Beyond The Pyramids

Watch Egypt: Beyond The Pyramids

  • 2009
  • 1 Season
  • 8.1  (75)

Egypt: Beyond The Pyramids is an A&E documentary series hosted by renowned Egyptologists Donald Redford, Kent Weeks, and Peter Woodward. Throughout the show's eight episodes, the trio explores the lesser-known ancient ruins and archaeological sites scattered throughout Egypt, uncovering secrets and shedding new light on the country's rich history.

The show begins with an introduction to the famous pyramids and the role they played in ancient Egyptian society. However, the hosts quickly move beyond these structures, delving into the many other temples, tombs, and artifacts that existed throughout the country during the time of the pharaohs.

Throughout the series, the hosts take viewers on a journey through some of the lesser-known ruins of Egypt, such as the ancient city of Amarna, which was built by the infamous pharaoh Akhenaten. They explore the significance of the city's location, its unusual architecture, and the unexpected ways in which it challenged traditional Egyptian beliefs and practices.

Another noteworthy segment of the show takes place in the city of Thebes, which served as the religious center of ancient Egypt for many centuries. Here, the hosts uncover the secrets of the largest religious building in the world, the Temple of Karnak. They explain how this sprawling complex was built and how it evolved over time, revealing the complex layers of religious and political history that are entwined within its walls.

One of the most fascinating segments of the series takes place in the Valley of the Kings, where the pharaohs of Egypt were buried in elaborate tombs. The hosts explore some of these tombs, including that of Tutankhamun, and help viewers to understand the symbolism and significance of the many artifacts and hieroglyphs that decorate the walls. They also discuss the history of tomb robbers and the ways in which archaeologists have worked to protect these important sites.

Throughout the series, the hosts offer insights into the everyday lives of ancient Egyptians, discussing topics such as medicine, clothing, and societal norms. They also delve into the complex religious beliefs of the time, including the afterlife and the role of the pharaoh as a god-king.

The show is visually stunning, packed with beautiful footage of Egypt's many archaeological treasures. Viewers will enjoy sweeping panoramic shots of ancient ruins, close-up shots of intricate carvings and paintings, and stunning aerial footage that helps to put these sites into their historical and geographical context.

Overall, Egypt: Beyond The Pyramids is a fascinating look at a rich and complex civilization that has captured the imagination of people around the world for centuries. The show's hosts offer valuable insights and perspectives on the country's history, making this a must-see for anyone interested in ancient Egypt or history in general.

Egypt: Beyond The Pyramids
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Seasons
Land of the Gods, Pt. 2
10. Land of the Gods, Pt. 2
July 23, 2009
As we examine the many differences evident among Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the religion of the pharaohs, we learn that they did share in the belief that a better life awaits us after death. And, we discover that magic was an essential element of ancient Egyptian life in matters ranging from health and wealth to love and war. Even after the pharaohs disappeared and the ancient gods vanished, magic remained and was used by Egyptian Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Host: Peter Woodward.
Land of the Gods, Pt. 1
9. Land of the Gods, Pt. 1
July 23, 2009
In the past 5,000 years, Egypt has been home to many gods. Pharaohs, Jews, Christians, and Muslims have all lived and worshipped there, leaving monuments and symbols of their faith across the landscape. We learn how the ancient gods and rituals impacted on modern religions to create a spiritually unique country. We examine the progression of religions--from ancient Pharaonic Polytheism to Judaism and Coptic Christianity and the modern Islamic state--and the structures associated with them.
King Tut
8. King Tut
July 23, 2009
Egypt: Beyond the Pyramids showcase current archaeological work that is changing how historians think about life in ancient Egypt. Some of the greatest temples and tombs of Egypt are visited, and authorities explain the significance of particular aspects of their construction.
Hieroglyphs
7. Hieroglyphs
July 23, 2009
State-of-the-art archaeological equipment and cutting-edge computer technology are employed to offer a deeper, fuller analysis of artifacts and sites, thereby creating a greater understanding of the lives and civilization of the Ancient Egyptians.
The Sphinx
6. The Sphinx
July 23, 2009
The brooding figure of the Great Sphinx stands guard over the pyramids of Giza. With the head of a man and body of a lion, this 240-foot ruin may depict Pharaoh Khafre, son of Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid. But speculation still abounds as to its birth. We'll use computers to flesh out its possible original face.
Great Pyramids
5. Great Pyramids
July 23, 2009
An exploration of the grand Egyptian pyramids at Giza, meant to be the final home of well-preserved pharaohs through eternity.
Death and the Journey to Immortality
4. Death and the Journey to Immortality
July 23, 2009
Egyptian civilization was based on the hope of eternal life after death. We explore some of the ancient places that reveal the secrets of the religion and study the sacred tomb hieroglyphs in the Valley of the Kings. At the cemetery of the pyramid builders in Giza and the Valley of the Golden Mummies in the Bahariyya Oasis, we learn more about Egyptian burial practices and methods. And we speak with Drs. Zahi Hawass and Salima Ikram to unravel the secrets of mummification.
The Daily Life of the Ancient Egyptians
3. The Daily Life of the Ancient Egyptians
July 23, 2009
At the ancient port city Mendes, we speak with archaeologist Donald Redford, who has been uncovering the lives of farmers, priests, and merchants. We also visit the ancient craftsman's village Deir el Medina to learn more about the lives of workers who toiled in the Valley of the Kings. And finally, we wander through modern Cairo to discover the amazing number of similarities between ancient Egypt and the Egypt that we know today.
The Great Pharaoh and His Lost Children
2. The Great Pharaoh and His Lost Children
July 23, 2009
Join us on an historical mystery tour back to Egypt's New Kingdom and the era of Ramses' the Great to solve the puzzle of his missing children. We learn of his dedication to his family at his funerary temple, the magnificent Ramesseum, where we see how he depicted his children on various temple walls and reliefs. Then, Dr. Kent Weeks takes us through the mysterious and long-forgotten KV5, the tomb of several of Ramesses' sons, which proves to be ancient Egypt's greatest family mausoleum.
Mansions of the Spirits
1. Mansions of the Spirits
July 23, 2009
First we watch restoration on one of the greatest monuments to the dead ever created, Queen Hatshepsut's exquisite Deir el Bahari, and her Red Chapel, a smaller temple near Karnak. Then, our host Peter Woodward leads us into the inner sanctuaries of the Great Temple of Karnak to explain the sacred duties of the temple priests, and epigrapher William Murnane shows how the art and decoration contributed to the temple's holy power and political prestige.
Description
  • Premiere Date
    July 23, 2009
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (75)