Blowing Up History Season 3 Episode 12 Forbidden City Of The Pharaohs

Blowing Up History season 3 episode 12 is titled "Forbidden City Of The Pharaohs". This episode delves into the mysterious city of Akhetaten, also known as Amarna. Akhetaten was the short-lived capital of Egypt during the reign of pharaoh Akhenaten in the 18th dynasty.

The episode explores the reasons why pharaoh Akhenaten decided to build a new capital city, and why he chose the location of Amarna. Experts discuss how Akhenaten's reign was a time of great change in Egypt, as he introduced a new form of religion that was centered around the worship of a single deity, the sun-disk Aten. The people of Amarna were among the first to practice this new religion, which caused a dramatic shift in Egyptian culture and society.

The show also looks at the unique architectural features of Amarna, including the distinctive mud-brick buildings that were constructed to reflect the new religious beliefs of Akhenaten. Experts explain how the city was designed to be both functional and symbolic, with buildings arranged in a grid pattern that was meant to represent the rays of the sun. The program also shows how the city was protected by a massive wall that was meant to keep out any outsiders who might corrupt the pure Atenist religion.

Through the use of expert interviews, archival footage, and computer-generated recreations, the audience is taken on a virtual tour of the Forbidden City Of The Pharaohs. The show explains how the city was organized, the different types of buildings that existed, and the daily life of the people who lived there. Viewers will get to see the grand palace of Akhenaten, which was the center of power in the city, as well as the houses of ordinary citizens who lived and worked in Amarna.

Finally, the episode examines the downfall of Amarna, and the reasons why the city was abandoned after just a few decades. Experts explore the pressures that Akhenaten faced from traditionalists who opposed his new religion, as well as the geopolitical factors that contributed to the decline of the 18th dynasty. The show also looks at the legacy of Amarna, and how it continues to be studied and admired by archaeologists and historians today.

In summary, Blowing Up History season 3 episode 12 "Forbidden City Of The Pharaohs" is a fascinating and informative look at one of the most unique and intriguing cities in ancient Egypt. Through expert analysis, virtual reconstructions, and stunning visuals, the show provides a comprehensive and engaging study of Amarna and its place in history.