Cities of the Ancient World Season 1 Episode 6 Kahun - Company Town in the Desert

In this episode of Cities of the Ancient World, viewers are transported back in time to explore the remarkable city of Kahun, located in the heart of the Egyptian desert. Kahun was a company town, meaning that it was built to house the workers of a nearby granite quarry that was used to construct some of Egypt's most famous structures, including the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids.

Archaeologists and historians who have focused on Kahun believe that it was one of the very first planned urban developments in history, designed and constructed to meet the needs of its residents. As viewers explore the ruins of Kahun, they learn about the city's unique layout, which featured a well-organized street grid that made it easy for residents to navigate and access important services and amenities.

Throughout the episode, viewers also learn about the various challenges that the city's residents faced as they worked to extract granite from the surrounding desert. From intense heat to dangerous mining conditions, the workers of Kahun faced some of the toughest working conditions in the ancient world.

However, despite these challenges, the residents of Kahun were incredibly skilled and resourceful, and were able to implement a wide range of innovative techniques and technologies to help them extract the granite with greater efficiency and safety. As viewers watch the archaeologists explore the remains of the city, they learn about some of these remarkable techniques and the important role that they played in shaping the city and its people.

Ultimately, Cities of the Ancient World season 1 episode 6 provides viewers with a fascinating look at a remarkable city that played an important role in the history of ancient Egypt. From its innovative urban design to its skilled workforce and advanced mining practices, Kahun stands as a testament to the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the people who called it home.