Ep 3. The Pharoah and the Showman

In Egypt season 1 episode 3, titled "The Pharoah and the Showman," viewers are taken on a journey back in time to ancient Egypt during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. The episode explores the incredible accomplishments of the pharaoh and his fascination with showcasing his wealth and power.

The episode begins with an introduction to Ramses II, one of the most powerful rulers of Ancient Egypt. Ramses was a prolific builder and military leader, and his reign marked a time of great prosperity and expansion for the Egyptian empire. As viewers are introduced to Ramses, they are also introduced to another figure integral to the episode's narrative: a man named Sinuhe.

Sinuhe was a showman who lived during Ramses' reign and was known for his incredible performances and visual displays. The episode explores the relationship between Ramses and Sinuhe, highlighting how the pharaoh was drawn to the showman's talent for creating awe-inspiring spectacles.

As the episode progresses, viewers are taken on a tour of some of Ramses' most impressive monuments and buildings. From the grand temples he built to commemorate the gods to the massive statues that he erected to honor himself, viewers can witness firsthand the power and wealth of Ramses' empire.

The focus then turns back to Sinuhe and his role in Ramses' court. The showman is seen creating stunning visual displays that incorporate live animals, fire, and other elements that seem downright magical to the people watching. These performances were a way for Ramses to showcase his power and wealth to his subjects, as well as to foreign dignitaries who might come to visit.

The episode then takes a deeper dive into the relationship between Ramses and Sinuhe. While the pharaoh was certainly drawn to the showman's abilities, there was also a sense of competition between the two men. Ramses wanted to be seen as the greatest showman in all of Egypt, and Sinuhe's success threatened that status.

As the episode moves toward its conclusion, viewers see the two men come into conflict. Ramses becomes paranoid that Sinuhe is intentionally trying to upstage him, and the showman is eventually exiled from the court. Despite this, the episode ends on a bittersweet note, with viewers left to ponder both the accomplishments of Ramses' reign and the fleeting nature of human relationships.

Overall, "The Pharoah and the Showman" is a fascinating look at a unique time in history. Viewers will be captivated by the incredible feats of architecture and engineering on display, as well as the dynamic between two men who shaped (and were shaped by) the world around them.