Lost Treasures of Egypt Season 3 Episode 4 Rise of the Mummies

Rise of the Mummies is an enthralling and informative episode of Lost Treasures of Egypt season 3. The episode centers on the discovery of a monumental necropolis, containing numerous mummies. This discovery paves the way for a deeper understanding of Egyptian funerary practices and the importance of mummification in ancient Egyptian culture.

The episode is anchored around the exploration of the newly-discovered tombs, which were built during the New Kingdom era of ancient Egypt, approximately 3,000 years ago. The tombs are located in an area known as the Valley of the Kings, which was used as a royal burial ground during this period. One of the tombs in this area, known as KV64, is the main focus of the episode.

The KV64 tomb was discovered by a team of experts from Italy who were using ground-penetrating radar to explore the area. The radar detected a chamber beneath the ground, leading to an excavation process that uncovered the tomb. Inside the tomb, the team found four sarcophagi, each containing a mummy. Through a careful examination of the mummies and other artifacts found in the tomb, the team believes that the individuals buried there were all members of the same family.

One of the most interesting discoveries made in KV64 is the presence of a mummy mask. Made of plaster, the mask was found wrapped around the head of the mummy it was intended for. This type of mask, known as a cartonnage mask, was used to cover the head of a mummy in order to protect it and ensure its ascension to the afterlife. The mask is beautifully decorated with images of various gods and goddesses, highlighting the importance of religion in Egyptian culture.

The team also discovered a significant amount of pottery and other objects in the tomb. These artifacts provide valuable insights into ancient Egyptian funerary practices, including the use of canopic jars to hold the organs of the deceased and the practice of placing shabti dolls in tombs to aid the deceased in the afterlife.

As the team continues to explore the tomb and its contents, they uncover even more mysteries. One of the biggest questions they face is why the tomb was left unfinished. Although the sarcophagi and other funerary items were placed in the tomb, the walls and ceiling of the chamber were left undecorated and unfinished. This suggests that the tomb was abandoned before it could be fully completed, leaving researchers with many questions about why this might have happened.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of the tomb and its contents, as well as expert commentary from the archaeologists and Egyptologists involved in the discovery. The team demonstrates a deep respect for the history and culture they are studying, and their enthusiasm for their work is infectious.

Rise of the Mummies is a captivating episode of Lost Treasures of Egypt season 3, offering a fascinating look into the funerary practices of ancient Egypt and the importance of mummification in this culture. The discoveries made in KV64 provide valuable insights into the lives and beliefs of ancient Egyptians, and the ongoing exploration of the tomb promises to reveal even more exciting revelations in the future.