Unearthed Season 10 Episode 5 Rise of Egypt's Sun Kings

"Unearthed" Season 10 Episode 5 takes viewers back to ancient Egypt, exploring the fascinating story of the country's Sun Kings. These powerful pharaohs ruled during the New Kingdom era, which lasted from around 1550 to 1069 BCE. The episode examines how the Sun Kings rose to power and explores some of the incredible engineering feats they accomplished during their reign.

The program begins by looking at the early days of the New Kingdom, when Egypt was still reeling from the effects of the Hyksos invasion. It was during this time that a new line of pharaohs emerged, dedicated to restoring Egypt's former glory. These were the Sun Kings, named for their association with the sun god Ra.

Viewers will learn about some of the most notable Sun Kings, including Amenhotep III and his legendary son Akhenaten. Amenhotep III was known for constructing massive monuments and temples, while Akhenaten gained fame for his radical religious reforms. The episode examines how both men altered the course of Egyptian history.

One of the main focuses of the episode is the incredible building projects undertaken by the Sun Kings. These included massive temples, obelisks, and even entire cities. Viewers will learn about the incredible engineering behind these projects, as well as the social and political factors that made them possible. We'll see how the seemingly impossible was made possible with the use of innovative techniques and a vast labor force.

The episode also explores the religious beliefs of the Sun Kings, most notably Akhenaten's monotheistic worship of Aten, the sun disk. Viewers will learn about the new city he built to honor this deity and the radical changes he made to Egyptian society and religion. We'll examine the artwork and inscriptions of Akhenaten's reign for clues about this revolutionary figure.

Finally, the program looks at the legacy of the Sun Kings and their impact on Egypt. We'll see how their massive building projects transformed the landscape and how their religious beliefs and art influenced later Egyptian culture. We'll also examine how their reign helped set the stage for the eventual decline and fall of the New Kingdom.

Overall, "Unearthed" Season 10 Episode 5 is a fascinating exploration of one of ancient Egypt's most intriguing chapters. With stunning visuals, expert commentary, and plenty of historical insights, the program is a must-see for anyone interested in the wonders of the ancient world.