Ep 10. Seven Wonders of Egypt

Unearthed is a classic show that explores the most incredible ancient structures on the planet. In season 7, episode 10, the audience is taken on a thrilling journey throughout one of the most historically-rich countries in the world: Egypt. With magnificent pyramids, immense sphinxes, and incredibly intricate tombs, Egypt is an archaeological paradise full of wonder and awe-inspiring ancient structures.

This episode, titled "Seven Wonders of Egypt," covers the seven most jaw-dropping structures in the country, starting with the Pyramid of Djoser. The step pyramid is the oldest pyramid structure, and it's imposing even by today's standards. It is certainly a marvel of its time, built over 4,600 years ago, and a testament to the engineering skills of the ancient Egyptians. But what makes this pyramid so outstanding is its history, which is full of mystical secrets, including underground tunnels that were used to hide treasures.

Next, the episode covers the Temple of Karnak, which was constructed over a 2000 year period and boasts enough space for ten European cathedrals. Karnak was the center of Egyptian religion, and this temple complex covers an area of around 100 hectares, which is the size of a small town! The Temple features courtyards, halls, and colonnades that host a multitude of extraordinary carvings and paintings that tell tales of gods and goddesses.

Afterward, and moving from Karnak, the show leads into Luxor's Valley of the Kings, which boasts dozens of tombs and several sarcophagi that hold the remains of Egypt's pharaohs. The Valley is a majestic and peaceful place, which is known for its unique and intricate maze-like tombs, such as the one belonging to Ramses VI. This tomb has been excellently preserved and contains breath-taking carvings on almost every wall. And it's not just Ramses' tomb that is a treat - there are many others that are hidden in the Valley of Kings that are just as magnificent and awe-inspiring.

The next must-see structure is the Serapeum of Saqqara. The Serapeum is a labyrinthine underground network of tombs and standing sarcophagi, some big enough to accommodate a school bus. The tombs themselves are immense, and there are many secrets surrounding the site. But perhaps the most mysterious aspect of the Serapeum is the absence of human remains. A true enigma.

The Temple of Abu Simbel is another wonder, built in the 13th century BCE. The temple features massive images of Ramses on the exterior, watching over the Nile. But more impressive than the temple itself is the incredible feat of moving the entire temple from one location to another in the 20th century. The move was needed to avoid flooding the temple when the Aswan Dam was built, and it's a massive and jaw-dropping accomplishment.

The final two structures featured in this episode are the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza. The Sphinx sits majestically between its twin pyramids, and it's one of the most recognizable structures on the planet. The Pyramids themselves are perhaps the most iconic structures of the ancient world and are still awe-inspiring to behold. The Pyramids are wonders of ancient engineering and design, measuring upwards of 146 meters high (478 feet). It's hard to imagine how the Egyptians created such structures with the crude tools and techniques at their disposal.

In short, "Seven Wonders of Egypt" is a fantastic episode that explores the country's most iconic and awe-inspiring structures in depth. The show illuminates the history, engineering, and construction techniques of each site, leaving viewers both educated and entertained.