Unearthed Season 9 Episode 7 Egypt's Cult Kings

Unearthed season 9 episode 7, titled "Egypt's Cult Kings," takes viewers on a journey through ancient Egypt as archaeologists and historians unearth the stories of the country's cult kings. These were rulers who, although not part of the official pharaonic line, were nevertheless revered as divine beings by their subjects.

The episode starts by setting the scene of ancient Egypt, explaining how the country was divided into smaller kingdoms ruled by individual pharaohs. It then introduces the concept of the cult king, explaining that there were certain individuals who rose to power as a result of their religious connections and were able to establish themselves as independent rulers, often in competition with the official pharaonic line.

The first cult king explored in the episode is Imhotep, who rose to power as a result of his religious and architectural accomplishments. Imhotep is perhaps best known for designing the first step pyramid, but he also held the position of high priest of the sun god Ra. As a result of his religious standing, he was able to secure his position as a ruler in his own right, marking the beginning of the cult king tradition.

The episode then moves on to explore the reign of Amenhotep IV, better known as Akhenaten. Akhenaten is perhaps the most famous of Egypt's cult kings, and for good reason. He is credited with introducing a new, monotheistic religion centered around the worship of the sun disc, or Aten. In addition to this radical change in religious doctrine, Akhenaten also established a new capital city, built in honor of his god. These actions mark a clear break with established tradition and highlight the unique position that cult kings held in Egyptian society.

The episode goes on to explore the reigns of other cult kings, including Smenkhkare and Tutankhamun. Smenkhkare is an enigmatic figure who ruled for a very short time and whose reign is shrouded in mystery. Some historians believe that he may have been a co-ruler with Akhenaten, while others propose that he may have been his successor. Tutankhamun, on the other hand, is perhaps the most well-known of Egypt's pharaohs thanks to the discovery of his intact tomb in 1922. However, his reign was short and largely uneventful, and it is likely that he was used as a puppet ruler by the powerful officials who controlled the country at the time.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning shots of ancient Egyptian artifacts and architecture. Archaeological experts offer their insights into the lives and motivations of these ancient rulers, providing a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of a society that still fascinates us today.

Overall, "Egypt's Cult Kings" is a fascinating exploration of a little-known aspect of ancient Egyptian history. Through the stories of these remarkable individuals, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex religious and political traditions that shaped one of the most powerful civilizations in history.