The Real Ancient Egypt

Using the life and legacy of King Tutankhamun as an example, the four professors reveal how and why reconstructing Egypt’s past can be so tricky. You’ll not only learn more about the civilization, culture, politics, and religion of the time, but you’ll also discover more about King Tut himself—his family, his health, and his famous burial.

Get to know the “weird” King Akhenaten, who came to the throne around 1350 BC, as a heretic who believed in a god no one else recognized. Learn about the stunning new city and the new art style King Akhenaten created. Then, examine how he caused mass chaos, all in the name of his new god.

Although it was difficult for women to gain power in ancient Egypt, it did happen. Meet some of these female rulers, including Merneith, Sobekneferu, Nefertiti, Hatshepsut, Tausret, and Cleopatra. Looking at both archaeological discoveries and written records, recreate their lives, their reigns, and their impacts on Egyptian civilization.

Consider the evidence that led to the idea the Egyptians worshipped animals, including how animals played a role in various religious practices in different eras. You’ll also see how foreigners in ancient Egypt both misinterpreted and influenced our perceptions of the religious roles of animals—cats, in particular.

Meet some of the malevolent beings who personified threats like war and illness, as well as benevolent beings who offered protection from extraordinary (and everyday harm). Also, learn about the demons, guardians, shielding objects, rituals, and practices that evolved to keep chaos at bay.

Another misconception about the ancient Egyptians: They were obsessed with death. Discover how the opposite was true and how they had an enormous passion for life and its continuation. Explore the meaning behind ancient Egyptian death rituals and what the Egyptians believed came after death.

Ancient Egypt’s legal system was based on a cosmic principle of goodness, morality, justice, and what was correct. Examine the evolution of Egyptian law, the concept of justice, and social politics by evaluating ancient stories and judicial records—including the intriguing tale of a pharaoh’s murder.

Given Egypt’s location at the crossroads of the entire ancient world, people were constantly coming and going. Gain insight into the different peoples who inhabited ancient Egypt, and how ethnicity was represented through iconography packed with meaning (but not literal representations of reality).

The four professors divulge the secrets of the tomb raiders, who were frequently middle- and upper-class people with the means to break into the tombs. They explain what it takes to raid a tomb successfully, common practices when thieves were caught, and what modern archeology has lost—and gained—because of these robberies.