Episode 44: The Shipwrecked Sailor
A Fable of the Sea.Sometime during the Twelfth Dynasty, a folk-tale was composed (or became popular) that would echo through the ages as one of Egypt's most enduring tales.The Shipwrecked…
Episode 43: Dominion Over All
Senuseret III (Part II): Society and Death.The power of King Kha-kau-Re Senuseret III is absolute and the wealthy elite are responding accordingly. Abandoning the recent trend of building tombs in their hometowns, many officials…
Episode 42: Underworld
Senuseret III (Part I): The Secret TombsAround 1880 BCE, one of Egypt's most legendary kings takes the throne of the Two Lands: Kha-kau-Re Senuseret III ("The Kas of Re Appear in Glory"). He…
Episode 41: The Oasis
Senuseret II and the Faiyum Oasis.In c.1892 BCE a new king is on the throne. Kha-kheper-Re Senuseret II is a minor king who hasn't left a particularly grand legacy. However, he is…
Episode 40: Feasting, Laughing and Dancing
Interlude: Celebrating the Divine. In a short break from our narrative history, we visit two types of Egyptian festivals: the raucous celebrations for Hathor, and the sombre re-enactment of the Osiris Passion Play.From…
Episode 39: The Wealth of Asia
Nub-Kau-Re Amenemhat II (Part 2). From 1927 - 1910 BCE, Nub-Kau-Re Amenemhat II launches expeditions to lands outside Egypt. Trade missions to and from the Levant (Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine) bring wealth and…
Episode 38: Burial Rites
Nubkaure Amenmhat II (Part I).Life is good in Egypt around 1927 BCE. Nub-kau-Re Amenmhat II is blessed with peace and a long reign, and he is capable to boot.The king's pyramid complex…
Episode 37: Imperial Projects
Senuseret I (Part IV): Southern Gold.Senuseret I is in need of funding. With so many monuments under construction, he needs resources, and fast.The king sends out his warriors, to obtain…
Episode 36: The White Chapel
Senuseret I (Part 3): Karnak.The reign of Senuseret I is notable for the swathe of construction projects initiated at the king's command.For the first time since the Old Kingdom, monuments are being erected…
Episode 35: From Father to Son
Senuseret I (Part II): the Teachings of AmenemhatIn the wake of his father's murder, King Sen-user-et I comes to power. First he must manage the transition to power, then he must build his own…
