The Mysteries of Ancient Egypt

Egypt icon HIRES

Egypt - 1473 BC - The Mysteries of Ancient Egypt encompasses major achievements throughout the first half of Egypt's four-thousand-year history. 
     At the top of the show, Queen Hatshepsut from the XVIII Dynasty establishes that Egypt is without a ruling pharaoh.  The mystery of who will serve as the next Pharaoh will unfold with the upcoming annual flood of the Nile.  The Queen and her vizier (the highest ranking official), Senmut, explain how the river's water level is measured during the yearly flood by the use of the nilometer. 
     As we prepare for the new leader's appearance, we visit with great pharaohs from the past--the Narmer palette (the oldest document in human history) reveals the importance of Narmer, Egypt's original king.  The pharaoh Djoser is commemorated by the creation of the first pyramid, designed by the architect, Imhoptep.  The splendor of the pyramid contrasts with the great toll its construction took on the local farmers enlisted to build it.
     As the show returns to the day of Queen Hatshepsut, we watch her father, Tuthmose I, prepare for his Sed Festival with the creation of exquisite wall art in a temple built for the occasion.  The Queen then surprises her father with a group of dancers from Luxor.  A beautiful Egyptian dance is performed (by the Queen and students) to his delight.  The program concludes with the crowning of the new Pharaoh and the great mystery is solved.

Hatshepsut was the historical "Great Wife", (queen) who married her half-brother, Tuthmose II.  At his death, she was left the ruling regent of Egypt.  She wears an ornate royal headpiece and traditional black wig.  A bejeweled royal collar, waistband and armband denote her royal status.

Best for grades 4 - adult

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