The Queen Who Ruled All.

In this episode we look at Queen Tiye, Lady of the Two Lands and mighty power-player in court politics. With me is Dr. Joyce Tyldesley, Research Associate of the Manchester Museum and lecturer in Manchester University's online Egyptology courses. Dr. Tyldesley is an expert on ancient Egyptian women (royal and non-royal) and the role of these people in their society and she generously agreed to help me tell Tiye's story (and some others). We had a great discussion, I hope you enjoy.

This is Part One, focussing on Tiye. Part Two (releasing later) will focus on Nefertiti.

Time period: c.1390 - 1350.

People: Queen Tiye.

The podcast is on Patreon! Enjoy ad-free access at patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Music by Derek and Brandon Fiechter

Music by Keith Zizza

Podcast website at egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Amunhotep III (Part 14): The End.

In his last regnal years, Neb-ma'at-Re Amunhotep III experienced victories and defeats. While his health declined, the pharaoh got into a serious argument with the King of Babylon, inspected his magnificent tomb, and celebrated one last Sed-Festival. Finally, after 38 years on the throne, the inevitable moment arrived...

Time period: c.1362 BCE

Kings: Amunhotep III, Kadashman-Enlil (I) of Babylon.

Notable sites: Kingdom of Babylon, Waset (Thebes).

Bibliography and Images at egyptianhistorypodcast.com/

Music by Keith Zizza

Music by Michael Levy

The Podcast is on Patreon! Enjoy early access and exclusive perks at patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Bonus Episode! Lesser-known Monuments of Amunhotep III.

By the last years of his reign, c.1365 BCE, King Amunhotep had dozens of important monuments going up throughout Egypt and Nubia. But some of these have been overlooked. In this bonus episode, we explore some of the King's lesser-known structures. We also take a guided tour of Luxor Temple, now almost finished...

Time period: c.1365 BCE (year 35).

King: Amunhotep III (Neb-ma'at-Re).

Notable sites: Memphis (Hwt-ka-Ptah), Thebes (Waset), Malqata (Nebmaatre-Aten-Tjehen).

The podcast is on Patreon! Get early access and exclusive perks at patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Episode images and bibliography at egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Music by Keith Zizza keithzizza.com

Amunhotep III (Part 13): Foreign Wives and Magnificent Tiye

By 1366 BCE, Amunhotep was on top of the world: foreign kings begged his friendship and they were willing to pay (beautifully) to get it. Meanwhile, Queen Tiye enjoyed an unprecedented level of parity with her husband, expressed quite publicly in grand monuments...

Time period: c.1366 BCE

Kings: Amunhotep III, Tushratta of Mitanni

Notable sites: Kingdom of Mitanni, Waset (Thebes), Bubastis

Episode images and bibliography at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

The Podcast is on Patreon! Enjoy early access and exclusive perks at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Amunhotep III (Part 12): Pharaoh as a God.

By 1366 BCE, Amunhotep III was ready to celebrate a second sed-festival. However, the King's pretensions had begun to reach celestial heights - in regnal year 34 he appeared to be an equal to the gods themselves...

Episode images and bibliography at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

The Podcast is on Patreon! Enjoy early access and exclusive perks at patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Daily Life in New Kingdom Egypt.

Around 1370 BCE, wealthy Egyptians enjoyed a comfortable and well-furnished lifestyle. From their tombs, houses and scattered texts, we can get a sense of daily life for ancient aristocrats...

Episode images and Bibliography at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

The podcast is on Patreon! Enjoy exclusive perks and support the show at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Visiting a forgotten place. Limited time release.

Music by Brandon Feichter (Bandcamp)

The Podcast is on Patreon! Support the show and get rewards at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Amunhotep III (Part 11): The Royal Palace and a King's Life.

By 1370 BCE, King Amunhotep III was living in a sumptuous palace at Thebes. Built for the first sed-festival (ep.100), the "House of Rejoicing" was a magnificent structure with many beautiful elements. Today, we start to explore how a pharaoh lived and the lifestyle they enjoyed...

Episode images at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

The History of Egypt Podcast is on Patreon! Enjoy perks and exclusives at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

The Minoans Fade Away.

In 1370 BCE, an Egyptian embassy visited the Aegean. As part of their journey, they came to Crete, visiting the Keftiu (Minoans) who had ruled the island for 1000 years. Until now....

Images and More at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

Music by Derek & Brandon Fiechter www.dbfiechter.bandcamp.com/

Support the show at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast or make a donation via Paypal

Ancient Egypt and the Greeks of Mycenae.

It's time to set sail! We journey far from Egypt to visit lands only whispered about until now. We are visiting Greece and the lands of Mycenae, who in 1370 BCE were beginning to make their mark on the international scene.

This episode was originally a "double feature" of Mycenae and Minoan Crete. At the final edit, I opted to remove Crete in order to streamline the story. Not to worry, an "Episode 102b" will follow in due course...

Episode images and references at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

Music by Gabriel Yared www.gabrielyared.com

Support the Podcast and earn exclusive perks at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Private Worship and Images in New Kingdom Egypt.

Here is the full discussion with Dr Campbell Price! It's a wonderful chat about all kinds of questions relating to Egypt and private worship. (If you want to skip ahead to the "new" content, it begins at 31:00).

00:00 - 32:00 18th Dynasty (see episode 101b).

32:00 - 90:00 Private Worship and Images in New Kingdom Egypt.

Check out Campbell's new book Pocket Museum: Ancient Egypt, available at all good retailers (Amazon Affiliate Link)

Episode images at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

The History of Egypt Podcast is on Patreon! Enjoy perks and exclusives at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Additional Music by Derek and Brandon Feichter https://dbfiechter.bandcamp.com/

The Man Who Became a God.

In this episode we look at the divine statues of Amunhotep son of Hapu(c.1370 BCE) and how they helped him become a god. With me for this episode is Dr. Campbell Price, Curator of Egypt and Sudan at the Manchester Museum, University of Manchester. Dr. Price is an expert on non-royal statues and religion and he generously agreed to discuss these topics with me. The result was a wonderful interview, that I think you'll really enjoy!

Chapter Times:

00:00 Prologue,

02:47 Episode Intro,

04:00 Amuhotep Son of Hapu as a god,

08:00 Pilgrims to Amunhotep Hapu's statues,

14:45 Campbell Price Interview (Part 1),

27:07 Campbell Price Interview (Part 2),

47:40 Summary and Conclusion,

49:07 Epilogue.

Episode images at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

The History of Egypt Podcast is on Patreon! Enjoy perks and exclusives at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

Sistrum by Hathor Systrum www.hathorsystrum.com/

Success After Fifty.

In 1470 BCE, King Amunhotep III's closest advisor was already eighty years old. The scribe, overseer and wise man Amunhotep Son of Hapu achieved prominence quite late in life, but he did not waste the opportunity. From a small town in the Delta, to the vast construction sites of Thebes, a royal scribe went to work for his pharaoh, and gained immortality...

Chapter Times:

00:00 History of the Copts intro,

01:08 Episode Intro,

02:25 The Statues of Amunhotep son of Hapu,

05:40 Early Life,

11:25 Rise to Prominence and Sacred Mysteries,

15:13 The Colossi of Memnon,

19:55 The King's Advisor,

24:08 The Sed Festival,

30:45 Conclusion and Epilogue.

Episode images at egyptianhistorypodcast.com

The History of Egypt Podcast is on Patreon! Enjoy perks and exclusives at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

Sistrum by Hathor Systrum www.hathorsystrum.com/

An Egyptian couple relax in a garden, and share a moment of love...

Four poems of romance, exploring the courtship of an ancient couple. Translations by John L. Foster, Ancient Egyptian Literature: An Anthology (Amazon)

Website: egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Twitter: @EgyptianPodcast

Instragram: @EgyptPodcast

Facebook: @EgyptPodcast

Patreon: EgyptPodcast

A Father Begs His Son to Return Home.

Late in the New Kingdom (c.1250 BCE), an Egyptian father wrote a letter to his son. The son had gone to sea, sailing on a ship; he had not sent any word of his wellbeing. Worried, the father writes a letter, begging his son to return home.

The letter is possibly based off real events, for it involves people who were genuine figures in their community. The father, Menna, and the son Pay-Iry were inhabitants of the village of Deir el-Medina (Set-Ma'at, the Place of Truth). They lived around 1250 BCE, approximately, and this may be a record of their real relationship.

Translations by John L. Foster, Ancient Egyptian Literature: An Anthology (Amazon)

Website: egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Twitter: @EgyptianPodcast

Instragram: @EgyptPodcast

Facebook: @EgyptPodcast

Patreon: EgyptPodcast

A former pupil goes off the rails and gets lost in drink; his teacher tries to bring him back.

After completing his education, a young scribe might take a job in a temple, government office, or work team. But this time, the student went off into some wayward behaviours. Writing a stern letter, a schoolmaster tries to bring his former pupil back to sobriety and good living.

Translations by John L. Foster, Ancient Egyptian Literature: An Anthology (Amazon)

Website: egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Twitter: @EgyptianPodcast

Instragram: @EgyptPodcast

Facebook: @EgyptPodcast

Patreon: EgyptPodcast

Three Poems of Love from 18th Dynasty Egypt.

Around 1400 BCE, scribes and composers put together delightful works exploring themes of love, longing, lust and courtship. They told tales from both male and female perspectives, describing the emotions and sensations of their desires and affections. In this mini episode, we explore three short poems.

Translations by John L. Foster, Ancient Egyptian Literature: An Anthology (Amazon)

Website: egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Twitter: @EgyptianPodcast

Instragram: @EgyptPodcast

Facebook: @EgyptPodcast

Patreon: EgyptPodcast

An interview with composer Jeffrey Goodman.

Jeff Goodman has composed some wonderful pieces evoking the world of ancient Egypt. Taking inspiration from mythology, art and literature, he crafts lovely songs with a focus on authenticity in instrumentation. As part of the larger investigation of music, I invited him onto the show for a discussion about composition, ancient musicality, and how to evoke the past when we have no written notation left.

This is the first time I've interviewed someone; it was an interesting experience!

Jeffrey Goodman's website https://www.jeffreygoodmanmusic.com/tears-of-isis/

The History of Egypt Podcast website and Patreon

Instruments, Musicians, and Songs.

In this mini episode, we explore the traces of ancient Egyptian songs and music. Although the melodies and rhythms are lost, we still have lyrics, instruments and artwork detailing some of these arts. From this, we can understand how certain instruments were played, and what different artists tried to achieve. Plus, modern reconstructions can give us a hint at the soundscape of ancient Egypt.

Musical Interludes (by permission):

• Flute: Erik the Flutemaker (Youtube) (Website)
• Sistrum: Tahya of HathorSystrum (Youtube) (Website)
• Harp: Michael Levy (Website)
• Prayer: Michael Atherton (Website)
• Drums: Jeffrey Goodman (Youtube) (Website)

This is Part One; a second part (including an interview with composer Jeffrey Goodman) will follow soon.

Images and Bibliography at egyptianhistorypodcast.com

The History of Egypt Podcast is on Patreon! Gain perks at patreon.com/egyptpodcast

To celebrate 100 episodes, I took your questions on all things ancient Egypt.

Pictures on topics (particularly Egyptian revival architecture of the 1800s) at the website

If you didn't hear your question, I have sent out written responses. Some questions covered material already in the show, or on topics that don't have enough evidence to discuss in detail.

Thanks for submitting!

Interlude: A Princess Becomes Queen, a Prince Becomes Heir.

In 1370 BCE, the same year as the Sed-Festival, pharaoh Amunhotep III made two interesting decisions. He made his eldest daughter his wife, and named his eldest (surviving) son as heir to the throne. In a short side-episode, we explore these events and their significance...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Episode images at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Support the Podcast via Paypal or Patreon https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/support-the-show/ and https://patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Amunhotep III (Part 10): The Sed Festival, As Told by Kheruef Who Witnessed It.

In regnal year 30, Amunhotep III celebrated the first of his sed-festivals. This was a spectacular event, with a number of rituals and performances celebrating the King's reign, and renewing his authority on earth. Some of these rites were truly arcane, hearkening back to the very earliest days of the Egyptian kingdom.

In this special episode, we explore the festival from beginning to end as it is recorded in the tomb of Kheruef, a royal official who witnessed the celebration...

Episode divided into four chapters:

Chapter One at 03:28

Chapter Two at 20:44

Chapter Three at 33:20

Chapter Four at 52:20

Epilogue at 1:06:14

Episode images at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

The History of Egypt Podcast is on Patreon! Find all kinds of perks and exclusives at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Music by Jeffrey Goodman www.jeffreygoodmanmusic.com/

Music by Derek and Brandon Feichter https://dbfiechter.bandcamp.com/

The Podcast is growing! Here's the news of my plans, and what I hope to achieve.

Also, there is now a Patreon! Join up to access some great perks, and a special introductory giveaway!

www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast

www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

www.facebook.com/egyptpodcast

www.twitter.com/EgyptianPodcast

Instagram: @egyptpodcast

Amunhotep III (Part 9): The Dark Years.

Between 1380 and 1370 BCE, Egypt may have suffered an outbreak of disease. In this decade, at least four royal family members died, and the political situation was irrevocably changed. It wasn't all bad, though: around 1380, Queen Tiy went through the difficulties of childbirth and offered a new son to the lineage...

You can now support the show on PATREON, and access many exclusive perks www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/06/22/episode-99-sakhmets-demons/

Interlude: Royal Children On the Rise.

From 1385 to 1380, the prince of Egypt Thutmose was climbing up the ranks. From a lowly sem-priest to the chief of a great temple, Thutmose was a quickly rising star. His sister, Sit-Amun, also leaves a tantalizing trace of her life. We explore a non-royal funeral, the cult of the Apis Bull, and see how a prince of Egypt left some wonderful personal records, including those of his pet.

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Images and Bibliography at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Check out The History of Vikings Podcast at www.thehistoryofvikings.com

Online Great Books is your personal, curated introduction to the world of classic literature and philosophy http://onlinegreatbooks.com/egy and use the special discount code EGY

Interlude: Queen Tiy's Lucky Family.

The family of Queen Tiy came from an interesting place, and led a fascinating life. Her mother and father - Tjuyu and Yuya - and her brother Anen enjoyed great privileges thanks to their family connections. In life, and in death, they left an enduring legacy...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/05/24/episode-97b-the-in-laws/

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Check out The History of Vikings Podcast at www.thehistoryofvikings.com

Amunhotep III (Part 8): Hunting, Wedding, Building.

From 1392 to 1390 BCE, Amunhotep III experienced an interesting few years. He hunted his 100th lion, and welcomed a new bride to his court. The princess Gilu-khepa came from Mitanni, for a diplomatic marriage to the king. Then, Amunhotep commissioned an artificial lake, built for the glory of his main wife, Tiy. Interesting times, all round...

Images and Bibliography at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Check out The History of Vikings podcast at www.thehistoryofvikings.com/

Get 25% off your first three months at Online Great Books, by visiting http://onlinegreatbooks.com/egy and entering the discount code EGY (Advertisement at the end of the episode).

A Scribe yearns for a holiday, and goes in search of peace.

Two texts, written between 1400 and 1300 BCE, tell of the exhausted scribe's yearning for a holiday. Sick of work, he struggles to focus on tasks, and finds his heart wandering off to more pleasant places. The city of Memphis, Men-nefer (or Ineb-Hedj) looms large in his fantasies.

Translations by John L. Foster, Ancient Egyptian Literature: An Anthology (Amazon)

Website: egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Twitter: @EgyptianPodcast

Instragram: @EgyptPodcast

Facebook: @EgyptPodcast

Patreon: EgyptPodcast

Amunhotep III (Part 7): Everything Bigger Than Everything Else.

For 2000+ years, the Colossi of Memnon have dazzled visitors to Thebes. What are the statues doing there? In this episode, we explore the lost Mortuary Temple of Amunhotep III, in particular the immense statues which are his enduring legacy. From the work of Egyptian builders to the heroes of Greek myth, the Colossi of Memnon have a unique and unusual story...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Harp Music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/04/22/episode-96-the-colossi-of-memnon/

Check out The History of Vikings at http://thehistoryofvikings.com/episodes/

Amunhotep III (Part 6): City of a Hundred Pylons.

In 1397 BCE, King Amunhotep III began a massive series of building projects in Thebes. At Karnak, Luxor Temple, and the new "Maru" viewing place, the King inaugurated sanctuaries and gardens for the god Amun. We explore these monuments, and how they created a reputation that still resonated in the sagas of Greek myth...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Harp Music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

Images and Bibliography at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/04/02/episode-95-hundred-gated-thebes/

Check out Literature & History podcast at www.literatureandhistory.com

Amunhotep III (Part 5): Exploring Nubia.

In late 1397 BCE, King Amunhotep III took a band of warriors deep into Nubia (Sudan). They traversed deserts, explored hidden pools, and came to mysterious lands. It was a trip into strange new places...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Music by Doug Metzger, of Literature and History podcast at www.literatureandhistory.com

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/03/19/episode-94-the-pools-of-horus/

Check out the American Biography podcast at http://americanbiography.webs.com/

Amunhotep III (Part 4): Pharaoh's First War.

At the start of regnal year 5 (around August 1397 BCE), Amunhotep III led his first and only military campaign. Responding to a revolt in Nubia, the King gathered an army and began an expedition. We follow the king on campaign, and explore a slightly unusual situation...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Additional Music by Jeff Goodman, discover more at https://www.jeffreygoodmanmusic.com/tears-of-isis

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/03/12/episode-93-the-river-war/

Interlude: Romance, Passion and Love...in Song Form!

A look at New Kingdom love songs, as they survive. We see how the Egyptians felt and explored love, and encounter songs written from both the male and female perspective.

Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/02/26/mini-episode-love-songs/

Amunhotep III (Part 3): Introducing Queen Tiy.

In 1399 BCE, the pharaoh Amunhotep III married his first and most important wife: Tiy, Royal Wife, Great of Praises, Mistress of Upper and Lower Egypt. Just twelve years old, the young queen would go on to be the most powerful woman in the world...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Bibliography and Images at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/02/19/episode-92-the-great-lady/

Amunhotep III (Part 2): A Busy Start.

From May 1400 to April 1399, King Amunhotep finished his first year (just 4 months long) and began his second. In this 12-month period, he began a flurry of new projects. From donations to Thoth, to a mighty hunt, the King set himself as a vigorous and dynamic youth. His mother, Mutemwia, helped drive much of this...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/02/12/episode-91-the-mighty-bulls/

Amunhotep III (Part 1): The Birth of a God.

Amunhotep III (Neb-maat-Re) came to power in mid-1400 BCE. He was twelve-years old, but already he had spent years being groomed for power. Today we explore the birthing myth and the childhood of one of the greatest pharaohs in history.

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Harp Music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

Images and Bibliography at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/01/23/episode-90-neb-maat-re/

Bronze Age Syria and the Levant (Part Three, 1460 - 1400 BCE).

In 2017, we released a charity series to raise money for victims of the Syrian crisis. Now, I release those episodes to you, so that the ongoing conflict will not be forgotten. This is Part Three, in which we follow a single man as he fled persecution, sought vengeance, and wound up as king of a famous city. This is the tale of Idrimi of Aleppo...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/05/02/syrian-tales-free-release/

Life in Bronze Age Syria and the Levant (Part Two, 1800 - 1700 BCE).

In 2017, we released a charity series to raise money for victims of the Syrian crisis. Now, I release those episodes to you, so that the ongoing conflict will not be forgotten. This is Part Two, in which we explore the city-state of Mari, and its monumental prosperity: a success story that drew the attention of the legendary king, Hammurabi of Babylon...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/05/02/syrian-tales-free-release/

Bronze Age Syria and the Levant (Part One, 2400 - 1800 BCE).

In 2017, we released a charity series to raise money for victims of the Syrian crisis. Now, I release those episodes to you, so that the ongoing conflict will not be forgotten. This is Part One, exploring the history and archaeology of Ebla, a major city-state in central Syria.

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/05/02/syrian-tales-free-release/

Interlude: Nebi and the Guardians of the Sinai.

Around 1414 BCE, a man and his comrades were marching into the unrelenting heat of the Sinai Peninsula. We follow Nebi of Tjaru and his men, as they undertake the grueling work of protecting Egypt's frontiers...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Additional Music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

Map at https://i.imgur.com/ufZgO4U.jpg

Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/01/07/episode-89-lords-of-the-desert/

The Egyptian Religious Year (12/12): Birthdays of the Gods.

The end of the year in ancient Egypt was a surprisingly unlucky time. With summer heat at unbearable levels, the Nile at its lowest ebb, and people suffering from physical or spiritual malaise, the final days of the religious year were not so happy. Fortunately, the ancients had some tools to ward off disaster.

Music by Keith Zizza http://www.keithzizza.com/

Additional music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2018/01/14/mini-episode-birthday-festivities/

Interlude: Queen Tia'a, Lady of the Faiyum Oasis.

Before she became queen of Egypt, the lady Tia'a spent her days at the royal harem of the Faiyum. This was a mysterious institution, devoted to serving queens, concubines and all the children of a pharaoh. We explore the Queen's background, the harem as an institution and the people who led the Faiyum's communities...

Music by Keith Zizza http://www.keithzizza.com/

Additional music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/12/20/episode-88-lady-of-the-lake/

Thutmose IV (Part 2): The Entire Reign at Once.

From 1418 - 1400 BCE, Men-kheperu-Re Thutmose IV ruled Egypt with skill and expertise. It helped that the women in his life were equally capable and influential. The collaboration between King and Queen(s) makes for a fascinating reign...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Additional music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com/

Images and bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/11/28/episode-87-comforts-of-power/

Thutmose IV (Part 1): Old Enemies Become New Friends.

1418 - 1416 BCE. The new pharaoh spends his first two years involved in political reprisals and military actions. He removes rivals, but also makes friends with some longstanding enemies...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Music by Derek and Brandon Fiechter https://dbfiechter.bandcamp.com/

Images and Bibliography at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/11/14/episode-86-doing-gods-work/

Interlude: Two Princes Clash.

In 1418 BCE, Egypt momentarily lacks a pharaoh. Two sons of the crown go head to head, in a duel to be the next ruler. Who wins? Only the Sphinx knows...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Bibliography at http://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/11/09/episode-85-a-clash-of-princes/

The Religious Year (Parts 10-11): the Egyptian Day of the Dead.

In the 10th month of the year, Egyptians celebrated the "Beautiful Festival of the Valley," a grand affair similar to today's Day of the Dead or Qingming celebrations.

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Additional Music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/12/13/mini-episode-flower-festivities/

Assassin's Creed Origins sees video-game players visiting ancient Egypt (c.50 BCE). From the desert oases to the city of Alexandria, the Faiyum to the Pyramids, you can now explore a fully-realised version of ancient Egypt.

But how does the game play, and is it historical enough? Today I explore some of the history behind it, and what the game does right.

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Music by Brandon and Derek Fiechter https://dbfiechter.bandcamp.com/

Amunhotep II (Part 7): Remarkable Discoveries in a Royal Tomb.

Around 1440 BCE, Egyptians were carving the burial monument of Amunhotep II in the Valley of the Kings. In 1898 CE, a group of excavators were uncovering the edifice once more. In a dual narrative, we explore the design, construction and discovery of a most remarkable tomb...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Additional Music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/10/18/2597/

Amunhotep II (Part 6): Finding an Heir.

Around 1420 BCE, Amunhotep II comes to the end of his days. We explore his family life, what we know about the man himself, and try to get a handle on his legacy...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/10/03/episode-84-the-bald-falcon/

Check out Tiny Vampires, a podcast about disease, science and bloodsucking insects www.tinyvampires.com

Amunhotep II (Part 5): How to Make Friends and Rule the Nile Valley.

The pharaoh Amunhotep II has a reputation for cronyism: he put his childhood friends into positions of power, and removed trusted officials from office at a whim. Does he deserve this reputation? We go in search of an answer, exploring the lives of some noteworthy men who rose to prominence in this time...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/09/13/episode-83-the-brat-pack/

The Religious Year (Parts 8-9): Onions for Bastet.

Months 8 and 9 were big on drinking and eating, with some strange rituals to go along with them. We meet Bastet (the cat) and Renen-utet (the snake), two goddesses who were friends to farmers. As the harvest season began, all looked towards the growth of the fields...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/10/10/mini-episode-onion-festivities/

Interlude: A Royal Journey Through the Underworld

Rulers of the 18th Dynasty decorated their tombs with lavish images of the underworld, which we know as the Duat. These scenes, and texts, reveal a complex story of Re's journey beneath the western horizon, through the nether, and ultimately into a cosmic re-birth. Along the way he crossed waters and deserts, faced demons and monsters, and even met with his own corpse...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Images and Bibliography https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/08/27/episode-82-that-which-is-in-the-underworld/

Interlude: The Ultimate Underworld Story.

The Book of the Dead might be the most famous piece of writing from ancient Egypt. It is also one of the most misunderstood.

Around 1420 BCE, a royal architect commissioned a book for his tomb. This text is one of the best preserved Books of the Dead from the mid-18th Dynasty. From its unrolled pages, we can explore the journey into the underworld, as experienced by a non-royal Egyptian.

Note: This episode functions as an introduction to the Book of the Dead. As we move forward through the centuries, we will revisit the text to see new developments and additions.

Music for this episode by Jeffrey Goodman, http://www.shelterofclearlight.com/Pages/TearsofIsis.aspx

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/08/07/episode-81-the-book-of-the-dead/

The Religious Year (Parts 6-7): The False Summer.

In the months of "Great Heat" and "Small Heat," Egyptians celebrated some very important festivals. Mid-winter had passed, and it was time to bring life back to the cosmos. Along the way, the Egyptians celebrated the gods Anubis, Amun-Re, and a deified Pharaoh...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/08/07/mini-episode-festivities-of-heat/

Before he became king, Amunhotep II made a promise to embellish and restore monuments on the Giza Plateau. Once Pharaoh, he fulfilled his promise beautifully. As he did so, he introduced a new chapter in Egypt's religious history... https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/07/31/episode-80-servant-of-great-gods/

Check out http://www.agorapodcastnetwork.com/ for more great podcasts from the Agora Network.

Amunhotep II (Part 3): Slavery and the Bible.

In 1435 BCE, King Amunhotep II led a devastating war in Syria. He took thousands of captives, and transported them to Egypt by force. Once there, they became captive-workers of the Egyptian elite. Was this the historical inspiration for the Biblical "Captivity"? We go in search of answers...

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Additional Music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/07/16/episode-79-let-my-people-go/

Please help the show by taking a quick survey https://podcastsurvey.typeform.com/to/OX7nLd

The History of Egypt Podcast is pleased to present "Syrian Tales," a 3-part mini-series recounting tales from Bronze Age Syria. These episodes are released to raise money on behalf of Syrian refugees; details in the announcement. The series will feature the voice-talents of many talented podcasters (below). It's going to be great!

Featuring the voice talents of:

Robin Pierson (History of Byzantium),

Ryan Stitt (History of Ancient Greece),

Scott Chesworth (The Ancient World),

Drew Vahrenkamp (Wonders of the World),

Kevin Stroud (The History of English),

Doug Metzger (Literature and History).

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/06/30/syrian-tales-a-charity-series/

Amunhotep II (Part 2): The Pharaoh's Aide.

In 1440 BCE, a servant of Pharaoh inscribed his tomb with a remarkable text detailing every aspect of his job. What was life like, for one of Egypt's most important officials?

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/06/18/episode-77-the-duties-of-the-vizier/

I re-watched 1999's iteration of "The Mummy." Does it hold up?

Music for this episode by Derek and Brandon Fiechter: https://dbfiechter.bandcamp.com/

The Mummy (2017) stars Tom Cruise, Sofia Botella and Russel Crowe. Is it any good?

Music by Derek and Brandon Fiechter: https://dbfiechter.bandcamp.com/

The Religious Year (Part 5): Worshipping Snakes and Cats.

The fifth month was an interesting one, involving worship of snakes, and cats sailing down the Nile. Major gods of this month include Neheb-Kau, Bastet, Shesmet-et, Wadjet and Mut. We meet a few of these strange deities and see why snakes and cats went hand-in-hand...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/06/03/mini-episode-banquet-festivities/

Amunhotep II (Part 1): The Sportsman King.

From 1459 to 1440 BCE, the prince Amunhotep II enjoyed a privileged upbringing. Once he ascended to power, he displayed his prowess to all and sundry. From the battlefield to the sports field, Amunhotep set out to make his name...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/05/31/episode-77-lean-and-swift/

Thutmose III (Part 10): The End of a Mighty Reign.

From 1450 to 1441, Thutmose lived out the last nine years of his reign. He commanded one last expedition; oversaw building projects, and brought his tomb to completion. Finally, he had to prepare for the succession, and his own inevitable death...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/05/15/episode-76-54-years-of-splendour/

Correction: at 48:10, I refer to the date of Amunhotep II's co-regency as 1441. This should be 1444 BCE.

The Religious Year (Part 4): Hathor and Osiris.

In the fourth month of the year, the Egyptians celebrated the end of the Nile flood (Akhet). With grand ceremonies to Hathor, Osiris and the god Sokar, they brought the first season of the year to a close.

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/04/29/mini-episode-khoiak-festivities/

Thutmose III (Part 9): Home and Propaganda.

From 1455-1450 BCE, Thutmose spent much of his time involved in domestic affairs. Unfortunately, this involved some very harsh policies towards his immediate predecessor...

Images and Bibliography at ttps://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/04/24/episode-75-thutmose-triumphant/

Thutmose III (Part 8): The Final Campaigns.

After 20+ years of near-annual campaigning, Thutmose III finally came to the end of his military career. We explore the last ten years of this process in one sweep: successes (and failures) abound...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/04/05/episode-74-war-stories/

Check out the History of China podcast at https://thehistoryofchina.wordpress.com/

The religious year (Part 3): Worshipping Hathor.

The month of Hathor saw a concentrated effort on renewing fertility energies in the natural world. Festivals to the male god of sexual energy, and the widow and sister of Osiris dominated the time.

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/03/31/mini-episode-hathor-festivities/

TEXT of the Lamentations of Isis and Nephthys at http://www.ancient.eu/article/878/

Thutmose III (Part 7): Diplomatic Marriage.

After the brilliant campaign of year 33, Thutmose enjoys a period of peace and plenty. Foreign powers seek accommodation with the Egyptians, and this manifests in a series of remarkable diplomatic engagements...

See the treasures of the three princesses at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/03/17/episode-73-the-three-princesses/

The Religious Year (Part 2): Worshipping Osiris.

In the month of Pa-Opet ("Phaophi") the Egyptians continued their long re-enactment of the myth of Osiris. They also celebrated a huge festival in honour of the Pharaoh. And they mummifed a bunch of rams, for some reason...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/02/26/mini-episode-opet-festivities/

Interlude: Busy Lives at Thebes.

Personal correspondence is an exciting find for Egyptologists. It's even more wonderful when the letters come together to form a cohesive group, all related to one person. Come meet Ahmose, a letter writer from ancient Egypt...

Images and bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/02/20/episode-72-the-home-front-letters-to-ahmose/

Thutmose III (Part 6): The Sed-Festival.

Three years before the Mitanni Campaign (Episode 70), Thutmose celebrated his first jubilee. To do that, he needed a new monument, a few gods, and the ancient equivalent of a baseball bat...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/02/06/episode-71-thirty-two-and-thirty/

Inauguration: Choosing and Crowning an Egyptian Ruler.

A shameless tie-in with current events: we explore the way a ruler of Egypt was chosen and crowned, which could be more complicated than you might expect...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/01/25/mini-episode-inauguration-day/

Question: What does "Pharaoh" mean?

A quick look at the word "Pharaoh:" what it means, how it came about, and why I very rarely use it in the Podcast (until now).

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2017/01/26/mini-episode-the-first-pharaohs/

The Religious Year (Part 1): New Year.

Welcome to a new series detailing the Egyptians' religious year, the major events and the gods they celebrated. Month number one was called "Tekh," and it heralded several important rituals. There were festivals of the Nile Flood (Hapi), festivals of the blessed dead (Wagy-and-Thoth), and the beginning of a multi-month re-enactment of the legends of the god Osiris. The Egyptians got up to all kinds of shenanigans...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/

Thutmose III (Part 5): The Greatest Campaign.

Around 1462 BCE, Thutmose III led a very impressive military endeavour: he went far beyond Egypt's boundaries to attack his most dangerous foes, the Mitanni, right at their source. It was the most spectacular of his campaigns, and the greatest push of an Egyptian army in history so far...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/12/31/episode-70-the-napoleon-of-egypt/

Map at http://bit.ly/2iMzPPp

Thutmose III (Part 4): Foreign Lands, Foreign Peoples.

The Egyptian Empire was surrounded by many fascinating groups. Today, we meet the Cretans (Keftiu), Cyprus (Alashiya) and Byblos (Kupna), to see what was happening outside the realm of Egyptian control. Oh, and there's a goofy poem at the end...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/12/21/episode-69-north-by-northwest/

Interlude: General Djehuty and his Marvellous Tricks.

Sometime in the reign of Thutmose III, a siege took place at Joppa (Tel Aviv). The were starving their enemy out, when an unusual opportunity presented itself. Thinking quickly, the wily general Djehuty made a cunning plan...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/12/04/episode-68b-deception-at-joppa/

Music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

Thutmose III (Part 3): Submissions and Settlements.

From 1473 - 1470 BCE, Thutmose organised his new dominions in Canaan and Syria. The region was transformed by a network of Egyptian garrisons, fortresses and supply depots. This was all in service to the greater military agenda...

Bibliography and Images at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/11/28/episode-68-campaigns-of-victory/

Interlude: The Battle of Megiddo (Dramatised).

In this episode, we play the "official account" of Thutmose III's great victory at Megiddo. Drawing on the King's own proclamations, and using the voices of some other podcasters, we bring the story to life...

Readings provided by:

• Elias Belhaddad (The History of Islam)
• Ben Jacobs (Wittenberg to Westphalia)
• Travis J Dow (History of Germany)
• Steve Guerra (History of the Papacy)
• Thomas Daly (American Biography)
• David Crowther (The History of England)
• Erik Fogg (ReConsider).

Bibliography and Images at: https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/11/13/episode-67b-the-battle-of-megiddo/

Thutmose III (Part 2): A Mighty Victory.

In 1473, Thutmose III faced a rebellion. Enemies from Canaan and Syria gathered to oppose his imperial power, and the King was faced with a challenge: destroy them, or lose the empire. Battle, audacity, and Monty Python ensued...

Correction: when describing Megiddo, I mistakenly refer to "Har Megiddo" asa Greek term. This should say Hebrew.

Bibliography and Images at: https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/11/09/episode-67-armageddon/

Ghost Stories for Halloween.

In this episode we explore three tales of the (ancient) macabre: a ghostly visitation; some scoundrels petrified by their encounters with the gods; and the Egyptian Guide to When Your Dreams Are Trying to Kill You. They're horror stories, Egyptian style!

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/10/30/an-egyptian-horror-story/

Hatshepsut (Part 7): The Final Years.

After a long life and successful reign, Maat-ka-Re Hatshepsut died around 1473 BCE. To wrap up her story, we review her legacy, thank a few men and women that helped her in life, and touch on the strange absence of her tomb. Do we have her mummy? We explore that, too...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/10/19/episode-66-an-awkward-transition/

Thutmose III (Part 1): Life Under Hatshepsut.

Time to catch-up with the (rightful?) King of Egypt. Thutmose III spent his early years in training. He learned the arts of governance, religious ritual, literacy and the skills of battle. He studied these in the royal harem, which we explore for the first time on this podcast.

Thutmose also spent a lot of time with the army, which has changed a lot since we last explored it.

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/10/04/episode-65c-little-king-thutmose/

Hatshepsut (Part 6): Punt and Speos.

We take a short break from the narrative, to explore two important texts from Hatshepsut's reign. These are the records of the Punt Expedition, and a propaganda text from the Speos Artemidos, a temple in middle Egypt.

Guest vocals by Anya Banerjee (Actress): http://lionrockmanagement.co.nz/actors/anya-banerjee/

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/09/16/episode-65b-two-texts-of-hatshepsut/

Hatshepsut (Part 5): A Jubilee.

Around 1485 BCE, Egyptians bustled about in a flurry of work. Hatshepsut had commissioned great monuments all over the land, requiring the work of thousands. These projects culminated in a grand celebration, the sed-festival of year 16. An anniversary...but of what?

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/09/16/episode-65-hatshepsut-of-millions-of-years/

Hatshepsut (Part 4): Her Most Trusted Advisor.

As the star of queen Hatshepsut rose, so did the star of a young noble named Senenmut. From 1495 to 1485 BCE, Senenmut found his career accelerating in tandem with the queen. We follow Senenmut from his birth and upbringing to the very corridors of power, and his accession over all other contenders...

Images and bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/08/13/episode-64-beloved-uncle/

Hatshepsut (Part 3): The Punt Expedition.

In 1488 BCE, Queen Hatshepsut launched her most famous project. A fleet of ships sailed down the Red Sea coast, in order to visit the land of Punt. There, they gathered trade goods, and met some truly fascinating locals...

Images and bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/07/28/608/

Interlude: Amun Creates Hatshepsut.

In a short break, we explore the tale Hatshepsut told about her origins. She ascribed her creation and birth to the King of the Gods, Amun-Ra himself. In this dramatic recount, we go through the whole story (as it survives).

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/07/15/episode-62b-the-divine-birth-of-hatshepsut/

Hatshepsut (Part 2): Legitimacy and Worship.

In 1488 BCE, Hatshepsut made her most daring move. Pushing her nephew to one side, she took the throne of Egypt for herself, become the second of two kings ruling at the same time.

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/07/15/episode-62-holy-of-holies/

Hatshepsut (Prologue): Gathering Power.

For the first five years of her rule (1495 - 1490 BCE), Hatshepsut acted as a regent to her nephew/step-son. But she had plans, and soon began to consolidate her power...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/06/16/episode-61-the-two-lands-serve-her/

Thutmose I (Part 3): Meet Hatshepsut.

Between 1519 and 1505 BCE, Thutmose I ruled the country well. He separated the royal from the common, and the sacred from the mundane. During his time in power, he also helped pave the way for his influential daughter...

(c.1519 - 1505 BCE) Thutmose I ruled the country with a distinct agenda: he separated the royal from the common, and the sacred from the mundane.https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/06/01/episode-60-thutmosid-family-values/

Thutmose I (Part 2): Terrible But Great.

In his first few years, Thutmose I focussed on family, exploration, and building the royal tomb. He also launched a campaign into Nubia, where his methods were rather horrific...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/05/19/episode-59-the-song-of-thutmose/

Thutmose I (Part 1): All the Way to Syria.

In 1519 BCE, a new king of Egypt came to power. Thutmose (the first) immediately began securing his legitimacy. First he married a cousin (and a sister) of his predecessor; then he launched two campaigns of war...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/04/28/episode-58-the-great-turnaround/

Interlude: Dance the Magic Dance!

Egyptians had many festivals, and they celebrated these with great energy. Whether it was dancing for a wealthy hostess, or leaping over charging bulls, or just getting totally drunk at a festival, the Egyptians did it all...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/05/03/mini-episode-dancers-for-god/

Amunhotep I: Splendour in Thebes.

The Podcast returns from hiatus, after a close family member passed away.

Around 1530 BCE, Ahmose I died and Amunhotep I came to power. At the time, Thebes was beginning to enjoy the fruits of its military victories. Prosperity returned, and non-royal tombs show a growing sense of vitality and energy. Even the middle-class was growing...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2016/04/12/episode-57-all-things-good-and-pure/

Ahmose I (Part 3): How To Bury a King.

Around 1530 BCE, King Ahmose I died. With his death and burial, the Second Intermediate Period ended and the New Kingdom began. We explore the funeral of a truly great monarch...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/12/20/episode-56-c-a-royal-funeral/

Ahmose I (Part 2): Crown on the Rise.

Around 1540 BCE, Ahmose I chased his enemies to their utter destruction. Following the victory, he helped set the government of Egypt back on its feet. Stability began to return...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/12/08/episode-56-b-restoring-splendour/

Ahmose I (Part 1): The Liberator.

Around 1550 BCE, war raged up and down the Nile. The warrior king Ahmose I, and his mother Ah-Hotep, pummelled their foes mercilessly, but also made time to raise their friends to high places...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/11/05/episode-55-blood-and-thunder/

Second Intermediate Period (Part 4): Catastrophe.

In 1560 BCE, Seqenenre Tao was dead. Killed in battle, the king's body lay on the field, beaten and bloody. Now, the task of ruling Thebes fell to Seqenenre's wife, the formidable Queen Ah-Hotep. She kept Thebes together, helping to maintain its unity in the face of defeat...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/11/05/episode-55-blood-and-thunder/

Second Intermediate Period (Part 3): Resistance!

Around 1560 BCE the Hyksos were supreme over Egypt. Along with their allies (the Nubians of Kerma), the Hyksos dominated half of the country. Down in the southern regions, the kings of Dynasty 16 struggled to hold their territory...

Images and bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/10/19/467/

Second Intermediate Period (Part 2): Invaders!

Around 1650 BCE, the 13th Dynasty crumbled away. Foreigners moving into Egypt over previous centuries now consolidated their power. Or was it an invasion?

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/09/29/episode-53-rulers-of-foreign-lands/

Second Intermediate Period (Part 1): Collapse!

Around 1700 BCE, disaster struck the land of Egypt. A famine and a plague swept through the land, devastating society and reducing the 13th Dynasty to a shadow. Unable to rely on royal aid, foreigners in the North began to break away into their own kingdom...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/09/10/episode-52-two-dynasties-at-once/

Dynasty 13: Invisible Kings.

From 1770 to 1700, the 13th Dynasty produced a vast number of kings, but we know almost nothing about them. Why?

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/08/27/episode-51-everywhere-and-nowhere/

Dynasty 12: A Woman King.

Around 1776 BCE, the 12th Dynasty was dwindled away. Before it vanished, it produced one last remarkable figure. Please welcome Neferu-Sobek, a woman ruling as a King...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/07/28/episode-50-between-two-worlds/

Dynasty 12: Foreign Settlement.

King Amenemhat IV came to power around 1798 BCE. His reign was unremarkable, but big things were happening around Egypt. In this episode, we explore the growing evidence for Canaanite peoples, coming to Egypt and settling in large numbers.

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/05/30/432/

Dynasty 12: A Last Flowering.

Around 1845 BCE, King Amenemhat III (Ny-Ma'at-Re) came to power. He was the last "great" ruler of Dynasty 12, and over 46 years of rule he would achieve some great things for the royal household. But elsewhere, cracks were appearing in the kingdom...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/05/30/432/

Senuseret III (Part 5): Ancient Egyptian Gossip.

Around 1845 BCE, the reign of Senuseret III drew to its close. But the transition from one reign to another was not smooth...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/05/03/episode-47-strong-rulers/

Senuseret III (Part 4): Decimations.

Around 1864 BCE, King Senuseret III launched a new campaign into Nubia. Along the way, he built new fortresses and took many captives. Meanwhile, Egyptians begin practising a rather novel way of destroying their enemies...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/04/06/episode-46-crushing-our-enemies/

Senuseret III (Part 3): The Coffin Texts.

Around 1867 BCE, the nobles were taking a greater share in the economy than ever before. This "flowering" of elite culture produced some wonderful works: ornately decorated coffins, painted with spells, hymns, and even stories connected with the underworld of Osiris...

Images and Bibliography at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/03/28/episode-45-the-book-of-two-ways/

Interlude: A Tale 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...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/02/20/episode-44-the-shipwrecked-sailor/

Love Songs for Valentine's Day.

Senuseret III (Part 2): Society and Death.

Around 1872 BCE, King Senuseret III (Kha-Kau-Re) was powerful and secure. The wealthy nobles of the kingdom began to respond to this power...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/02/10/episode-43-dominion-over-all/

Senuseret III (Part 1): A Secret Tomb.

Around 1880 BCE, one of Egypt's most famous kings took the throne. Senuseret III (Kha-Kau-Re) was a mighty and influential ruler. He would become one of Egypt's most fondly-remembered kings...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/01/18/episode-42-underworld/

Dynasty 12: The Lake Pyramid.

Around 1892, Senuseret the Second (Ka-Kheper-Re) ruled as king. He didn't rule long, but he had a big impact....

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2015/01/05/episode-41-the-oasis/

Interlude: How the Egyptians Celebrated.

From beer halls to temples to cemeteries, this episode explores Egyptian revelry. We focus on two major festivals: the raucous celebrations for Hathor, and the sombre re-enactment of the Osiris story...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/11/29/episode-40-feasting-laughing-and-dancing/

Amenemhat II (Part 2): Fabulous Wealth.

Around 1920 BCE, Egypt was prospering. Trade brought wealth from foreign lands, and many exotic goods found their way into royal and non-royal caches. Some of these treasures survive, and have been recovered by archaeologists...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/11/19/episode-39-the-wealth-of-asia/

Amenemhat II (Part 1): International Fame.

Around 1927 BCE, King Amenemhat II (Nub-Kau-Re) came to power. His reign was peaceful and prosperous, and many treasures emerge from this period...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/11/04/episode-38-burial-rites/

Senuseret I (Part 4): Money Money Honey.

Gold drives empires today, and the ancient Egyptians were no different. Senuseret I sends warriors into Nubia, the Sinai Peninsula and the Eastern Desert. They go in search of precious metals, resources needed for the King's monuments...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/10/20/episode-37-imperial-projects/

Senuseret I (Part 3): Creating Karnak Temple.

The temple of Karnak is a wonder of the world; but its origins are mostly lost, beneath generations of re-modelling and re-building. Nevertheless, a few traces survive of the earliest days; among them, a magnificent monument of King Senuseret I...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/10/02/episode-36-the-white-chapel/

Senuseret I (Part 2): His Father's Teachings.

Around 1962 BCE, King Amenemhat I was dead. His son Senuseret I now began to rule on his own. Fortunately, he had some "Teachings" from his father, Amenemhat I. What a coincidence, right?

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/09/17/episode-35-from-father-to-son/

Senuseret I (Part 1): The Tale of Sinuhe.

Around 1962 BCE, conspirators broke into the royal bedchamber and attacked King Amenemhat in his bed. The result was panic: prince Senuseret was far from home, and the situation was incredibly perilous. In the midst of this, a minor official named Sinuhe got caught up in the storm, and decided to flee for his life. Thereby hangs a tale...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/09/02/episode-34-night-of-the-long-knives/

Amenemhat I (Part 2): Father and Son.

Around 1985 BCE, King Amenemhat I ruled with skill and sense. His reign is a time of innovation and change, particularly in the matter of Egypt's capital city / palace. In this episode, we explore the royal city of Itjy-Tawy...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/08/12/episode-33-revivals-and-regencies/

Amenemhat I (Part 1): The King Who Was Promised.

In 1990 BCE, a new king came to power. Victorious in war, King Amenemhat I was now ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt. Almost immediately, he set out to justify his unorthodox accession...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/07/10/episode-32-the-repeating-of-births/

Dynasty 11: A Forgotten King.

At the end of Dynasty 11, there is a "gap" in the royal king list. The Turin Canon records the seven years of Montuhotep IV as a time when "no king reigned." On top of this, no royal images or records survive from his reign. Who is this man, and why is he lost?...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/06/25/episode-31-seven-empty-years/

Dynasty 11: Short But Successful.

Around 2009 BCE, the great Monuhotep II was gone. His son and heir Montuhotep the Third now came to power. In a short but impressive reign, this king achieved many great things, including a rare visit to Punt...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/06/07/episode-30-smooth-sailing-on-the-red-sea/

Montuhotep II (Part 3): The Nubian War.

Around 2020 BCE, Montuhotep II was secure in his power. He now led military campaigns into Nubia, Canaan and the Eastern Desert, in order to push his agenda further abroad...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/05/22/episode-29-the-war-god/

Montuhotep II (Part 2): A King and His Court.

In 2061 BCE, Egypt had a new ruler. King Montuhotep II has seized power, but will he be able to keep it?...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/05/06/episode-28-the-king-in-the-north/

Montuhotep II (Part 1): Mighty In Thebes.

Around 2020 BCE, a King reunified Egypt and brought the country out of the First Intermediate Period. This King, Montuhotep II, took stock of his new domain, and celebrated his victory with some remarkable monuments...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/03/21/episode-27-a-walk-in-the-desert/

First Intermediate (Part 3): Khety Versus Intef.

Around 2070 BCE, Egypt was gripped by conflict. Now, it was time for a showdown between the two families which claimed dominion over the land. In the North, the House of Khety rules; in the South, the House of Intef seeks to break the stalemate...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/03/01/episode-26-the-fire-rises/

First Intermediate (Part 2): a Kingdom Divided.

Around 2080 BCE, Egypt was split between two warring households. In the North, the House of Khety held sway; in the South, the House of Intef. Both sought to rule the whole land, and they would fight for the privilege. Meanwhile, a semi-independent mayor named Ankh-Tyfy did his best to preserve his community...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/02/12/episode-25-a-fire-in-the-south-2/

First Intermediate (Part 1): The Old Kingdom Ends.

Around 2100 BCE, King Pepy II was gone. In the wake of his reign, the Old Kingdom as we know it disappeared. Why? In this episode we explore the reasons for the Old Kingdom's collapse, and how Egyptians of the time (or at least, Egyptians looking back on it later), described the fall of this first golden age...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/02/01/episode-24-lamentations/

Pepy II (Part 3): A Long, Long Reign.

Around 2200 BCE, King Pepy II was in the later years of his reign. He had ruled a long time, and this was not necessarily a good thing. Dire times were ahead, and the aging monarch did not have the capacity to deal with them all...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2014/01/05/episode-23-children-of-pepy/

Pepy II (Part 2): Ruling The World.

Around 2260 BCE, Pepy II was supreme. He had been on the throne for 22 years, and his authority reached far and wide. To understand life under Pepy's rule, we meet the important families who served him, and how their lives and actions shape our knowledge of this period...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/10/29/episode-22-pepy-lives/

Pepy II (Part 1): The Child King.

Around 2280 BCE, a new ruler came to power. Pepy II was a mere six years old at the time, but his reign would be one of the longest and most influential of all...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/10/07/episode-21-the-excited-child/

Dynasty 6: Weni the Elder (Part 2).

Around 2285 BCE, Pepy I died. His successor Mer-en-Re came to power, and took over the government. For Weni the Elder, explorer and traveller, the work was not yet done. Weni now travelled deep into Nubia (Sudan) on a mission for the new king...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/09/22/episode-20-expeditions-and-explorers/

Dynasty 6: Pepy I and Weni the Elder (Part 1).

Around 2325 BCE, King Pepy I came to power. In the wake of his predecessor's murder, Pepy had trouble asserting his authority, and he soon had to smash another conspiracy...against himself!

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/09/10/episode-19-the-beloved-of-re-pepy/

Dynasty 6: Assassination!

Around 2330 BCE, legend tells us that King Teti was murdered by members of his own family. If this is true, it is the first time in Egyptian history that we know of a royal assassination. Of course, there are some uncertainties...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/08/28/episode-18-the-guards-themselves/

Dynasty 6: A New Beginning.

Around 2345 BCE, King Teti inaugurated the 6th Dynasty. He married into the royal family, and so began a new bloodline. This period was creatively furtile, and in this episode we explore the wisdom texts of Ptah-Hotep and Ka-Gemni...\

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/08/10/episode-17-a-new-era/

Dynasty 5: Unas the Cannibal.

Around 2375 BCE, the reign of Djedkare ended. Now, King Unas came to power. This was no ordinary ruler: Unas oversaw a strange time in Egypt's social and religious development. We explore the first Pyramid Texts, evidence for famine in the land, and even divine cannibalism...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/07/29/episode-16-an-indestructible-spirit/

Dynasty 6: New Ideas.

Around 2414 BCE, King Djed-Ka-Re ("The Ka of Re Endures") came to power. He was an effective and innovative ruler, who reformed the government, and left a surprisingly rich record...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/07/09/episode-15-the-enduring-ka/

Dynasty 5: An Uphill Battle.

Around 2545 BCE, King Ny-User-Re was still in power. After a rocky start, the King made his time on the throne a wonderful period for artistic and written culture...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/06/30/episode-14-the-joy-of-res-heart/

Dynasty 5: Unexpected Companions.

Around 2445 BCE, King Ny-User-Re came to power. He was a great ruler, who strengthened his household, and left many records. Some of those records tell us some wonderful tales of the men closest to the King...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/06/15/episode-13-the-hairdressers-cometh/

Dynasty 5: Quick Successions.

Between 2487 and 2445 BCE, the throne of Egypt changed hands between three different men. Sahure passed away, leaving power to Nefer-Ir-Ka-Re, and then Ra-Nefer-ef. This time period is a bit murky, but we'll do our best to muddle through. Oh, and there's another powerful Queen...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/06/01/episode-12-i-make-the-soul-beautiful/

Dynasty 5: The Great Fleet.

Around 2487 BCE, King Sahure came to power. In his reign, Egyptians launched their first known expedition to the mysterious land of Punt...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/05/07/episode-11-off-to-punt-we-go/

Dynasty 5: A New Temple.

Around 2494 BCE, the 5th Dynasty began under Khenty-Kaus I and her son User-Kaf. A new household was in power: rulers who had some interesting ideas about what to do with the kingship, and religion...

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/05/01/episode-10-a-temple-to-the-sun/

Dynasty 4: A Woman Who Ruled.

Around 2505 BCE, King Men-Kau-Re died without an heir. His sister Khenty-Kaus ("She is Foremost") stepped into the vacuum, and governed the state on behalf of her young son. Khenty-Kaus ruled well, and left an unusual legacy...

Time period: circa 2470 - 2450 BCE.

Kings: Men-kau-Re (Mycerinus / Menkaure); Khenty-Kaus I (Khentykaus); Shepses-Ka-f (Shepseskaf).

Notable sites: Giza; Abusir.

Episode images at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

The History of Egypt Podcast is on Patreon! Enjoy perks and exclusives at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Support the show at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/support-the-show/

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Dynasty 4: Menakaure and the Economy.

Around 2532 BCE, Khafre died and his son Men-Kau-Re took power. The new King's reign marked a more modest phase of pyramid building. Was this a sign of strain on the Egyptian economy? We take a look at an economic world very different from our own...

Time period: circa 2500 - 2470 BCE.

Kings: Men-kau-Re (Mycerinus / Menkaure)

Notable sites: Giza; royal estates.

Episode images at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

The History of Egypt Podcast is on Patreon! Enjoy perks and exclusives at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Support the show at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/support-the-show/

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

Dynasty 4: The Great Sphinx (and others).

Around 2480 BCE, Khufu died. The throne passed to his two eldest sons: the short-lived Djed-ef-Re, and then Khafre ("He Appears Like Re"). Khafre ruled long and well, and in his reign the grand monument we know as the Great Sphinx was constructed...

Time period: circa 2550 - 2500 BCE.

Kings: Djed-ef-Re (Djedefre); Kha-ef-Re (Khafre)

Notable sites: Giza; Abu Roash.

Images and Bibliography at: https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/04/01/episode-7-he-appears-like-re/

Dynasty 4: Stories of magic and prophecy

A short reading of a tale set in the reigns of Khufu and his father, Sneferu. Recorded May 2017. Translation by Toby Wilkinson, from his Writings from Ancient Egypt.

Music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/03/29/mini-episode-tales-of-wonder/

Dynasty 4: Khufu and the Great Pyramid.

In 2590 BCE, King Khnum-Khufu ("Khnum Protects Him") came to power. His reign lasted more than 20 years, and witnessed the largest building project in history: the Great Pyramid of Giza rises above the Nile Valley...

Time period: circa 2580 - 2550 BCE.

Kings: Khnum-Khufu (Cheops / Khufu).

Notable sites: Giza.

https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/2013/03/25/episode-6-the-ram-god-protects-him/

Dynasty 4: Sneferu's Wonders.

Around 2610 BCE, King Sneferu ("One Who Makes Beautiful Things") is the beginning of a golden age for the land. The Egyptians begin a spate of monument-building and develop the first True Pyramid. There are a couple mistakes along the way...

Time period: circa 2620 - 2580 BCE.

Kings: Se-neferu (Snefru).

Notable sites: Meidum; Dashur.

Episode images at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

The History of Egypt Podcast is on Patreon! Enjoy perks and exclusives at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast

Support the show at https://egyptianhistorypodcast.com/support-the-show/

Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com

How the Gods Created the World.

Ancient Egyptian mythology is a rich and complex story. To begin with, the people of the Nile Valley had many different Creation myths, telling stories of how the world came to be. In this episode we explore the stories of Atum and the Primeval Ocean; Ptah and the Power of Words; and the great council of Eight Gods, the Ogdoad. From the beginning of time, we see how the different Creators made their universe come alive...

Time period: ??? - ???

Notable sites: Earth.

Podcast website: egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Twitter: @EgyptianPodcast

Instragram: @EgyptPodcast

Facebook: @EgyptPodcast

Dynasty 3: The First Pyramid.

Around 2680 BCE, King Netjery-khet Djoser came to power. His name is synonymous with monuments, for he was the first King to commission a mighty pyramid. The Step Pyramid of Djoser was designed by Imhotep, but many others participated in its construction. In this episode, we meet the men and women who shaped this time...

Time period: circa 2700 - 2650 BCE.

Kings: Netjerykhet (Djoser)

Notable sites: Saqqara

Images and Bibliography at egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Twitter: @EgyptianPodcast

Instragram: @EgyptPodcast

Facebook: @EgyptPodcast

Dynasty 2: Warring Gods.

Around 2850 BCE, the Second Dynasty of rulers began. It was a lot more tumultuous than the First, with devastating climate change, economic pressure, and maybe...civil war. In the midst of a shadowy period, legends tell of two gods battling for the throne and soul of Egypt. Horus and Seth, masters of their domains, go head to head...

Time period: circa 2850 - 2700 BCE.

Kings: Per-Ib-sen (Peribsen); Kha-Sekhem / Kha-Sekhem-wy (Khasekhemwy).

Notable sites: Abdju (Abydos); Saqqara.

Images and Bibliography at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Twitter: @EgyptianPodcast

Instragram: @EgyptPodcast

Facebook: @EgyptPodcast

The First Dynasty: Forming the Kingdom.

The earliest rulers of Egypt were a successful but mysterious bunch. From the first true King, Aha, to the enigmatic queen Mer-Neith, the early rulers led wars, oversaw trade, and led their people in worship and monument building. Along the way, they achieved historical immortality...

Time period: circa 3000-2900 BCE

Kings: Aha, Djer, Wadjet, Mer-Neith, Den

Notable sites: Abydos, Saqqara

Images and Bibliography at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Twitter: @EgyptianPodcast

Instragram: @EgyptPodcast

Facebook: @EgyptPodcast

The First King.

Around 3000 BCE, a King rose to power in the Nile Valley. His name was Nar-mer, and he may be the first ruler of a unified Egypt. In this episode, we meet Narmer and his Queen Neith-hotep. We explore the land, meet the early Egyptians, and introduce the podcast as a whole...

Time period: circa 3000 BCE.

Kings: Nar-Mer; King Scorpion.

Notable sites: Delta (North); Abdju (Abydos); Ineb-Hedj (Memphis).

Images and Bibliography at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com

Twitter: @EgyptianPodcast

Instragram: @EgyptPodcast

Facebook: @EgyptPodcast