Mini Episode: Opet Festivities
The Religious Year (2/12). 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...
View ArticleEpisode 73: The Three Princesses
After the brilliant campaign of regnal year 33, Thutmose enjoys a period of peace and plenty. Foreign powers begin to seek relations with Egypt, and the power of the Pharaoh appears supreme. This also...
View ArticleMini Episode: Hathor Festivities
The religious year (3/12). 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...
View ArticleEpisode 74: War Stories
After 20+ years of near-annual campaigning, Thutmose III finally comes to the end of his life at war. We explore the last ten years of this process in one sweep: successes (and failures) abound; there...
View ArticleEpisode 75: Thutmose Triumphant
From 1455 to 1450BCE, Thutmose III spends much of his time involved in domestic affairs. Unfortunately, he also begins to display some significant insecurities. This manifests in some surprising - and...
View ArticleMini Episode: Khoiak Festivities
The Religious Year (4/12). 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...
View ArticleEpisode 76: 54 Years of Splendour
From 1450 to 1441, Thutmose lives out the last nine years of his reign. He commands a final expedition; oversees construction work at many sites; brings his tomb to completion; and makes arrangements...
View ArticleMini Episode: Tales of Wonder
A short reading of a tale set in the reigns of Khufu and his father, Sneferu. Translation by Toby Wilkinson; music by Michael Levy www.ancientlyre.com. Recorded May 2017.
View ArticleEpisode 77: Lean and Swift
1459 to 1440 BCE: Amunhotep II enjoyed a privileged upbringing. He rode chariots, competed in sports activities, and even trained horses. When he ascended to power, he continued many of these habits....
View ArticleMini Episode: Banquet Festivities
The fifth month was a month of snake-worship and cats sailing. Worship of Neheb-kau, Bastet, Shesmet-et, Mut and Wadjet dominated the headlines. We meet a few of these strange deities, and see why, in...
View ArticleThe Mummy (2017) Egyptological Impressions
The Mummy (2017) stars Tom Cruise and Sofia Botella. Is it any good? It's okay, but there are a few genuine frustrations with its historical aspects.
View ArticleThe Mummy (1999) Re-View
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/
View ArticleEpisode 78: The Duties of the Vizier
Around 1440 BCE, a man living in Thebes decorated his tomb with a text describing his job. The job? Nothing less than running half the country. Today, we meet Rekh-mi-Re, a Vizier of Upper Egypt and...
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