

Ancient Egypt... Your Shortcut
May 19, 2025
Dive into the captivating world of Ancient Egypt as misconceptions are debunked, like the myth of slave-built pyramids. Discover the fascinating lives of female pharaohs and everyday Egyptians. Learn why both men and women wore makeup and the cultural significance behind it. Curious about mummification? Get creative with a hands-on activity to make your own mummy at home. This journey through history reveals unexpected facts and the dynamic roles individuals played in ancient society.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Slavery Myth About Pyramids Busted
- The Great Pyramid was built by 5,000 paid workers and 20,000 temporary volunteers, not slaves.
- Slavery as builders was a myth popularized by the Greek historian Herodotus 2,000 years later.
Pyramids Went Out of Fashion
- Not every Egyptian king had a pyramid; pyramids went out of fashion after 1550 BC.
- Later kings were buried in hidden tombs on the west bank of the Nile to protect their bodies.
Mummification Was Mostly For Royals
- Mummification was expensive and took 70 days, reserved only for kings and the very rich.
- Ordinary Egyptians were naturally mummified by the hot, dry desert sand when buried in pits.