The History of Egypt

A forgotten heir; a Great Sphinx. Following the death of King Khufu, the throne passed to one of his sons, Djed-ef-Ra. Then, it passed to Khafra ("He Appears Like Ra"). These kings are important, but only Khafra is remembered thanks to his enormous pyramid and the Great Sphinx of Giza... Date c.2550 - 2520 BCE Website: www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com. Support the show via Patreon www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast. Make a one-time donation via PayPal payments.  Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com. Select Bibliography: Nicolas Grimal, A History of Ancient Egypt, 1994 (Amazon). Erik Hornung, Conceptions of God in Ancient Egypt: the One and the Many, 1996 (Amazon). Mark Lehner, The Complete Pyramids, 2008 (Amazon). Gay Robins, The Art of Ancient Egypt, 2008 (Amazon). John Romer, A History of Egypt: from the First Farmers to the Great Pyramid, 2013 (Amazon). Robert Wenke, The Ancient Egyptian State, 2009 (Amazon). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Updated in 2024. A crime scene with no crime? In 1925, archaeologists working at Giza uncovered a remarkable monument. The tomb chamber of Queen Hetep-Heres (c.2630-2580 BCE) contained a wealth of beautiful, high-quality items. But the monument itself was strange, the excavation was a serious challenge, and the results were baffling in many ways. In this episode, we explore the discovery, revelation, the life, and the legacy of Queen Hetep-Heres... Extended version of this episode and digital booklet available at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast. The Tomb of Queen Hetep-Heres: Digital Giza http://giza.fas.harvard.edu/sites/1509/full/. G. A. Reisner and W. S. Smith, A History of the Giza Necropolis Volume II: The Tomb of Hetep-Heres the Mother of Cheops (1955). Available online. M. Lehner, The Pyramid Tomb of Hetep-Heres and the Satellite Pyramid of Khufu (1985). Available online. The treasures of Hetep-Heres: Ancient objects at Digital Giza. Furniture of Hetep-Heres in the Cairo Museum at Wikimedia. Exact replicas at Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Modern reconstruction and replica of a throne at Harvard University. The bracelets of Hetep-Heres – Aegean silver? SCIMEX, ‘Queen Hetepheres’ bracelets reveal new information on trade networks in Old Kingdom Egypt, c 2600 BC’, Scimex, Available online. See also K. Sowada et al., ‘Analyses of Queen Hetepheres’ bracelets from her celebrated tomb in Giza reveals new information on silver, metallurgy and trade in Old Kingdom Egypt, c. 2600 BC’, Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports 49 (2023), 1—9. Available online. The History of Egypt Podcast Website: www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com. Support the show via Patreon www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast. Make a one-time donation via PayPal payments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Updated in 2024. How archaeology can increase your life expectancy by 40%! For centuries, popular perceptions of the Great Pyramid’s construction have hinged on Herodotos reference to “twenty years.” While historians have debated that, hard evidence on the reign of Khufu (and its length) has always been fragmentary. In the past ten years, though, things have changed substantially. We now have strong evidence that Khufu reigned much longer than the “twenty years” story. This fundamentally changes our understanding of the period, and the Great Pyramid project… More information: Episode image: Khufu, small ivory statuette from Abydos (Egyptian Exploration Society archives). Website: www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com. Support the show via Patreon www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast. Make a one-time donation via PayPal payments.   Select Bibliography: The Memorial/Mortuary Temple of Khufu at Wikimedia Commons. Digital Giza, ‘Khufu Pyramid’, http://giza.fas.harvard.edu/sites/1782/full/. H. Goedicke, Re-Used Blocks from the Pyramid of Amenemhat I at Lisht, 20 (1971) free download. Z. A. Hawass et al., ‘The Great Pyramid Temple Project’, AERAGram 21 (2020), 10—17 (free download). J.-P. Lauer, Note Complémentaire sur le Temple Funéraire de Khéops (1949). M. Lehner and Z. A. Hawass, Giza and the Pyramids (2017). F. Monnier and D. Lightbody, The Great Pyramid 2590 BC Onwards: Operations Manual (2019). K. Ryholt, ‘The Turin King-List’, Egypt and the Levant 14 (2004), 135—55. K. Ryholt, ‘The Turin King-List or So-Called Turin Canon (TC) as a Source for Chronology’, in E. Hornung et al. (eds), Ancient Egyptian Chronology (2006), 26—32. P. Tallet, Les Papyrus de la Mer Rouge I: Le ‘Journal de Merer’ (Papyrus Jarf A et B) (2017). P. Tallet and M. Lehner, The Red Sea Scrolls: How Ancient Papyri Reveal the Secrets of the Pyramids (2021). M. Verner, The Pyramids: The Archaeology and History of Egypt’s Iconic Monuments (Updated edn, 2020). Waseda University Institute of Egyptology, ‘Khufu’s Second Boat’, https://www.egyptpro.sci.waseda.ac.jp/e-khufu.html. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into captivating tales from ancient Egypt, featuring the storytelling art during the reigns of Khufu and Sneferu. Discover King Sneferu's quest for relaxation that leads to joyous celebrations filled with magic. Encounter the wise elder Jeddi through the adventures of Prince Hordjedef, revealing the importance of knowledge across generations. The narrative teems with magical demonstrations and prophetic insights, highlighting the alluring connection between mortals and the divine in this ancient civilization.

Dive into the life of Merer, an accountant during Khufu's reign, as his diaries reveal the inner workings of the Great Pyramid's construction. Discover the challenges faced by workers and the sophisticated organization behind this ancient marvel. Uncover archaeological findings that shed light on the significance of Merer's records. Join the journey through the landscapes of ancient Egypt and see how these fragile artifacts tell a vivid story of monumental efforts and dedication.

Discover the impressive reign of King Khufu and his monumental project: the Great Pyramid. Learn about the innovative techniques and organization behind its construction, revealing how workers were treated with dignity rather than as slaves. Delve into the spiritual connections between the pyramids and ancient Egyptian religion, including their possible alignment with the constellation Orion. Explore the significance of literacy and engineering through the insights of a diary from one of the workers, adding depth to this architectural marvel's legacy.

Dive into the fascinating world of King Sneferu, the ruler known for his architectural brilliance and love for beauty. Discover his transition from Step to True Pyramids at Meidum and Dahshur. Enjoy whimsical tales from the Westcar Papyrus, including a delightful pleasure cruise that adds a lighthearted touch to history. Uncover the recent archaeological marvels that showcase Sneferu’s innovations and his lasting impact on ancient Egypt. This exploration combines grandeur with charming stories, making history come alive!

The wondrous monuments of King Sneferu. Around 2650 BCE, Egypt's Fouth Dynasty began. King Sneferu kick-started a golden age of pyramid building. Over thirty-plus years, the King's architects and labourers designed three magnificent monuments, eventually culminating in the first "true" pyramid. Date c.2620 - 2580 BCE www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com. Support the Show at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast. Make a one-time donation via PayPal payments.  Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com. Select Bibliography: Nicolas Grimal, A History of Ancient Egypt, 1994 (Amazon). Erik Hornung, Conceptions of God in Ancient Egypt: the One and the Many, 1996 (Amazon). Mark Lehner, The Complete Pyramids, 2008 (Amazon). John Romer, A History of Egypt: from the First Farmers to the Great Pyramid, 2013 (Amazon). Toby Wilkinson, Early Dynastic Egypt, 2001 (Amazon). David Wengrow, The Archaeology of Early Egypt, 2006 (Amazon). Robert Wenke, The Ancient Egyptian State, 2009 (Amazon). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ambitious failures. Following the reign of Netjerykhet Djoser, the next generation would attempt to surpass his monuments. King Sekhem-khet tried, but failed, to achieve this. In this episode, we fill a lesser-known gap in the history of ancient Egypt's pyramids. At the same time, we tell the tale of a renowned archaeologist, Mohamed Zakariah Goneim, whose work and influence deserve greater recognition...Episode details: Episode written 2019/2020. Released to Patreon subscribers 2021. Released to public 2022. Date: c. 2670 — 2630 BCE Kings: Netjerykhet (Djoser); Sekhem-khet; Kha-ba. Logo: The entrance to Sekhemkhet's pyramid at Saqqara. See more at wikimedia. Music: Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.net. Support the show via Patreon at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast. Make a one-time donation via PayPal payments.  References and images at www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com. Video: See modern stoneworkers reproducing ancient vessels, at Scientists Against Myths https://youtu.be/dC3Z_DBnCp8 Select Bibliography: Andrzej Ćwiek, “Date and Function of the So-Called Minor Step Pyramids,” Göttingen Miszellen 162 (1998): 39–52. Raphael Giveon, "A Second Relief of Sekhemkhet in Sinai," Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research, 216 (1974): 17-20. M. Zakaria Goneim, The Buried Pyramid, 1956. M. Zakaria Goneim, Horus Sekhem-khet: The Unfinished Step Pyramid at Saqqara, 1957. Jean-Philippe Lauer, "Le Complexe Funéraire De L'horus Sekhem-Khet Et La Seconde Pyramide A Degrés De Saqqarah," Revue Archéologique 2 (1959): 89-95. Ronald J. Leprohon, The Great Name: Ancient Egyptian Royal Titulary, 2013. Stephan J. Seidlmayer, "The Relative Chronology of Dynasty 3," in E. Hornung, R. Krauss, and D. Warburton (eds), Ancient Egyptian Chronology, 2006: 116-23.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Egypt's "Third Dynasty" began, a new monument took shape. King Netjerykhet Djoser and his architect, Imhotep, created something unusual. The Step Pyramid rose on the western horizon, ushering in a new era of monument building... Time Period: circa 2700 – 2650 BCE Kings: Netjerykhet (Djoser) Notable sites: Saqqara, Iunu (Heliopolis) Episode Music by Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.com. The History of Egypt Podcast website www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com. Support the show at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast.com. Make a one-time donation via PayPal payments.  Select Bibliography: Erik Hornung, Conceptions of God in Ancient Egypt: the One and the Many, 1996 (Amazon). Mark Lehner, The Complete Pyramids, 2008 (Amazon). John Romer, A History of Egypt: from the First Farmers to the Great Pyramid, 2013 (Amazon). Toby Wilkinson, Early Dynastic Egypt, 2001 (Amazon). David Wengrow, The Archaeology of Early Egypt, 2006 (Amazon). Robert Wenke, The Ancient Egyptian State, 2009 (Amazon). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices