

The History of Egypt
Dominic Perry
Ancient Egypt, from Creation to Cleopatra. This podcast tells the story of pharaonic Egypt "in their own words." Using archaeology, ancient texts, and up-to-date scholarship, we uncover the world of the Nile Valley and its people. Hosted on the Airwave Media Network.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 6, 2023 • 35min
181: Akh-en-Amun (Effective for Amun)
Sety I (Part 3): The Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak. In 1302 BCE (approximately) the pharaoh of Egypt Men-Ma’at-Ra Sety I commissioned a remarkable monument. A hall of columns, near the entrance of Karnak sanctuary, would be a gathering place for the gods and the faithful. This hall, called “Sety is Effective in the House of Amun,” is now one of Egypt’s most famous (and most photographed) monuments…Details and sources:
Date: c. 1302 BCE (Year 2 of Sety I).
Website: www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com.
Support the show via Patreon www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast.
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Music: Keith Zizza and Bettina Joy de Guzman.
The Hypostyle Hall: Publications by The University of Chicago Epigraphic Survey: https://isac.uchicago.edu/research/publications/oip/great-hypostyle-hall-karnak-volume-1-part-1-wall-reliefs and https://isac.uchicago.edu/research/publications/oip/oip-142-great-hypostyle-hall-temple-amun-karnak
Texts: Kenneth Kitchen's Ramesside Inscriptionsvolume 1. Hieroglyph versions at Internet Archive, English translations at Abercromby Press.
Peter Brand, Ramesses II: Egypt's Ultimate Pharaoh, out now from Lockwood Press.
Support The History of Egypt Podcast by shopping at RA EGYPTIAN, the clean skincare line inspired by ancient Egyptian ingredients! Visit www.ra-egyptian.com and use code EGYPT at checkout for 30% off your order!
Select Bibliography:
E. Blyth, Karnak: Evolution of a Temple (2006).
P. J. Brand, ‘The Monuments of Seti I and Their Historical Significance: Epigraphic, Historical and Art Historical Analysis’, Unpublished PhD. Thesis, University of Toronto (1998).
P. J. Brand, The Monuments of Seti I: Epigraphic, Historical and Art Historical Analysis (2000).
P. J. Brand et al., The Great Hypostyle Hall in the Temple of Amun at Karnak Volume 1, Part 2: Translation and Commentary (2018).
S. Costa, ‘On the Scenes of the King Receiving the Sed-Fests in the Theban Temples of the Ramesside Period’, Studien zur Altägyptischen Kultur 35 (2006), 61–74.
A. Dodson, Sethy I King of Egypt: His Life and Afterlife (2019).
K. A. Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions: Translated and Annotated: Translations, I (2017).
H. H. Nelson, The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Volume 1, Part 1: The Wall Reliefs, ed. W.J. Murnane (1981).
J. Revez et al., ‘Gaining New Perspectives on the Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Through the Use of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and Other Emerging Techniques’, in R. Lucarelli et al. (eds), Ancient Egypt, New Technology (2023), 476–511.
A. Spalinger, ‘Some Revisions of Temple Endowments in the New Kingdom’, Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt 28 (1991), 21–39.
Memphis.edu: ‘Field Reports’, https://www.memphis.edu/hypostyle/project/field_reports.php
‘Hypostyle Hall – Digital Karnak’. https://digitalkarnak.ucsc.edu/hypostyle-hall/
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May 30, 2023 • 39min
180: Eager to Fight
Sety I (Part 2): The First Campaign of Victory. In1302 BCE, the pharaoh Men-Ma'at-Ra Sety I led a military expedition to the east. He attacked the Bedouin ("Shasu") in Sinai. Then, he turned his sights on Canaan. The new King was an active warlord, aggressive and eager to fight. Thanks to records at Karnak and elsewhere, we can trace his assault...
Date: c. 1302 BCE (March - June).
Website: www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com.
Support the show via Patreon www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast.
Make a one-time donation via PayPal payments.
Music: Ancient Lyric and Luke Chaos.
Sources: The war reliefs of Sety I, at Karnak, via the University of Chicago Reliefs and Inscriptions at Karnak, Volume IV: The Battle Reliefs of King Sety I | Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (uchicago.edu).
Kenneth Kitchen's Ramesside Inscriptions volume 1. Hieroglyph versions at Internet Archive, English translations at Abercromby Press.
Peter Brand, Ramesses II: Egypt's Ultimate Pharaoh, out now from Lockwood Press.
Support The History of Egypt Podcast by shopping at RA EGYPTIAN, the clean skincare line inspired by ancient Egyptian ingredients! Visit www.ra-egyptian.com and use code EGYPT at checkout for 30% off your order!
Select Bibliography:
W. F. Albright, ‘The Smaller Beth-Shan Stele of Sethos I (1309-1290 B. C.)’, Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research (1952), 24–32.
M. Artzy, ‘From Akko/Acco to Beit She’an/Beth Shan in the Late Bronze Age’, Ägypten und Levante / Egypt and the Levant 28 (2018), 85–98.
P. J. Brand, ‘The Monuments of Seti I and Their Historical Significance: Epigraphic, Historical and Art Historical Analysis’, Unpublished PhD. Thesis, University of Toronto (1998).
P. J. Brand, The Monuments of Seti I: Epigraphic, Historical and Art Historical Analysis (2000).
A. Dodson, Sethy I King of Egypt: His Life and Afterlife (Cairo, 2019).
H. El-Saady, ‘The Wars of Sety I at Karnak: A New Chronological Structure’, Studien zur Altägyptischen Kultur 19 (1992), 285–94.
R. O. Faulkner, ‘The Wars of Sethos I’, The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology 33 (1947), 34–9.
A. H. Gardiner, ‘The Ancient Military Road between Egypt and Palestine’, The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology 6 (1920), 99–116.
M. Healy, Qadesh 1300 BC: Clash of the Warrior Kings (1993).
K. A. Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions: Translated and Annotated: Translations, I (2017).
A. Mazar, ‘Four Thousand Years of History at Tel Beth-Shean: An Account of the Renewed Excavations’, The Biblical Archaeologist 60 (1997), 62–76.
E. F. Morris, The Architecture of Imperialism: Military Bases and the Evolution of Foreign Policy in Egypt’s New Kingdom (2005).
W. J. Murnane, The Road to Kadesh: A Historical Interpretation of the Battle Reliefs of King Sety I at Karnak (1985).
D. B. Redford, Egypt, Canaan, and Israel in Ancient Times (1992).
A. J. Spalinger, ‘The Northern Wars of Seti I: An Integrative Study’, Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt 16 (1979), 29–47.
A. J. Spalinger, ‘The Army’, in T. Wilkinson (ed.), The Egyptian World (2007), 118–131.
A. J. Spalinger, War in Ancient Egypt: The New Kingdom (2005).
The Epigraphic Survey, Reliefs and Inscriptions at Karnak Volume 4: The Battle Reliefs of King Sety I (Chicago, 1986).
N. E. Wernick, ‘The Images of Fortifications in the Sety I Battle Reliefs: Comparing Art and Archaeology’, in J. Corbelli et al. (eds), Current Research in Egyptology 2009, Proceedings of the Tenth Annual Symposium, 10 (2011), 157–70.
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May 23, 2023 • 43min
179: Sety's Renaissance
Sety I (Part 1): A Repeat Appearance. In 1303 BCE, the old king Ramesses is dead after a brief reign. But now, for the first time in decades, a royal son is taking power. King Sety (Men-ma'at-Ra) ascends, aged approximately thirty years old. The new ruler's reign will be noteworthy for its splendid monuments and its abundant records. In fact, as his reign begins, we can even trace his movements on a week-to-week basis...Video version of Sety's coronation imagery available on YouTube.Note: Patrons enjoy an extended epilogue on this episode.
Date: c. 1303 BCE (roughly July to September).
Website: www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com.
Support the show via Patreon www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast.
Make a one-time donation via PayPal payments.
Music: Luke Chaos and Keith Zizza.
Logo image: Sety I from his royal tomb. Louvre Museum.
Sources: Kenneth Kitchen's Ramesside Inscriptions volume 1. Hieroglyph versions at Internet Archive, English translations at Abercromby Press.
Peter Brand, Ramesses II: Egypt's Ultimate Pharaoh, out now from Lockwood Press.
Support The History of Egypt Podcast by shopping at RA EGYPTIAN, the clean skincare line inspired by ancient Egyptian ingredients! Visit www.ra-egyptian.com and use code EGYPT at checkout for 30% off your order!
Select Bibliography:
D. D. Baker, Encyclopedia of the Pharaohs Volume I: Predynastic to the Twentieth Dynasty 3300 – 1069 BC (2008).
P. J. Brand, ‘The Monuments of Seti I and Their Historical Significance: Epigraphic, Historical and Art Historical Analysis’, Unpublished PhD. Thesis, University of Toronto (1998).
P. J. Brand, The Monuments of Seti I: Epigraphic, Historical and Art Historical Analysis (2000).
P. J. Brand, Ramesses II: Egypt’s Ultimate Pharaoh (2023).
P. J. Brand et al., The Great Hypostyle Hall in the Temple of Amun at Karnak Volume 1, Part 2: Translation and Commentary (2018).
A. Dodson, Sethy I King of Egypt: His Life and Afterlife (2019).
A. Dodson and D. Hilton, The Complete Royal Families of Ancient Egypt (2004).
D. C. Forbes, Complete Catalogue of the Royal Mummies Plus 7 Addenda (2016).
J. E. Harris and K. R. Weeks, X-Raying the Pharaohs (1973).
Z. Hawass and S. N. Saleem, Scanning the Pharaohs: CT Imaging in the New Kingdom Royal Mummies (2016).
K. A. Kitchen, Ramesside Inscriptions: Translated and Annotated: Translations, I (2017).
R. J. Leprohon, The Great Name: Ancient Egyptian Royal Titulary (Wilson, 2013).
M. Murray, Egyptian Temples (2005).
H. H. Nelson, The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Volume 1, Part 1: The Wall Reliefs, ed. W.J. Murnane (1981). The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak, Volume 1, Part 1: The Wall Reliefs | Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (uchicago.edu)
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May 17, 2023 • 55min
The Ramessids Rule, with Prof. Peter Brand
Peter Brand (Part 2): Ramesses I and Sety I. The start of Egypt's 19th Dynasty saw two significant reigns. Ramesses I, though short-lived, established a new regime and legacy. His son, Sety I, confirmed that legacy and expanded it magnificently. In this interview, Prof. Peter Brand continues his conversation about the early Ramessids. How they legitimized their rule, how they differed from their predecessors, and how they responded to recent political events (e.g. the Amarna Period).Dr. Peter Brand is Associate Professor at The University of Memphis (Tennessee, USA). He completed his PhD. in 1998 studying The Monuments of Sety I. In 2023, he has published an enormous study of the Ramesside era: Ramesses II: Egypt's Ultimate Pharaoh. A long-needed and beautifully written study of this reign in the big picture, Prof. Brand's book is a lively and beautifully presented work that will become a "standard reference" for Ramessid enthusiasts.
Dr. Peter Brand at The University of Memphis.
Peter Brand at Academia.edu.
Peter Brand's new book, Ramesses II: Egypt's Ultimate Pharaoh at Lockwood Press.
Peter Brand's book The Monuments of Sety I (2000) free pdf copy on Academia.
Peter Brand (et al), The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak, Vols. 2-3, free pdf copies at Chicago Oriental Institute.
Website: www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com.
Support the show via Patreon www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast.
Make a one-time donation via PayPal payments.
Music by Luke Chaos.
Music interludes by Keith Zizza and Hathor Systrum.
Select Bibliography:
P. Brand, ‘Secondary Restorations in the Post-Amarna Period’, Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt 36 (1999), 113–34.
P. Brand, ‘Reuse and Restoration’, UCLA Encyclopedia of Egyptology (2010).
P. J. Brand, ‘The Monuments of Seti I and Their Historical Significance: Epigraphic, Historical and Art Historical Analysis’, Unpublished PhD. Thesis, University of Toronto (1998).
P. J. Brand, The Monuments of Seti I: Epigraphic, Historical and Art Historical Analysis (Leiden, 2000).
P. J. Brand, ‘Usurpation of Monuments’, in W. Wendrich (ed.), UCLA Encyclopedia of Egyptology (Los Angeles, 2010).
P. J. Brand, Ramesses II: Egypt’s Ultimate Pharaoh (Columbus, 2023).
P. J. Brand et al., The Great Hypostyle Hall in the Temple of Amun at Karnak Volume 1, Part 2: Translation and Commentary (Oriental Institute Publications 142; Chicago, 2018).
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May 16, 2023 • 44min
The Ramessids Rising, with Prof. Peter Brand
Peter Brand (Part 1): Ramesses I and his Household. When Paramessu became Ramesses I, his ascent marked a "break" in many ways. For historians studying this period, the evidence presents these pharaohs as a curious blend of traditional motifs and conscious reinvention. How did Ramesses, and his son Sety I, establish a new royal household; and guarantee their legitimacy, as newcomers to the throne?Dr. Peter Brand is Associate Professor at The University of Memphis (Tennessee, USA). He completed his PhD. in 1998 studying The Monuments of Sety I. In 2023, he has published an enormous study of the Ramesside era: Ramesses II: Egypt's Ultimate Pharaoh. A long-overdue, and beautifully written study of this reign in the big picture, Prof. Brand's new book is a lively and beautifully presented work that will become a "standard reference" for Ramessid enthusiasts.
Dr. Peter Brand at The University of Memphis.
Peter Brand at Academia.edu.
Peter Brand's new book, Ramesses II: Egypt's Ultimate Pharaoh at Lockwood Press.
Peter Brand's book The Monuments of Sety I (2000) free pdf copy on Academia.
Peter Brand (et al), The Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak, Vols. 2-3, free pdf copies at Chicago Oriental Institute.
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.
Music by Luke Chaos.
Music interludes by Keith Zizza and Hathor Systrum.
Select Bibliography:
P. Brand, ‘Secondary Restorations in the Post-Amarna Period’, Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt 36 (1999), 113–34.
P. Brand, ‘Reuse and Restoration’, UCLA Encyclopedia of Egyptology (2010).
P. J. Brand, ‘The Monuments of Seti I and Their Historical Significance: Epigraphic, Historical and Art Historical Analysis’, Unpublished PhD. Thesis, University of Toronto (1998).
P. J. Brand, The Monuments of Seti I: Epigraphic, Historical and Art Historical Analysis (Leiden, 2000).
P. J. Brand, ‘Usurpation of Monuments’, in W. Wendrich (ed.), UCLA Encyclopedia of Egyptology (Los Angeles, 2010).
P. J. Brand, Ramesses II: Egypt’s Ultimate Pharaoh (Columbus, 2023).
P. J. Brand et al., The Great Hypostyle Hall in the Temple of Amun at Karnak Volume 1, Part 2: Translation and Commentary (Oriental Institute Publications 142; Chicago, 2018).
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May 10, 2023 • 1h 1min
Ramesses I, International Mummy of Mystery with Dr. Peter Lacovara
Ramesses I and Pharaoh's Palace(s). Dr. Peter Lacovara is an experienced archaeologist, museum curator, and specialist in the palaces of Egyptian pharaohs. Since the 1980s Dr. Lacovara has been involved in many noteworthy projects. Most famously, he led the project to identify and repatriate the mummy of King Ramesses I. In this interview, we discuss the mummy and its return to Egypt, as well as the elaborate royal palace complex at Deir el-Ballas.
Learn more:
Peter Lacovara
Home | The Ancient Egypt Heritage and Archeology Fund (ancientegyptarchaeologyfund.com)
Deir el-Ballas - Wikipedia
Website: www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com.
Support the show via Patreon www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast.
Make a one-time donation via PayPal payments.
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May 6, 2023 • 21min
Introducing: The Mummy Movie Podcast!
The Mummy Movie Podcast is dedicated to the many (many) films in which ancient Egyptian mummies play a role. From the 1932 classic, to the 1999 remake, and dozens more in between, mummies are a classic feature of horror, suspense, and adventure filmmaking. Egyptologist Peter Rose dives into these movies from the historical, production, and entertainment point of view, exploring every nook and cranny in these classic works. Find the Mummy Movie Podcast on all podcasting apps, or visit Mummy Movie Podcast - Hosted by Peter Rose (acast.com)
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.
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May 2, 2023 • 41min
178: From Nile to Niagara, The Mummy of Ramesses I
Ramesses I (Part 2): Family, Regime, Remains. In 1304 BCE, Ramesses I rules Egypt. The new royal family is an interesting group, and we have a surprisingly detailed idea of Ramesses' son Suty (Sety). Then, we consider the legacy of Ramesses, which has some remarkably international elements...Details and sources:
Date: c. 1304 - 1303 BCE.
Website: www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com.
Support the show via Patreon www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast.
Make a one-time donation via PayPal payments.
Music: Luke Chaos and Keith Zizza.
Sources: Kenneth Kitchen's Ramesside Inscriptions volume 1. Hieroglyph versions at Internet Archive, English translations at Abercromby Press.
Peter Brand, Ramesses II: Egypt's Ultimate Pharaoh, out now from Lockwood Press.
Select Bibliography:
P. J. Brand, The Monuments of Seti I: Epigraphic, Historical and Art Historical Analysis (Leiden, 2000).
A. Dodson, Amarna Sunset: Nefertiti, Tutankhamun, Ay, Horemheb, and the Egyptian Counter-Reformation (2nd edn, Cairo, 2017).
A. Dodson, Sethy I King of Egypt: His Life and Afterlife (Cairo, 2019).
A. Dodson and S. Ikram, The Mummy in Ancient Egypt (London, 1998).
D. C. Forbes, The Royal Mummies Caches (TT320 & KV35) (Tombs. Treasures. Mummies. Seven Great Discoveries of Egyptian Archaeology I; 2015th edn, Weaverville, 2015).
D. C. Forbes, Complete Catalogue of the Royal Mummies Plus 7 Addenda (Tombs. Treasures. Mummies. Seven Great Discoveries of Egyptian Archaeology V; Sebastopol, 2016).
F. Janot, The Royal Mummies: Immortality in Ancient Egypt (Vercelli, 2008).
A. Piankoff, ‘La tombe de Ramsès Ier’, Bulletin de l’Institut Français d’Archéologie Orientale 56 (1957), 189–200.
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Apr 24, 2023 • 57min
177: Sun Born, Ramesses I
Ramesses I (Part 1): Appearing in Splendour. In this episode, we repeat the career and rise of Paramessu (content recycled from episode #170). Then, we begin the reign of Ramesses I, who takes the throne around 1305 BCE. The new king is fully aware of his unusual succession and immediately works to establish his legitimacy...Details:
Date: c.1305 BCE.
Website: www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com.
Support the show via Patreon www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast.
Make a one-time donation via PayPal payments.
Music: Luke Chaos and Keith Zizza.
Research assistance: Elissa Day.
Episode chapters:
Career (recycled): 02:35 - 26:20.
Reign (new): 26:20 - 53:50.
Listener survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/airwaveSelect Bibliography:
P. Brand, ‘Secondary Restorations in the Post-Amarna Period’, Journal of the American Research Center in Egypt 36 (1999), 113–34.
P. J. Brand, The Monuments of Seti I: Epigraphic, Historical and Art Historical Analysis (Leiden, 2000).
P. J. Brand, ‘Usurpation of Monuments’, in W. Wendrich (ed.), UCLA Encyclopedia of Egyptology (Los Angeles, 2010).
P. J. Brand, Ramesses II: Egypt’s Ultimate Pharaoh (2023).
A. Dodson, Amarna Sunset: Nefertiti, Tutankhamun, Ay, Horemheb, and the Egyptian Counter-Reformation (2nd edn, Cairo, 2017).
A. Dodson, Sethy I King of Egypt: His Life and Afterlife (Cairo, 2019).
A. Dodson and D. Hilton, The Complete Royal Families of Ancient Egypt (London, 2004).
E. F. Morris, The Architecture of Imperialism: Military Bases and the Evolution of Foreign Policy in Egypt’s New Kingdom (Leiden, 2005).
A. Piankoff, ‘La tombe de Ramsès Ier’, Bulletin de l’Institut Français d’Archéologie Orientale 56 (1957), 189–200.
R. A. Schwaller de Lubicz, The Temples of Karnak (London, 1999).
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Apr 18, 2023 • 26min
Introducing: Dynasty 19
Reflecting on the end of the 18th Dynasty and the dawn of Dynasty 19 in Ancient Egypt, exploring military and religious developments, the transition of power from Horemheb to Rameses the First, and the evolution of temple construction and religious beliefs. Plus, celebrating the 10th anniversary of The History of Egypt Podcast!