Planet Egypt: Secrets of the Pharaoh's Empire
Season 1
TV-PG
Planet Egypt recounts the epic history of Ancient Egypt and its Pharaohs, from the pre-dynastic period through to the late dynasties. Each episode addresses one aspect of Egypt's enormous success, including the unlikely rise of its first powerful rulers, the wars they fought, the spiritual grounding that held the society together and the grand quest for immortality pursued by the Pharaohs.
Where to Watch Planet Egypt: Secrets of the Pharaoh's Empire • Season 1
4 Episodes
- Birth of the Empire
E1Birth of the EmpireThe history of Egypt is one of unparalleled success. But how was the Kingdom of Egypt united in the first place? To solve the mystery of how Egypt was born, we follow archaeologists as they examine the very beginning of the rule of the Pharaohs. It’s the time now known as “Dynasty Zero” – Egypt’s pre-dynastic period – a previously little known episode that sets Egypt on course for some of the greatest achievements in the history of mankind. The film discovers that, through both war and peace, it was the mysterious King Narmer who laid the foundations for the continuing rule of the Pharaohs – a success story lasting more than 3000 years. - Pharaohs at War
E2Pharaohs at WarFor centuries the Pharaohs managed to shield Egypt from the outside world. But in the second millennia BC, foreign tribes began to infiltrate the north. From now on, foreign kings would regularly threaten the Nile Kingdom. How did the Egyptians go about defending themselves against their rivals? What were the military secrets behind the Egyptian success story? The film focuses on one of the most brilliant war leaders of Antiquity: Thutmose III. He employed new weapons technology and a standing army to expand the Empire. After defeating his neighbours, he shrewdly entered into alliances with them, thus securing Egypt’s borders for centuries to come. - Temples of Power
E3Temples of PowerEgypt without is unimaginable without its gods. Over the course of centuries, the priests steadily gained in power - until the year 1350 BC, when King Akhenaten comes to the throne. He breaks with the cult that has kept the country together for more than 1500 years. He sweeps away the power of the priesthood and their temples. It is the greatest cultural revolution in the history of Egypt. The old imperial God Amun is banned – a challenge to the religious tradition underpinning the Egyptian civilization. This episode depicts the dramatic rise and fall of Akhenaten and the central role religion played in the 3000-year success story of the Pharaohs. - Quest for Eternity
E4Quest for EternityFrom the days of the first Pharaoh's tombs to the end of their era, Egyptians were united by one burning desire: to extend their lives to all eternity. This is why they built the gigantic pyramids, the splendid temples and the magnificent tombs that have become the hallmark of their civilization.