Ancient Egypt
This section will feature documentaries on Ancient Egypt including up to Cleopatra, even though she could fit into the Ancient Rome section.
*Egypt's Lost Queens: YouTube (58:52)
Professor Joanne Fletcher explores four of Egypt's forgotten queens. Their stories were hidden over the years and now Fletcher brings them into the light, including one Queen that you've never heard of: Arsinoe. She tells the story from the perspective of a mother, a consort, a diplomat, and a politician. Fletcher travels to the places where these women lived and shows what they did for Egypt. *Highly recommended for both a middle school and high school classroom.*
Akhenaten & Nefertiti Resurrected (No Longer Available)
Joann Fletcher claimed to have discovered the lost mummy of Nefertiti in this documentary. She talks about the history of Akhenaten and Nefertiti and the changes they made to Egypt. She explores the pushback that happened due to these changes. This was the documentary that got Joann Fletcher banned from Egypt for a time. However, it is a fascinating documentary, exploring the history of Akhenaten and Nefertiti. *Recommend this documentary for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Nefertiti: Where is Her Mummy? - YouTube (46:36)
Nefertiti was one of Egypt’s most famous queens. She was renowned for her beauty. However, the whereabouts of her mummy remains unknown. There have been potential candidates for the Nefertiti mummy. What can modern research do to shed light on this enduring mystery? Was the mummy of Queen Nefertiti really discovered? Or should Egyptologists continue to search for the mummy? Will the Nefertiti mummy ever be found? *Recommend for research purposes.*
Hatshepsut: Secrets of Egypt's Lost Pharaoh: YouTube (1:41:26)
While the archeologists look for Hatshepsut's mummy, other historians and archeologists explore the life of the Queen and why the Pharaoh was erased from history. She ruled Egypt during the Golden Age. She ruled as a king. Then she was erased from history. Why was Hatshepsut erased from history? Who erased her? Where did her mummy go? *Recommended to use clips in a middle school classroom and to show in a high school. Recommend for students to use for research purposes.*
Immortal Egypt: Episode 1 (58:49) Episode 2 (58:47) Episode 3 (58:58) Episode 4 (58:51)
Joann Fletcher explores the history of Ancient Egypt over four episodes. She explores the height of Egypt's power, what caused Egypt to decline. She takes us to Egypt's beginnings and weaves a tale of glory followed by despair. She shows off grand monuments and the smallest finds. This is an excellent documentary series to show while students are studying Ancient Egypt. *Recommend this documentary for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Ancient Egyptian Afterlife - Episode 1 (59:07) Episode 2 (59:11)
In 1906 a group of Egyptologists discovered an intact tomb. Was this the tomb of a king and queen? The objects appeared ordinary. No, it was the tomb of an ordinary couple and their names were Kha and Merit. They were a working-class couple and their tomb gave insight into the lives of ordinary Egyptians. Joanne Fletcher explores the lives of two ordinary Egyptians: Kha and Merit, over two episodes. *Recommend this documentary for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Nefertari: The Life of an Egyptian Queen - YouTube (1:00)
Nefertari: The Life of an Egyptian Queen, she was known as one of the most beautiful queens in the world. Her name even means “Beauty of the Beauties.” She was the favorite wife of Ramses II. She came from a noble family. She was educated and a clever woman. Eventually, Ramses II would name her a goddess and had a temple built in her honor. So, who was this extraordinary woman? This is an independently produced documentary by an Egyptian enthusiast. *Not recommended for the classroom, use ONLY for research.*
Secret City of the Pyramid Builders - YouTube (49:22)
Lost Cities of the Pyramid Builders explores the lives of the people who built the pyramids of Ancient Egypt for decades, their lives have been shrouded and myths and mysteries. New evidence is rewriting the history of the pyramids. Burials have been discovered and these burials are of the people who built the pyramids. How were these pyramids built? Were the pyramids built by slaves? Or was this a community construction project for their Pharoah? *Recommend this documentary for middle school and high school classrooms.*
The Family of Tutankhamun - YouTube (49:09)
The Family of Tutankhamun is a documentary about the Tutankhamun family and their fall. They were one of Egypt’s greatest families, so why did they disappear? Was there a hereditary disease in the family? How did the family fall? The answers to those questions lie in the tomb of Tutankhamun and the genetic studies that have been done. This story beings with the discovery by Howard Carter of the tomb. The Tomb’s discovery would change history. *This episode is glitchy at points, but I would still show it in a high school classroom.*
The Scribes of Ancient Egypt - YouTube (52:09)
Who created the art of Ancient Egypt? This story explores the craftspeople and the scribes who created ancient Egypt art. For almost 3,000 years the Egyptian civilization endured. It was centered on the Nile. Over the decades more and more discoveries have been made about the Egyptian civilization. Every discovery shows people who loved art and were interested in creating art. Where did these artists and craftspeople get their inspiration for their art? *Recommended for an art class.*
Eternal Egypt - The Nile (52:21) Legacy (52:46) The Desert (51:56) Death (51:46)
The Nile River allowed the Ancient Egyptians to create one of the greatest civilizations in the Ancient World. The river stretches for over 7,000 miles beginning deep in the heart of Africa. Temples, pyramids, and great cities only hint at the greatness of Ancient Egypt. New discoveries in Egypt keep rewriting the history of Ancient Egypt. These cities witnessed and proclaimed the greatness of the Pharaohs that ruled over them. *NOT RECOMMENDED for the classroom.*
Metropolis - Ancient Alexandria - YouTube (52:13)
Alexandria was established by Alexander the Great, and it was a port on the Mediterranean Sea. Alexander the Great had just conquered Egypt and wanted to establish a great city in honor of the conquest. Architects designed it on a grid pattern. For a time, it was a construction project. It was home to the great lighthouse at Pharos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. What was it about this city that made Alexandria so special? *Highly recommended to show in a history classroom.*
Heliopolis: City of the Sun - YouTube (52:43)
In March 2017, in Cairo Egypt, construction workers made an intriguing discovery underneath a pile of rubble. At the bottom of the pit was a giant head. The head had a crown. Nearby the head was a torso. What was discovered was the remains of a statue that was nine meters high. Archeologists race against the clock to discover more about this statue and the city that it called home. *Highly recommended to show in a history classroom.*
*Alexandria: The Worlds Greatest City - YouTube (47:46)
Bettany Hughes explores the ancient historical city of Alexandria. The city was founded the Alexander the Great. At one point it was the world's biggest library however the city underwent a huge change which meant the library was destroyed. The Alexandria library in the 20th Century has been reborn. Hughes explores what the Ancient city looked like and incorporates clips from period dramas into this piece. *Recommend a full episode for a high school classroom.*
*Engineering Ancient Egypt - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Bettany Hughes explores the Great Pyramids as well as the construction projects of Ramses II and how they were used to make sure the pharaohs’ weren't forgotten. Hughes starts the series with the Great Pyramid, how the pyramids were built, and how ordinary Egyptians came together to build the Great Pyramid. Then she explores Pharaoh Ramses and his desire to keep building. *Recommend for a high school classroom. Use clips for a middle school classroom.*
The Beautiful Nefertiti: Who Owns Her - YouTube (42:25)
The Berlin Museum houses the bust of the famous Queen Nefertiti. It is the museum’s biggest attraction. However, there are questions about who really owns the bust. The Egyptians miss having the bust in their possession. Since 1924, both France and Egypt have been challenging Germany for ownership. The Nefertiti bust was ancient Egypt’s best know discovery, so who really does own the bust? Art historian Benedicte Savoy explores the ownership question. *NOT RECOMMENDED FOR A HISTORY CLASS.*
Cleopatra
Women Who Made History - Cleopatra YouTube (49:02)
Cleopatra was the Queen of Egypt. However, her brother disputed her claim to the throne. A fight broke out between the siblings. Rome invaded Egypt to settle the dispute between Cleopatra and her brother. Julius Caesar wanted influence in Egypt, so he would invade to get it. Cleopatra recognized he would be an ally to her in regaining her throne. Who would win in the fight for Egypt? Would Cleopatra’s brother rule or would Cleopatra? *Recommended to use for clips and not show the full documentary in class.*
Cleopatra's Lost Tomb - (Video no longer available)
Kathleen Martinez has a theory as to where Cleopatra was buried. She leads an expedition to find Cleopatra's lost tomb. She uses her skills as an attorney to test out her theory. She leads an expedition to the Taposiris Magna temple site. This site was previously excavated but never undergone a thorough examination. Now Martinez is discovering new things that are shedding light on the Taposiris Magna site. *Recommended for a high school history classroom. Could potentially use in a science classroom due to the use of the scientific method.*
Cleopatra: Portrait of a Killer: YouTube (58:51)
Neil Oliver takes a different perspective on Cleopatra: the ruthless political leader. He takes the perspective that she was a killer and her victim was her family. Cleopatra wanted to be a friend of Rome while her family did not want to be a friend. Her decision to be a friend of Rome had serious consequences for her siblings. This is a combination of documentary and period drama. *Recommended for a teacher's or student's research purposes.*
Traces of Cleopatra - YouTube (50:29)
A group of scholars comes together to investigate new evidence that is emerging about the life of Cleopatra. This investigation combines new techniques and technology to explore the mystery of Cleopatra. Cleopatra was Egypt’s last ruler before it fell to Rome. Who really was Cleopatra? Where were her origins? How did she come to power? How did she exert her power? Where was she buried? *NOT RECOMMENDED for a history class.*
*Egypt's Lost Queens: YouTube (58:52)
Professor Joanne Fletcher explores four of Egypt's forgotten queens. Their stories were hidden over the years and now Fletcher brings them into the light, including one Queen that you've never heard of: Arsinoe. She tells the story from the perspective of a mother, a consort, a diplomat, and a politician. Fletcher travels to the places where these women lived and shows what they did for Egypt. *Highly recommended for both a middle school and high school classroom.*
Akhenaten & Nefertiti Resurrected (No Longer Available)
Joann Fletcher claimed to have discovered the lost mummy of Nefertiti in this documentary. She talks about the history of Akhenaten and Nefertiti and the changes they made to Egypt. She explores the pushback that happened due to these changes. This was the documentary that got Joann Fletcher banned from Egypt for a time. However, it is a fascinating documentary, exploring the history of Akhenaten and Nefertiti. *Recommend this documentary for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Nefertiti: Where is Her Mummy? - YouTube (46:36)
Nefertiti was one of Egypt’s most famous queens. She was renowned for her beauty. However, the whereabouts of her mummy remains unknown. There have been potential candidates for the Nefertiti mummy. What can modern research do to shed light on this enduring mystery? Was the mummy of Queen Nefertiti really discovered? Or should Egyptologists continue to search for the mummy? Will the Nefertiti mummy ever be found? *Recommend for research purposes.*
Hatshepsut: Secrets of Egypt's Lost Pharaoh: YouTube (1:41:26)
While the archeologists look for Hatshepsut's mummy, other historians and archeologists explore the life of the Queen and why the Pharaoh was erased from history. She ruled Egypt during the Golden Age. She ruled as a king. Then she was erased from history. Why was Hatshepsut erased from history? Who erased her? Where did her mummy go? *Recommended to use clips in a middle school classroom and to show in a high school. Recommend for students to use for research purposes.*
Immortal Egypt: Episode 1 (58:49) Episode 2 (58:47) Episode 3 (58:58) Episode 4 (58:51)
Joann Fletcher explores the history of Ancient Egypt over four episodes. She explores the height of Egypt's power, what caused Egypt to decline. She takes us to Egypt's beginnings and weaves a tale of glory followed by despair. She shows off grand monuments and the smallest finds. This is an excellent documentary series to show while students are studying Ancient Egypt. *Recommend this documentary for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Ancient Egyptian Afterlife - Episode 1 (59:07) Episode 2 (59:11)
In 1906 a group of Egyptologists discovered an intact tomb. Was this the tomb of a king and queen? The objects appeared ordinary. No, it was the tomb of an ordinary couple and their names were Kha and Merit. They were a working-class couple and their tomb gave insight into the lives of ordinary Egyptians. Joanne Fletcher explores the lives of two ordinary Egyptians: Kha and Merit, over two episodes. *Recommend this documentary for middle school and high school classrooms.*
Nefertari: The Life of an Egyptian Queen - YouTube (1:00)
Nefertari: The Life of an Egyptian Queen, she was known as one of the most beautiful queens in the world. Her name even means “Beauty of the Beauties.” She was the favorite wife of Ramses II. She came from a noble family. She was educated and a clever woman. Eventually, Ramses II would name her a goddess and had a temple built in her honor. So, who was this extraordinary woman? This is an independently produced documentary by an Egyptian enthusiast. *Not recommended for the classroom, use ONLY for research.*
Secret City of the Pyramid Builders - YouTube (49:22)
Lost Cities of the Pyramid Builders explores the lives of the people who built the pyramids of Ancient Egypt for decades, their lives have been shrouded and myths and mysteries. New evidence is rewriting the history of the pyramids. Burials have been discovered and these burials are of the people who built the pyramids. How were these pyramids built? Were the pyramids built by slaves? Or was this a community construction project for their Pharoah? *Recommend this documentary for middle school and high school classrooms.*
The Family of Tutankhamun - YouTube (49:09)
The Family of Tutankhamun is a documentary about the Tutankhamun family and their fall. They were one of Egypt’s greatest families, so why did they disappear? Was there a hereditary disease in the family? How did the family fall? The answers to those questions lie in the tomb of Tutankhamun and the genetic studies that have been done. This story beings with the discovery by Howard Carter of the tomb. The Tomb’s discovery would change history. *This episode is glitchy at points, but I would still show it in a high school classroom.*
The Scribes of Ancient Egypt - YouTube (52:09)
Who created the art of Ancient Egypt? This story explores the craftspeople and the scribes who created ancient Egypt art. For almost 3,000 years the Egyptian civilization endured. It was centered on the Nile. Over the decades more and more discoveries have been made about the Egyptian civilization. Every discovery shows people who loved art and were interested in creating art. Where did these artists and craftspeople get their inspiration for their art? *Recommended for an art class.*
Eternal Egypt - The Nile (52:21) Legacy (52:46) The Desert (51:56) Death (51:46)
The Nile River allowed the Ancient Egyptians to create one of the greatest civilizations in the Ancient World. The river stretches for over 7,000 miles beginning deep in the heart of Africa. Temples, pyramids, and great cities only hint at the greatness of Ancient Egypt. New discoveries in Egypt keep rewriting the history of Ancient Egypt. These cities witnessed and proclaimed the greatness of the Pharaohs that ruled over them. *NOT RECOMMENDED for the classroom.*
Metropolis - Ancient Alexandria - YouTube (52:13)
Alexandria was established by Alexander the Great, and it was a port on the Mediterranean Sea. Alexander the Great had just conquered Egypt and wanted to establish a great city in honor of the conquest. Architects designed it on a grid pattern. For a time, it was a construction project. It was home to the great lighthouse at Pharos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. What was it about this city that made Alexandria so special? *Highly recommended to show in a history classroom.*
Heliopolis: City of the Sun - YouTube (52:43)
In March 2017, in Cairo Egypt, construction workers made an intriguing discovery underneath a pile of rubble. At the bottom of the pit was a giant head. The head had a crown. Nearby the head was a torso. What was discovered was the remains of a statue that was nine meters high. Archeologists race against the clock to discover more about this statue and the city that it called home. *Highly recommended to show in a history classroom.*
*Alexandria: The Worlds Greatest City - YouTube (47:46)
Bettany Hughes explores the ancient historical city of Alexandria. The city was founded the Alexander the Great. At one point it was the world's biggest library however the city underwent a huge change which meant the library was destroyed. The Alexandria library in the 20th Century has been reborn. Hughes explores what the Ancient city looked like and incorporates clips from period dramas into this piece. *Recommend a full episode for a high school classroom.*
*Engineering Ancient Egypt - VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE
Bettany Hughes explores the Great Pyramids as well as the construction projects of Ramses II and how they were used to make sure the pharaohs’ weren't forgotten. Hughes starts the series with the Great Pyramid, how the pyramids were built, and how ordinary Egyptians came together to build the Great Pyramid. Then she explores Pharaoh Ramses and his desire to keep building. *Recommend for a high school classroom. Use clips for a middle school classroom.*
The Beautiful Nefertiti: Who Owns Her - YouTube (42:25)
The Berlin Museum houses the bust of the famous Queen Nefertiti. It is the museum’s biggest attraction. However, there are questions about who really owns the bust. The Egyptians miss having the bust in their possession. Since 1924, both France and Egypt have been challenging Germany for ownership. The Nefertiti bust was ancient Egypt’s best know discovery, so who really does own the bust? Art historian Benedicte Savoy explores the ownership question. *NOT RECOMMENDED FOR A HISTORY CLASS.*
Cleopatra
Women Who Made History - Cleopatra YouTube (49:02)
Cleopatra was the Queen of Egypt. However, her brother disputed her claim to the throne. A fight broke out between the siblings. Rome invaded Egypt to settle the dispute between Cleopatra and her brother. Julius Caesar wanted influence in Egypt, so he would invade to get it. Cleopatra recognized he would be an ally to her in regaining her throne. Who would win in the fight for Egypt? Would Cleopatra’s brother rule or would Cleopatra? *Recommended to use for clips and not show the full documentary in class.*
Cleopatra's Lost Tomb - (Video no longer available)
Kathleen Martinez has a theory as to where Cleopatra was buried. She leads an expedition to find Cleopatra's lost tomb. She uses her skills as an attorney to test out her theory. She leads an expedition to the Taposiris Magna temple site. This site was previously excavated but never undergone a thorough examination. Now Martinez is discovering new things that are shedding light on the Taposiris Magna site. *Recommended for a high school history classroom. Could potentially use in a science classroom due to the use of the scientific method.*
Cleopatra: Portrait of a Killer: YouTube (58:51)
Neil Oliver takes a different perspective on Cleopatra: the ruthless political leader. He takes the perspective that she was a killer and her victim was her family. Cleopatra wanted to be a friend of Rome while her family did not want to be a friend. Her decision to be a friend of Rome had serious consequences for her siblings. This is a combination of documentary and period drama. *Recommended for a teacher's or student's research purposes.*
Traces of Cleopatra - YouTube (50:29)
A group of scholars comes together to investigate new evidence that is emerging about the life of Cleopatra. This investigation combines new techniques and technology to explore the mystery of Cleopatra. Cleopatra was Egypt’s last ruler before it fell to Rome. Who really was Cleopatra? Where were her origins? How did she come to power? How did she exert her power? Where was she buried? *NOT RECOMMENDED for a history class.*
List Current as of July 24, 2023
