Nova: Building Pharaoh's Ship (2010)
Season 37, Episode 2
3/10
One supposition built upon another....
26 April 2012
This documentary is a long string of 'what ifs' and by the time it's over, you aren't really sure what has been proved. The show begins with the notion that the ancient Egyptians were great sailors. Their evidence is a bit scant--and the greatest evidence of sailing throughout the Mediterranean seems to be a relief in a tomb. And, IF they were great sailors, then HOW they did this is very, very vague as well. Again and again, the ship builders and scientists had to make guesses. Eventually, they are able to build a seemingly seaworthy craft. However, I ask just what has been proved? After all, with guess upon guess upon guess, it's really not at all clear that they can say anything other than modern folks can make a boat they think MIGHT have been like an ancient boat. It's all vaguely interesting and that's all.

By the way, early in the film, they questioned where the ancient land of Punt was located. Their answer seemed rather lame--saying '...could have' to the South of Egypt. Yes, it also could have been to the East, West or North!
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