Another in the seemingly endless store of historical re-enactments of the ancient world. This episode concentrates on the vanished city of Emperor Rameses that grew up beside the Nile and subsequently fell into disrepair as the course of the river moved away from it. Like other ancient cities still standing - at Karnak, for example - this city was both populous and distinguished, with several huge statues erected in the Pharaoh's honor. By all accounts it was a sight to behold, even if the rich could only really enjoy its treasures.
What this episode is really interested in, however, is the two archaeological searches for the remains of the city, one by Pierre Montet in the early part of the last century, the other by Manfred Bietak and Edgar Pusch in more recent years. They discovered the remains of the city in two separate locations; by comparing the two, Bietat discovered precisely what happened to the city and why it was destroyed.
What the program does not acknowledge, however, is the neocolonialist nature of the excavations. Headed by a French and a German academic, they lead viewers to question precisely why the source of the city was of such interest. Were the archaeologists interested in rewriting history, or were they out to enhance their reputations, or both? Whatever the motives were, they both achieved their aim: by contrast, the Egyptian contribution to both digs was completely overlooked.
Sometimes the re-enactments of both the ancient world and Montet's expedition become a little irritating, especially when the French Montet (played by Malcolm Scales) speaks English rather than his native language. Nonetheless "The Lost City of the Pharaohs" has an entertaining story to tell and does so competently.
What this episode is really interested in, however, is the two archaeological searches for the remains of the city, one by Pierre Montet in the early part of the last century, the other by Manfred Bietak and Edgar Pusch in more recent years. They discovered the remains of the city in two separate locations; by comparing the two, Bietat discovered precisely what happened to the city and why it was destroyed.
What the program does not acknowledge, however, is the neocolonialist nature of the excavations. Headed by a French and a German academic, they lead viewers to question precisely why the source of the city was of such interest. Were the archaeologists interested in rewriting history, or were they out to enhance their reputations, or both? Whatever the motives were, they both achieved their aim: by contrast, the Egyptian contribution to both digs was completely overlooked.
Sometimes the re-enactments of both the ancient world and Montet's expedition become a little irritating, especially when the French Montet (played by Malcolm Scales) speaks English rather than his native language. Nonetheless "The Lost City of the Pharaohs" has an entertaining story to tell and does so competently.
