Hatshepsut: Mysteries of the Warrior Pharaoh Queen (Full Episode) | Lost Treasures of Egypt

National Geographic23 minutes read

Egypt is a hub of archaeological discoveries, with Dr. Szafranski's team uncovering buried treasures at Hatshepsut's temple, shedding light on ancient history and the reign of Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh who disguised her gender to assert power and authority. Through excavations and investigations, various teams are uncovering human remains, ancient artifacts, and architectural marvels, providing insights into the roles of women in ancient Egyptian society and the political power plays between rulers like Hatshepsut and Thutmose III.

Insights

  • Dr. Szafranski and his team have been meticulously excavating and restoring Hatshepsut's temple for 19 seasons, unearthing buried treasure and ancient pottery fragments that offer insights into post-Hatshepsut events and King Thutmose III's reign.
  • Various archaeological teams, including those led by Martina Bardonová and Suzanne Onstine, are shedding light on the roles of women in ancient Egyptian society, with discoveries of human remains, child burials, and dramatic findings like a woman who likely died from childbirth, providing valuable insights into the challenges and societal structures of the era.

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Recent questions

  • What is the significance of Hatshepsut's temple?

    Hatshepsut's temple is a masterpiece of ancient architecture, showcasing the power and grandeur of the rare female pharaoh. It is a symbol of her reign and authority, built with giant monuments that highlight her unique position in Egyptian history.

  • How did Dr. Szafranski's team overcome challenges during excavation?

    Dr. Szafranski's team faced challenges such as a one-ton block of sandstone threatening potential artifacts buried beneath it. Without heavy-lifting equipment, the team improvised to move the block, showcasing their resourcefulness and dedication to continue their excavation and discoveries.

  • What role did Yale University professors play in studying ancient rock inscriptions?

    Yale University professors John and Colleen Darnell used digital technology to study ancient rock inscriptions, focusing on hieroglyphic origins. Their research spanned over 20 years, exploring Egypt's deserts and temples to interpret and understand the ancient carvings and their historical significance.

  • How did Hatshepsut assert her power and authority as a female pharaoh?

    Hatshepsut disguised her gender by dressing as a man to assert her power and authority in a male-dominated society. By adopting male attire and symbols of kingship, she navigated the challenges of ruling as a woman in ancient Egypt and left a lasting legacy through her monumental constructions.

  • What insights did Suzanne Onstine's team uncover about women in ancient Egyptian society?

    Suzanne Onstine and her team investigated the roles of women in ancient Egyptian society, focusing on human remains and reconstructing bodies. Their discoveries shed light on the dangers women faced, such as childbirth-related mortality, and provided valuable insights into the societal roles and challenges faced by women during Hatshepsut's era.

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Summary

00:00

"Archaeological Discoveries in Egypt Rewrite History"

  • Egypt is a rich source of archaeological treasures.
  • Cameras have unprecedented access to archaeological teams in Egypt.
  • Discoveries are made that could rewrite ancient history.
  • Dr. Szafranski uncovers buried treasure at Hatshepsut's temple.
  • Hatshepsut was a rare female pharaoh who built giant monuments.
  • Hatshepsut's temple is a masterpiece of ancient architecture.
  • Dr. Szafranski and his team have been excavating and restoring the temple for 19 seasons.
  • Hatshepsut was only the second woman to become a pharaoh.
  • John and Maria excavate at Hatshepsut's quarry to investigate her reign.
  • Martina Bardonová discovers human remains outside an unexplored tomb.

17:43

Ancient Egypt's Female Pharaohs and Artifacts

  • Dr. Szafranski's team faces a challenge as a one-ton block of sandstone threatens to destroy potential artifacts buried beneath it.
  • Without heavy-lifting equipment, the team improvises to move the block to continue their excavation.
  • Yale University professors John and Colleen Darnell use digital technology to study ancient rock inscriptions, focusing on hieroglyphic origins.
  • The Darnells have spent over 20 years exploring Egypt's deserts and temples to interpret ancient carvings.
  • Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh, disguised her gender by dressing as a man to assert her power and authority.
  • Suzanne Onstine and her team investigate the roles of women in ancient Egyptian society, focusing on human remains and reconstructing bodies.
  • The team uncovers a dramatic discovery of a woman who likely died from childbirth, shedding light on the dangers women faced.
  • Martina's team finds a child's burial outside a tomb, along with an ancient face mask made of cartonnage.
  • Suzanne Onstine pieces together remains of women and children to understand their societal roles during Hatshepsut's era.
  • Dr. Szafranski's team uncovers ancient pottery fragments beneath the temple ruins, providing clues to post-Hatshepsut events and King Thutmose III's reign.

34:24

Thutmose's Temple: Political Power Play and Restoration

  • Thutmose the Third built his temple next to Hatshepsut's in an elevated position with huge columns on a raised platform.
  • Thutmose's temple was 11 feet higher than Hatshepsut's, showcasing a political power play to overshadow his stepmother.
  • Thutmose aimed for better visibility in the Valley with his temple.
  • Ancient earthquakes and landslides damaged Thutmose's temple, but efforts are ongoing to restore it.
  • Martina's team discovered burials from the Middle Kingdom outside the tomb, indicating higher status individuals.
  • John and Maria unearthed a nearly ten-foot-high abandoned sphinx statue at the quarry, possibly destined for Karnak Temple.
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