12 Mind-Blowing Ancient Egyptian Revelations | Smithsonian Channel

Smithsonian Channel・2 minutes read

A groundbreaking study linked failed Nile floods in Cleopatra's reign to Greenland's ice sheets, while discoveries in Hierakonpolis revealed a prehistoric zoo preceding major inventions, shaping early Egyptian history. The eruption in 44 BC caused global effects, impacting Cleopatra's decisions during the Roman civil war, with famine and disease potentially influencing her choices.

Insights

  • Dogs played a crucial role in prehistoric Egypt, serving as hunters, guards, herders, and even companions, as evidenced by their burial in the cemetery and presence in the zoo.
  • Cleopatra's reign was marred by environmental turmoil, including failed Nile floods due to a volcanic eruption, causing widespread famine and disease that influenced her decisions during the Roman civil war, showcasing the impact of natural disasters on historical events.

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Recent questions

  • What was the significance of dogs in prehistoric Hierakonpolis?

    Dogs played a crucial role in hunting, guarding, herding, and capturing animals in the prehistoric complex of Hierakonpolis. They were essential for domestication and were buried in the cemetery alongside over 60 dogs, indicating their importance in the society. The discovery of a prehistoric zoo in Hierakonpolis, dating back over 6,000 years, showcased the early use of animals for various purposes, highlighting the sophisticated operation to capture wild animals.

  • How did Psamtik I come to power in Egypt?

    Psamtik I, witnessing his father's subjugation by the Assyrians, was chosen by them to govern Egypt after his father's death. He utilized Greek mercenaries as elite warriors to conquer neighboring city-states, eventually gaining control of the North by 651 BCE. This strategic use of mercenaries and alliances with foreign powers helped Psamtik secure his position as a ruler in Egypt.

  • What was the role of the solar boat discovered in the Valley of the Kings?

    The solar boat discovered in a tomb in the Valley of the Kings was believed to be designed for the sun god, symbolizing the journey of the sun through the underworld. This boat held significant religious and symbolic importance in Egyptian beliefs, particularly in ensuring the sun's rebirth each day. Its discovery shed light on the religious practices and beliefs surrounding the afterlife in ancient Egypt.

  • How did the volcanic eruption in 44 BC impact Cleopatra's reign?

    The volcanic eruption in 44 BC led to failed Nile floods, causing famine and disease in Egypt during Cleopatra's reign. This environmental turmoil influenced Cleopatra's decisions during the Roman civil war, as she faced challenges due to the widespread effects of the eruption. The famine and disease following the eruption likely contributed to Cleopatra's struggles, affecting her choices and actions in the political landscape of the time.

  • What was the disturbing tradition revealed by the mass slaughter of humans and animals in Hierakonpolis?

    The mass slaughter of humans and animals in Hierakonpolis marked a ruler's passing and revealed a disturbing tradition of systematically slaughtering individuals for burial. Animals from the prehistoric zoo were buried with early rulers, indicating a sacrificial practice associated with death and burial rituals. This tradition showcased the complex and sometimes brutal customs of ancient societies, shedding light on the beliefs and practices of early civilizations.

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Summary

00:00

Prehistoric Zoo Unveiled in Ancient Egypt

  • For two consecutive years during Cleopatra's reign, the Nile flood failed to occur.
  • Groundbreaking research discovered the cause of the failed floods in Greenland's ice sheets.
  • Captive animals in Hierakonpolis were treated well but required fearless captors to bring them in from the wild.
  • Over 60 dogs were buried in the cemetery, indicating domestication and their role in capturing animals.
  • A 5,000-year-old pot from Egypt and hunting scenes suggest a sophisticated operation to capture wild animals.
  • Dogs were crucial for hunting and guarding, acting as herders and guards in the prehistoric complex.
  • The discovery of a prehistoric zoo in Hierakonpolis dates back over 6,000 years, preceding major inventions.
  • Animals from the zoo were buried with early rulers, slaughtered systematically for burial.
  • The mass slaughter of humans and animals marked a ruler's passing, revealing a disturbing tradition.
  • A giant statue of Pharaoh Psamtik I was discovered, challenging historical perceptions of his importance and reign.

15:12

Assyrians Conquer Egypt, Psamtik Rules, Tomb Discoveries

  • Assyrians, led by King Esarhaddon, conquered Egypt and ruled the North, centered around Nineveh in modern-day Iraq.
  • Psamtik, witnessing his father's subjugation, was chosen by the Assyrians to govern Egypt after his father's death.
  • Psamtik utilized Greek mercenaries as elite warriors to conquer neighboring city-states, gaining control of the North by 651 BCE.
  • A tomb, KV64, discovered in the Valley of the Kings, contained the mutilated remains of a royal woman, possibly a member of the Egyptian elite.
  • Professor Frank Ruhli from the University of Zurich used medical technology to analyze the mummy, determining the woman was around 40 years old.
  • The tomb was likely raided, leading to the mummy's unwrapping and desecration, revealing signs of tomb raiding for jewelry or amulets.
  • Tutankhamun's role in ensuring the sun's rebirth during his nightly journey through the underworld was crucial to Egyptian beliefs.
  • A solar boat, believed to be designed for the sun god, was discovered in a tomb in the Valley of the Kings in January 2011.
  • The Valley of the Kings served as the burial place for rulers of ancient Egypt, with tombs designed to deter tomb robbers.
  • Detailed analysis of fragments from a colossal statue of Pharaoh Psamtik I revealed he was depicted in a striding pose, standing 36 feet tall.

29:47

Egyptian Art Evolution and Cleopatra's Struggles

  • The statue of Pharaoh Senusret III at the Cairo Museum bears striking similarities to another statue, Psamtik, with well-defined torso, pectoral muscles, and a striding pose.
  • Despite the similarities, Senusret III's statue predates Psamtik by 1200 years, indicating a long-standing tradition in Egyptian art.
  • Cleopatra's reign coincided with a period of environmental turmoil, marked by failed Nile floods due to a volcanic eruption in 44 BC.
  • The eruption caused global effects, leading to famine and disease in Egypt, impacting Cleopatra's decisions during the Roman civil war.
  • The famine and disease following the eruption likely contributed to Cleopatra's struggles, with experts suggesting bubonic plague as a possible outcome, influencing her choices in the civil war.
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