Archaeology

Cooper links disease to the late Amarna period and describes Tutankhamun’s reversal of his father’s religious policies.

Archaeological evidence

Cooper discusses Tutankhamun’s tomb and discovery, then introduces Ramesses II and the rivalry with the Hittites.

Archaeological evidence

Research note: Tutankhamun’s tomb was rich but not untouched →

Cooper recounts misleading intelligence, the Hittite attack and Ramesses’s account of his response at Kadesh.

Archaeological evidence

Cooper discusses the battle’s outcome, continued conflict and the later treaty between Egypt and the Hittites.

Archaeological evidence

Cooper describes Ramesses’s monuments and capital, considers the Exodus tradition and introduces Merneptah’s enemies.

Archaeological evidence

Cooper recounts Merneptah’s response to invasion and discusses drought evidence alongside a Hittite literary account.

Archaeological evidence

Cooper presents accounts of famine, introduces Ramesses III and describes the destructive campaigns attributed to the Sea Peoples.

Archaeological evidence

Cooper recounts Ramesses III’s preparations and battle against the Sea Peoples through royal inscriptions.

Archaeological evidence

Cooper discusses Egypt’s condition after the conflict, the Deir el-Medina strike and a conspiracy within the royal household.

Archaeological evidence

Research note: A strike record shows a specific failure of provisioning →

Cooper reconstructs the attack on Ramesses III, discusses his mummy’s injuries and recounts the aftermath of the conspiracy.

Archaeological evidence

Research note: A fatal injury does not reconstruct the whole plot →

Cooper describes the growing power of Amun’s priesthood, political fragmentation and the Tale of Wenamun.

Archaeological evidence

Cooper discusses Kushite wealth, religion and political influence, then recounts Piye’s conquest of northern Egypt.

Archaeological evidence

Cooper describes the Nubian dynasty and Taharqa’s reign while introducing the growing threat from Assyria.

Archaeological evidence

Cooper considers accounts of an unsuccessful Assyrian attack, then recounts later invasions and Egypt’s resistance.

Archaeological evidence

Cooper recounts the sack of Thebes, later foreign rule and Cleopatra’s death as Egypt came under Roman control.

Archaeological evidence

Cooper discusses the last known hieroglyphic inscription and Philae, then introduces the statue and literary competition associated with Ozymandias.

Archaeological evidence

Cooper presents Ozymandias and an ancient harper’s song as reflections on ruined monuments, mortality and enjoyment of life.

Archaeological evidence

Cooper credits the performers and historical adviser, introduces his book and explains ways listeners can support the series.

Archaeological evidence