Tutankhamen and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs

Documentary

National Geographic

Ovation / DV1

R4 DVD

In 1976 fifty one priceless items from the tomb of the boy Pharoah Tutankhamun left the Cairo Museum on a world tour. The result was amazing, rekindling an interest in Egyptology worldwide and especially in Egypt itself. Egypt has been systematically looted of its cultural heritage by many of the great colonial nations, abetted by corrupt local administrations towards the start of the First World War. Egypt was left with minor artifacts and the stuff that was too big to move.

In 1922 talented archaeologist Howard Carter unearthed a previously unknown tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Although it had been disturbed by grave robbers it’s unbelievable funerary contents were intact. As the history was pieced together it was obvious that Egypt now had a significant piece of its own history still in its hands. A previously little known Pharoah, Tutankhamen, had left a legacy that is still being investigated today. Although Egypt was generous about allowing scholars to investigate the finds they were also cautious about letting them out of the country. Most of the artifacts of their heritage is now in foreign hands and there is a vigorous campaign to recover as much as possible and return it to its home country. The idea of sending some of the Tutankhamen artifacts on tour was an inspired piece of public relations and it seems to have worked. People are now more sympathetic to returning artifacts to their original owners and in return Egypt is making them more widely available to viewers and researchers. This DVD is one result. It is a record of the artifacts from that first display, augmented by the history of the Pharoah and the discovery of his tomb.

The story of the collection is narrated by Omar Sharif. His presence and clear voice are ideal for this sort of presentation. By contrast much of the politics features Dr Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Egypt. Dr Hawass is passionate about his country’s heritage and has been a major force in pressuring museums to return artifacts. Gradually he is winning the battle, often by shaming some countries. His forceful personality shows through in the DVD and you come to agree with his ideas.

It is the collection that is the star of the show. Artifacts from other Pharoahs are shown for comparison, but each item from Tutankhamen’s tomb is beautifully filmed and lovingly described by people who really know their subject. Fine detail is singled out and the methods of construction are described. The religious significance of each item is explained as are the details of the mummification process. The Cairo Museum showed a lot of trust in the National Geographic film crews to allow the film crews and their heavy cameras and lights this close to such priceless objects. The Geographic has responded by producing a comprehensive masterpiece on DVD that may never need to be repeated.

The extra features are also comprehensive. As well as the detailed walkthrough of the collection there is a slideshow featuring over 100 artifacts, each photographed to the same high quality as the main film. The original film of the discovery of the tomb in 1922 is included. The documentary of the packing and setting up of the traveling exhibition is a small masterpiece in itself, showing just how professional the curators of the museum and exhibition are.

If you have the slightest interest in ancient history outside the conventional Greek and Roman areas, this DVD is a must. It’s a close as you are ever going to get to these relics of a wonderful civlisation.

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This review will appear in Volume 2 No.5 (2009) of the digital and print edition of Synergy Magazine.

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