ZDF - Planet Egypt Secrets of the Pharaohs Empire (2011) Part 3 Temples of Power

Why was the world's first great civilization also its longest-lasting? Other TV series have looked at individual aspects of ancient Egypt. “Planet Egypt” gives a unique overview, from Dynasty Zero to the end of the New Kingdom. Experts visit every corner of this first nation-state to reveal the secrets of its unparalleled success. Each episode focuses on one of the vital foundation stones at the base of this civilization, such as the founding of the Empire and the rise of the Nile Kingdom to world power. More than 5,000 years ago, the territories of Upper and Lower Egypt were first united into a single kingdom. It was a seismic moment in history - the beginning of one of the most successful civilizations the world has ever known. The Nile Kingdom would flourish for over 3000 years. Ruled by 31 dynasties of “divine” Pharaohs, Ancient Egypt's achievements are without parallel, including the world's first territorial state and some of the most outstanding monuments known to man. Few civilizations displayed as much artistic and creative power as that of the Ancient Egyptians. How did they do it? What was the secret of their success. For decades, experts have been trying to solve the mystery of what kept the Nile civilization going for more than three millennia. Planet Egypt, a groundbreaking documentary series produced for international television, delves deep into the history of the Pharaohs. The series examines the unification of Egypt under King Narmer, the rise of the Nile Kingdom to world power under Thutmose III, the religious revolution at the time of the heretic king Akhenaten and the enormous surge in construction activity during the rule of Ramses the Great. With the help of dramatic re-enactments and lavish computer animations, Planet Egypt recreates the world of the Ancient Egyptians. Entire cities like Hierakonpolis, Thebes and Amarna are brought back to life through 3-D animations. Each episode sheds new light on one of the foundation stones at the base of this extraordinary civilisation.

Part 3 Temples of Power

Ancient Egypt is unimaginable without its gods. Over the course of centuries, the Egyptian priests steadily gained in power. The Amun Temple in Karnak, the most sacred site in the whole country, came to wield almost as much power as the Pharaoh himself. Until the year 1350 BC, when King Akhenaten comes to the throne. He declares war on the ancient gods and breaks with the cult that has kept the country together for more than 1500 years. He sweeps away the power of the priesthood and their temples. Huge numbers of Egyptians lose their livelihoods and face starvation. It is the greatest cultural revolution in the history of Egypt. The film explores the roots and impulses that underpinned this radical break with the past. Archaeologists excavating at he most important sites of Akhenaten's rule find clues to the motives of the Heretic King. Evidence from Luxor and Tell el Amarna suggests that Akhenaten's father, Pharaoh Amenophis III, had an important role to play in paving the way for his son's revolution. Egypt's Solar God is the focal point of the revolution instigated by the Pharaohs. The sun had always been the highest deity in Egypt. But now its status is enhanced even further. The old imperial God Amun is banned – a challenge to the age old religious tradition and continuity underpinning the Egyptian civilization. This episode depicts the dramatic rise and fall of Akhenaten and the central role religion played in the 3000-year success story of the Pharaohs.

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