ZDF - Planet Egypt Secrets of the Pharaohs Empire (2011) Part 4 Quest for Eternity

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 4 Quest for Eternity

Quest for Eternity asks how Egypt's belief in the afterlife could be part of its long term success. How could a society apparently obsessed with death survive for so long? We discover that Egypt's specific belief in the afterlife was essential to the longevity of her civilization. The Egyptians liked their life so much; they wanted it to continue after their demise. Egypt's belief in the afterlife provided focus for the population for more than 3000 years. From the days of the first Pharaoh's tombs to the end of their era, Egyptians were united by one burning desire to extend their lives to all eternity. This is why they built the gigantic pyramids, the splendid temples and the magnificent tombs that have become the hallmark of Egyptian civilization. The cult of the dead also became an important commercial factor. It was both an emotional bond and a way of glorifying life. The Egyptians regarded their existence on the Nile as paradise on Earth. It was in order to extend this paradise to all eternity that they developed visions of the afterlife in elaborate detail. To unravel the secrets of this seemingly morbid obsession with death, episode 4 of Planet Egypt examines Egypt's most elaborate tomb builder – Ramses the Great. His long rule is also considered Egypt's Golden Age. Ramses became the biggest tomb builder in Egyptian history. Excavations in Egypt's oldest royal cemetary and in the famous Valley of the Kings help archaeologists track down the mysteries of the Egyptian afterlife. Planet Egypt also investigates the magical rituals associated with the Egyptian death cult, from mummification to the tradition of equipping the dead body with all items that could possibly be required after death. The film discovers how the ancient Egyptians crafted an intricate balance between the world of the living and what lies beyond. Strange as it seems, Egypt's celebration of death holds the secret to the culture's longevity.

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