History Hit's Tristan Hughes travels to Egypt to explore its extraordinary links to one of the most famous names from antiquity, Alexander the Great. Of all the lands in the Eastern Mediterranean, it is Egypt that has the most fascinating - and enduring - connection to this ancient conqueror.
It’s a connection that began during Alexander’s lifetime, but endured and evolved significantly following his death, thanks to Alexander’s talismanic corpse, hijacked and fought over between former brothers in arms in an ancient 'Game of Thrones' - with a gruesome climax on the River Nile.
From the holiest of holies at Luxor Temple to the Pyramids at Giza, join Tristan as he explores fascinating links to Alexander that can be found all along the Nile - if you know where to look.
In the depths of an ancient temple, Tristan finds pharaonic depictions of Alexander, a Macedonian king making offerings to Egyptian gods, and looking no different to famous names such as Ramesses II and Tutankhamun.
And he investigates the fascinating links to Alexander at the magnificent necropolis of Saqqara - from the stunning subterranean Serapeum, complete with massive granite sarcophagi designed for the mummified remains of sacred bulls, to a mysterious semi-circle of half-destroyed, Greek looking statues that may well have marked the first tomb of Alexander in Egypt.
This is a story where Alexander’s death was just the beginning...
Up Next in People Who Made History
-
Pinches of Salt and Gold: Uncovering ...
Documentary telling the story of Mansa Musa, the famous 14th century ruler of Mali, renowned for his great wealth. Featuring Professor Amira Bennison, Boubacar Diallo, Hadrien Collet, Mauro Nobili and Madina Thiam.
-
When the Queen Spoke to the Nation
The remarkable story of when the Queen spoke directly to the nation. During her long reign, aside from her Christmas messages, the Queen spoke directly to the country on just a few significant occasions.
This film looks back at the circumstances surrounding these remarkable broadcasts and hears ...
-
Buffalo Bill: The Man Behind the Legend
Buffalo Bill was America’s first celebrity… and the most famous man in the world at the turn of the 20th century.
He was a former scout, soldier, Buffalo hunter…but what he’s most known for of course, is his showmanship. He vied with PT Barnum for the title of greatest showman on earth.
At the ...
29 Comments