Podcast · History

The History of Egypt Podcast

by Dominic Perry · English · History

Ancient Egypt, from Creation to Cleopatra. This podcast tells the story of pharaonic Egypt "in their own words." Using archaeology, ancient texts, and up-to-date scholarship, we uncover the world of the Nile Valley and its people. Hosted on the Airwave Media Network.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 34 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 6 minNew

Egyptology Today (with Ask Historians Podcast)

In 2025 I did an interview with the AskHistorians podcast, a reddit-based show where specialists discuss history and major questions about their fields. In this interview, we discuss the history of Egyptology, stories from ancient Egypt, the situation of the field today, and why Hollywood can't seem to make any stories about Egypt that don't involve Cleopatra. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

5 Oct 2026 · 28 min
245: Revenge of the Seth (The 19th Dynasty Falls)
Siptah, Tausret, Setnakht. Between 1205--1202 BCE, the royal house of Ramesses II crumbled into illegitimacy. After Siptah, the queen Tausret declared herself pharaoh. Her reign leaves tantalising traces. But shortly after, a man named Set-Nakht ("Seth is Victorious") seized the throne and inaugurated the 20th Dynasty. Subsequently, he and his successors declared the late 19th Dynasty a period of "empty years," lacking legitimacy, with no true ruler. What went wrong? Logo image: The "charioteer ostracon," depicting a female ruler charging against a male, both firing arrows (Daressy 1909).…
22 Sep 2026 · 24 min
244: B(a)y Your Command
Siptah & Chancellor Bay. The last years of Dynasty 19 are murky, with hints of disorder and violence. At the centre of affairs, the courtier Bay directed policy and controlled access to King Siptah. Pharaoh himself was sickly, possibly disabled. The power-shift culminated in a rather dramatic break... Music: Keith Zizza and Luke Chaos. Logo image: Siptah, from his tomb KV47 (Davis 1908). Bibliography Bierbrier, M. (2011). Bye-Bye Bay. In M. Collier & S. Snape (Eds.), Ramesside studies in honour of K. A. Kitchen (pp. 19–21). Rutherford. Černý, J. (1966). A note on the chancellor Bay.…
14 Sep 2026 · 38 min
243: Kingmakers & Criminals
Tausret, Siptah, Bay, and the case of Paneb. By 1210 BCE, the southern rebellion was dying down, but trouble was far from over. The courtier Bay appears on the scene, first as an agent of Sety II, then as a "kingmaker" in his own right. Tausret increases her power, becoming a regent figure (like Hatshepsut). The young ruler Siptah, physically enfeebled and of uncertain heritage, provides a veil of legitimacy for a new triumvirate. Meanwhile, in Deir el-Medina, the foremen/chiefs Hay and Paneb deal with serious allegations... [WARNING: Starting at 23:01, episode contains content that may not…
7 Sep 2026 · 32 min
242: The Year of Two Pharaohs (Sety II vs Amenmesse)
Between 1215 and 1211 BCE, Egypt was divided. A rebellion in the south, launched by Amen-messe "Born of Amun" disrupted the succession of Sety II, son of Merneptah. Records from this shadowy period hint at violence and corruption in Waset/Luxor, as the usurper took control and established a new regime. The impact of this conflict would have long-lasting ramifications for the 19th Dynasty... Music: Luke Chaos. Logo: An unnamed statue head from Karnak, probably depicting Sety II or Amenmesse (Metropolitan Museum of Art, public domain). Was Amenmesse the Viceroy Messuy? Below are scenes from…
31 Aug 2026 · 52 min
The Egyptian Crusade with Dr. Thomas Smith
From 1217 to 1221 CE, Egypt faced an invasion in the Delta. A bizarre tale of D-Day-esque beach landings, improvised nun-chucks, and the vengeance of Hapi ensued. Today's guest Dr. Thomas Smith explains the story and introduces his new book The Fifth Crusade: A History of the Epic Campaign to Conquer Egypt. The Fifth Crusade (2026) available from Yale University Press and all good retailers. Dr. Thomas Smith's website: https://thomaswsmith.co.uk/ Music by Luke Chaos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
24 Aug 2026 · 31 min
241: Annihilation of the Wicked
Merneptah's Nubian War, the Book of Caverns, and his Legacy. The later years of Merneptah's reign were eventful. Just as the Libu war wound down, another conflict started in Nubia. Shortly after, there may have been some disruptions or reshuffling in the government. We also get a new religious text known as the "Book of Caverns." Finally, we follow Merneptah's passing and his legacy. Video lecture about Merneptah's Memphite palace: Cahail, K. (2020, December 3). The Palace of Pharaoh Merenptah: Examining an Archaeological “Cold Case.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhDB98ZH2-k Extended…
17 Aug 2026 · 38 min
240: Merneptah vs the Sea Peoples (and Odysseus, and the Hittites)
As the Libu war wound down, Merneptah's troops took captives and plundered the bodies of fallen warriors. Along the way, we also hear of "foreign peoples of the Sea," who were involved in these events. Merneptah mentions Sherden, Lukka, Tursha, Ekwesh, and Shekelesh. Who were these "Sea Peoples" and why were they coming to Egypt? Music: Keith Zizza, Luke Chaos. We're on YouTube! Ancient history media @dominicperryae and the podcast (plus bonus lectures) @historyegyptpodcast Support the show and get bonus content at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast Transcript and references at…
3 Aug 2026 · 47 min
239: A Pyramid of Corpses
Merneptah vs the Libyans. In 1221 BCE, Egypt faced a crisis. Tribal coalitions from the west, and some "Peoples of the Sea" were marching on the Nile Valley. They came in their thousands, armed and ready to settle. Caught by surprise, King Merneptah and his warriors hastened to the defence... Support the show and get early releases, ad-free episodes, bonus video content, and pictures/videos of animals I meet in Egypt and travelling www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast Music by Bettina Joy de Guzman; Luke Chaos; and Keith Zizza. Bibliography Cline, E. H. (2021). 1177 B.C. The Year Civilization…
27 Jul 2026 · 35 min
238: Merneptah Seizes Canaan (feat. A Tribe Called Israel)
Merneptah started his reign aggressively, striking a belligerent tone in his royal names and launching an expedition to Canaan in the first few years. In the process, his troops captured Ashkelon, Gezer, and Yenoam, and dealt with a tribe called "Israel." Simultaneously, Merneptah achieved a great diplomatic coup when we brought Ugarit back into the Egyptian sphere. Music by Keith Zizza & Luke Chaos. Video version available at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast Merneptah General Dodson, A. (2016). Poisoned Legacy: The Decline and Fall of the Nineteenth Egyptian Dynasty (Revised edn). Iskander, S.…
10 Jul 2026 · 10 min
Preserving Howard Carter & Tutankhamun (An Appeal from The Griffith Institute)
The Griffith Institute preserves thousands of documents, plate photographs, and records of Howard Carter's excavation in the tomb of Tutankhamun. But funding cuts are threatening their work to digitise and preserve this archive for future generations. Please consider supporting the Griffith Institute today Donate at https://tutankhamun.griffith.ox.ac.uk/support-us Explore the Tutankhamun Spatial Archive at https://tutankhamun.griffith.ox.ac.uk/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
6 Jul 2026 · 26 min
237: Drinking with Khonsu / The Dream Book
Ramessid Daily Life (Part 2). Why did a tomb-builder skip work for “drinking with Khonsu”? Why was Parahotep never invited to parties? And what did it mean if you dreamed about drinking wine? Records from Deir el-Medina, in the reign of Ramesses II, illuminate aspects of daily life and the concerns of ordinary folks. In this episode, we explore the Absentee List (Ostracon EA 5634) and the Dream Book of Qen-her-khopeshef (Papyrus Chester Beatty III). Support the show at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast to get extended episodes, bonus video content, and much more. Follow our YouTube channel…
30 Jun 2026 · 52 min
Was Pharaoh literally a god? Listener Questions 1
Bonus episode. I took some listener questions in a livestream, and here they are. We cover topics like: Was pharaoh literally a god? How common was tattooing? Was there an ancient canal between the Nile and Red Sea? What are my recommended Egyptology books? And much more... If you'd like to join future Q-and-A sessions you can find them at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast. If you would like to submit a question, drop it in the comments! There is a (shorter) video version of this QnA available at https://www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast/posts/qna-ask-me-june-162481450 Questions Top 3 Egyptology…
22 Jun 2026 · 19 min
Ramesses Eternal with Prof. Peter Brand
Prof. Peter Brand joins us for one final conversation about Ramesses II: Egypt's "Ultimate Pharaoh." If you haven't read it, I highly recommend Peter's book Ramesses II: Egypt’s Ultimate Pharaoh (2023). It covers everything I discussed, and much more, in exceptional detail. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
15 Jun 2026 · 31 min
236: Legends of Ramesses "the Great"
How does Ramesses II stack up to his predecessors? Why did ancient writers connect him with the Trojan War? In this episode we explore tales of Ramesses, told in antiquity, and consider his legacy in the modern world. Music: Keith Zizza and Luke Chaos. Bibliography Brand, P. (2010a). Reuse and Restoration. In W. Wendrich (Ed.), UCLA Encyclopedia of Egyptology. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2vp6065d Brand, P. (2010b). Usurpation of Monuments. In W. Wendrich (Ed.), UCLA Encyclopedia of Egyptology. https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5gj996k5 Brand, P. J. (2023). Ramesses II: Egypt’s Ultimate…
8 Jun 2026 · 31 min
235: Ramesses the Great God
In 1226 BCE, his sixty-seventh year of rule, the long life of Ramesses II finally ended. We explore his final decades, the difficult life revealed by his mummy, his ascent to status of "living god," and the aftermath of his reign. Music: Luke Chaos. Support the History of Egypt at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast Select References: Balout, L., Roubet, C., & Desroches-Noblecourt, C. (1985). La momie de Ramsès: Contribution scientifique à l’Egyptologie. Brand, P. (2010). Reuse and Restoration. In W. Wendrich (Ed.), UCLA Encyclopedia of Egyptology online. Brand, P. J. (2023). Ramesses II: Egypt’s…
25 May 2026 · 28 min
234: Destroying Amarna / Splitting Heirs
Sometime in Ramesses II's reign, royal artisans dismantled the city of Akhet-Aten (Amarna). Carefully, methodically, they removed the talatat blocks and carted them away to the nearby town Hemenu (Hermopolis) for reuse in a temple. This demolition of the Horizon of Aten remains a matter of debate among scholars: why now, and what motivated it? Meanwhile, Ramesses II has a problem. His sons keep dying. Between regnal years 25--55, at least twelve princes "passed to the west." We meet the designated heirs (and the spares), and see who finally got the top job... The funerary mask (of…
18 May 2026 · 35 min
233: Friendship in Dark Times (The Bronze Age Collapse Begins?)
Ramesses and Hattusili (Part 2). After the marriage to a Hittite princess in Year 34, Ramesses II had much to offer his northern family. A visit from the King of Hatti's son, seeking food supplies, may relate to repeated hunger crises in Syria and Hatti. Pharaoh's support brought the two kingdoms closer together, although we must wonder if the Bronze Age Collapse has now begun... Finally a text known as the Bentresh Stela offers a fairytale memory of Ramesses' relations with Hatti. Music: Keith Zizza. Music: Luke Chaos. == Select References - Hattusili and Ramesses Brand, P. J. (2023).…
27 Apr 2026 · 43 min
The 100 Children of Ramesses II with Prof. Peter Brand
Ramesses is famous for fathering 100+ children. But what did all these princes and princesses do? Prof. Peter Brand joins us once more to explain the lives and roles of these children, how we know about them (or don't), what's up with those "Daughter Wives," and where all the 100+ children might be buried. Also, I read the entire list of children (all 100+) in their known order, from the monuments. Prof. Peter Brand's book Ramesses II: Egypt's Ultimate Pharaoh is available now at all good retailers. Music by Luke Chaos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
24 Apr 2026 · 9 min
Come visit the Great Pyramid! Tour to Egypt 2027 January Announcement
It’s time, once again, to think about visiting Egypt. I just returned from a tour in March, taking a group through the Nile Valley, and we had a great time. Egypt is quite safe, and the sites are ready to receive you. If you’re in the mood for some antiquities, exploration, and time in the pharaonic past, consider joining me on my next tour. Dates: 24 January - 01 February 2027. Special out-of-hours access to the GREAT PYRAMID of Khufu, with all three chambers to ourselves! Additional special permits for ABU RAWASH and the BLACK PYRAMID at Dahshur. Booking page with itinerary & costs:…
20 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 26 min
232: Real Housewives of Per-Ramesses (feat. Prof. Peter Brand)
Hybrid episode (narrative & interivew). The Hittite Queen, Maat-Hor-Neferura, may have been surprised to find she wasn't the only King's Great Wife. In fact, Ramesses had already turned to other women to be his Queens. Notably, his eldest daughter Bint-Anat ("Daughter of Anat") became King's Great Wife, along with several of her younger siblings. Why did Ramesses "marry" his own offspring, and what does that mean for the royal family? Also, we meet Ramesses' oft-forgotten sister, Tia. In Part 2, we are joined by Prof. Peter Brand to discuss life in the pharaonic palaces. How did they…
13 Apr 2026 · 45 min
231: The Hittite Queen of Egypt
Married before first sight. In regnal year 34 (1259 BCE) Ramesses welcomed a princess of Hatti. Sent by her father Hattusili and mother Puduhepa, the (anonymous) princess came to Egypt and took up the rank of King's Great Wife. Today, she is known by her Egyptian name, MAAT-HOR-NEFERURA "She Who Sees Horus, the Perfection of Ra." This enigmatic woman sits at the centre of a fascinating letter archive and commemorative text. Ramesses celebrated his new bride in grand style... Music by Luke Chaos Extended version of this episode available at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast Sources Beckman, G.…
10 Apr 2026 · 27 min
Introducing Voices of Ancient Egypt with Dr. Melinda Nelson-Hurst
New Egyptology podcast! Voices of Ancient Egypt is "the podcast for people who don’t just want to learn about ancient Egypt, but want to understand it at a deeper, more meaningful level. With a blend of solo deep-dives and conversations with experts and everyday Egyptophiles, this podcast brings ancient Egyptian history, beliefs, and language to life — and shows you how learning hieroglyphs is possible, no matter your age, background, or schedule. Whether you want to read hieroglyphs in museums, on social media, or on your next trip to Egypt, you’ll find the tools, stories, and encouragement…
23 Mar 2026 · 57 min
Khaemwaset Forever with Dr. Campbell Price
Campbell Price is Curator of Egypt & Sudan at Manchester Museum. Enthusiasts will know him from the books Ancient Egypt in 50 Discoveries and Golden Mummies of Egypt. Interpreting Identities from the Graeco-Roman Period. You may have seen or heard him on History Hit’s The Ancients, a variety of documentaries, and this podcast! Today, Campbell joins the show once more to talk about KHA-EM-WASET. The fourth son of Ramesses II, renowned priest and conservator of ancient monuments... and fairytale hero in later ages. Campbell Price: Academia.edu. Liverpool University. Ancient Egypt in 50…
16 Mar 2026 · 35 min
230: Khaemwaset & the Book of Thoth
The prince Kha-em-Waset (lived c.1260 BCE) was a learned man, and an accomplished priest. Centuries after his death, storytellers remembered the prince as a sage and magician. They told tales of his adventures, including one where Khaemwaset stole a magical book, belonging to the great god Djehuty/Thoth. In a tale of gothic horror, the prince must wrangle with the consequences of his greed... CONTENT WARNING: Story contains themes of suicide, murder, and sexual horror. Please listen with discretion. Music: Matt Uelman, "Tristram;" Keith Zizza, "Dissatisfaction," "Memories of Thebes," and…
9 Mar 2026 · 24 min
229: The First Egyptologist? Khaemwaset & the Apis Bulls
In 1263 BCE, priests announced the death of the APIS BULL. Sacred to Ptah, the bull dwelled in the temple at Men-nefer (Memphis). Now, in year 30 of Ramesses II, the King's son KHA-EM-WASET would lead the funerary processions. Shortly after, the prince inaugurated the first phase of a now famous monument. The Lesser Vaults of the SERAPEUM begin to take shape. The prince also starts a project for which he is renowned: the preservation and restoration of old monuments. These acts have earned him the moniker "the first Egyptologist." Music: Keith Zizza www.keithzizza.net, used with artist's…
2 Mar 2026 · 31 min
228: Three Funerals & a Sed Festival
Loss and rejuvenation. Ramesses third decade in power was a time of death. The King's Great Wife Nefertari passed around year 25. Almost simultaneously, his mother Tuya, his second wife Iset-Nofret, and his eldest son Amun-her-khopeshef all passed to the west. We meet these figures, explore their tombs (including the amazing KV5), and trace their surprising legacies. Then, we recount the big event: in Year 30, Ramesses celebrated the first of his jubilees. A magnificent Sed Festival took place in Memphis... Logo image: gold bead of Iset-Nofret (Metropolitan Museum of Art, public domain).…
16 Feb 2026 · 34 min
227: The One Where Iset Poisons Ra
What is the true name of god? Once upon a time, Ra ruled the earth directly. But the great goddess Iset/Isis desired to know his private name, the one hidden from all outsiders. A name that, if known, would grant the knower magical power over the sun god. To gain the knowledge she desired, Iset concocted a daring plan... The Story of Iset and the Secret Name of Ra University College London. Isis and the Name of Ra. ⁠https://www.ucl.ac.uk/museums-static/digitalegypt//literature/isisandra.html⁠ Hieroglyph version: Museo Egizio Turin. Papyrus Turin 1993.…
9 Feb 2026 · 28 min
226: Nefertari's Tomb and Book of the Dead
The tomb of Queen Nefertari is one of the masterpieces of New Kingdom funerary monuments. The tomb is stunningly preserved, with an array of exquisite images, evocative texts (from the Book of the Dead), and traces of her burial goods. In this episode we explore the sepulchre, its decoration, and its conservation in the modern era. Music: Ihab Mahna and Luke Chaos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2 Feb 2026 · 50 min
225: Nefertari, Queen of Egypt
The rise and reign of Nefertari (Nefret-Iry, "She Has Become Beautiful"). A girl of unknown origins (but some tantalising possibilites) who would rise to the rank of King's Chief/Great Wife. Nefertari is world-famous, especially for her monuments. But the Queen herself is remarkably shadowy. We go in search of her tale... Music: Ancient Lyric (intro) & Keith Zizza (outro). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About The History of Egypt Podcast

The History of Egypt Podcast is a English history podcast from Dominic Perry. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Dominic Perry
Language: English
Category: History
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 34 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id626129639
Rights: Dominic Perry

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