The Race for Ancient Egypt in Colour
2026– · Channel 4 · 60 min · 1 season
S01E02 · The Fight for Egypt's Past
Sun, 22 Mar, 6:00 am
Through the 1930s, Egypt presses for authority over its own antiquities but foreign archaeologists race to acquire more 'star' discoveries as World War II closes in.
About
The Race for Ancient Egypt in Colour reveals the extraordinary story of Egypt in the years between the World Wars – a time when archaeology became entangled in the politics of a nation striving for sovereignty. In 1922, Egyptology burst onto the world stage with Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb sparking global Egyptomania. But the discovery came amid a period of rapid political change, with Egypt having won partial independence from Britain. As its leaders sought greater control over foreign excavations, many Western archaeologists resisted, unwilling to relinquish access to a past, and despite the crucial Egyptian contributions that went largely unrecognised, the race for ancient Egypt was on!
The series also addresses other key discoveries made during this era such as Queen Hetepheres' tomb, and Pierre Montet's spectacular yet little-know discovery at Tanis – until World War II brought this golden age of discovery in Egypt to an end.
Episodes
- E01
Revolution and the Boy King
Sun, 15 Mar· 60 minThe first episode begins in 1922, when Howard Carter's discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun transformed Egyptology into a global sensation and European and American institutions looked to unearth, and control, Egypt's ancient heritage. A tense stand-off between Carter and Egypt's new government begins, as the authorities seeks a greater say in how their nation's ancient past is managed.
- E02
The Fight for Egypt's Past
Sun, 22 Mar· 60 minThrough the 1930s, Egypt presses for authority over its own antiquities but foreign archaeologists race to acquire more 'star' discoveries as World War II closes in.