Lost Treasures of Egypt takes viewers on an archaeological journey to ancient Egypt, and in this episode, “Khufu’s Palace,” airing on Nat Geo on Thursday May 2, the focus is on the renowned Egyptian monarch, Khufu.
Khufu, also known as Cheops, was the second pharaoh of the Fourth Dynasty during the Old Kingdom period. He is famously associated with the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In this episode, archaeologists uncover a palace built by Khufu, providing valuable insights into his reign and ancient Egyptian civilization.
The Great Pyramid, constructed around 2550 B.C., stands as a testament to Khufu’s ambition and power. With a base measurement of approximately 750 feet and an original height of 481 feet, it is a massive structure built with dark limestone blocks. The casing, made of nearly white limestone, gave the pyramid a shimmering appearance.
While Khufu’s pyramid is a well-known legacy, this episode also examines another aspect of his rule—the discovery of his palace. The palace, along with temples and other structures, formed part of a larger complex surrounding the pyramid.
Lost Treasures of Egypt takes viewers behind the scenes of archaeological excavations, offering a glimpse into the processes and discoveries that unravel the mysteries of the past.
Lost Treasures of Egypt: Khufu’s Palace airs Thursday May 2, 2024 on National Geographic at 9:00 pm.