Instruments, Musicians, and Songs.

In this mini episode, we explore the traces of ancient Egyptian songs and music. Although the melodies and rhythms are lost, we still have lyrics, instruments and artwork detailing some of these arts. From this, we can understand how certain instruments were played, and what different artists tried to achieve. Plus, modern reconstructions can give us a hint at the soundscape of ancient Egypt.

Musical Interludes (by permission):

Flute: Erik the Flutemaker (Youtube) (Website)

Sistrum: Tahya of HathorSystrum (Youtube) (Website)

Harp: Michael Levy (Website)

Prayer: Michael Atherton (Website)

Drums: Jeffrey Goodman (Youtube) (Website)


This is Part One; a second part (including an interview with composer Jeffrey Goodman) will follow soon.

Images and Bibliography at egyptianhistorypodcast.com
The History of Egypt Podcast is on Patreon! Gain perks at patreon.com/egyptpodcast

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Mini Episode: Music in Ancient Egypt (Part 1)

Ancient Egypt, from Creation to Cleopatra. This podcast tells the story of ancient Egypt, "in their own words." Using texts, art, and archaeology, we uncover the world of the Nile Valley and its people. Website www.egyptianhistorypodcast.com Email egyptpodcast@gmail.com. Hosted on the Airwave Media Network.

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This is your offering. We travel deeper into the stars. Unas’ Pyramid Texts, on the walls of his burial chamber, lay out protections against serpents and dangers. They also introduce offerings, to sustain the King’s soul and nourish the gods.
Includes passages in English translation and ancient Egyptian.

Date: c.2320 BCE.

Pyramid Texts in translation: https://pyramidtextsonline.com/translation.html.

Additional images and references at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast.

Intro music by Jeffrey Goodman, “Lament of Isis and Nephthys,” Ancient Egyptian Music II.

Interludes by Keith Zizza, Children of the Nile.


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Let's get this bread... The Pyramid Texts (Part Two)

Unas in the sky with deities. Around 2320 BCE, King Unas did something interesting. His pyramid, at Saqqraa, is the first (surviving) monument to feature the Pyramid Texts. These elaborate hieroglyph texts reveal the religious rituals, references, and philosophy of the Old Kingdom Egyptians. In this episode, we begin a journey deep into the night and up to the sky, as King Unas travels to his immortality…

Date: c.2320 BCE.

Pyramid Texts in translation: https://pyramidtextsonline.com/translation.html.

Additional images and references at www.patreon.com/egyptpodcast.

The "Imperishable " or Circumpolar Stars https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Indestructibles.

The Egyptian gods family tree: https://veritablehokum.com/comic/the-egyptian-god-family-tree/.

Intro music by Jeffrey Goodman, “Lament of Isis and Nephthys,” Ancient Egyptian Music II.

Interludes by Keith Zizza.


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Death is only the beginning... The Pyramid Texts (Part One)

The daughters of Akhenaten and Nefertiti were not just "ornaments" for their parents. Like many princesses, they also participated in the religious rituals and royal pageantry of the Egyptian government. In this interview, Courtney Marx (MA, George Mason University) joins us on behalf of the American Research Center in Egypt, to discuss the Amarna princesses and their role as priestesses. We also explore the history of royal women as priestesses and the unique roles they played in the temple rituals. Finally, we explore the aftermath of Amarna: how the visible roles, titles, and imagery of princesses changed following the death of Akhenaten and Nefertiti.
The American Research Center in Egypt is celebrating 75 years of work in the Nile Valley. Dedicated to scholarship of the ancient, medieval, and modern worlds, the ARCE supports researchers and students, funds archaeological and scholarly work, and organises many public outreach programs. Learn more about ARCE at their website and follow the ARCE Podcast online and on all podcasting apps.
Logo image: Block fragment showing two Amarna princesses (Metropolitan Museum of Art 1985.328.6). Photo by Courtney Marx.
Further reading (provided by Courtney Marx):

Ayad, Mariam F. “The God's Wife of Amun: origins and rise to power.” In Carney, Elizabeth D. and Sabine Müller (eds), The Routledge companion to women and monarchy in the ancient Mediterranean world, 47-60. New York: Routledge, 2021.

Ayad, Mariam F. God's Wife, God's Servant: The God's Wife of Amun (ca.740–525 BC). United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis, 2009.

Bryan, Betsy M. “Property and the God’s Wives of Amun.” In D. Lyons and R. Westbrook, eds. Women and Property in Ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean Societies. Washington, DC: Center For Hellenic Studies, Harvard University, 2005.

Pawlicki, Franciszek. Princess Neferure in the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari: Failed Heiress to the Pharaoh’s Throne? Études et Travaux 21, 109-127. 2007.

Xekalaki, Georgia. Symbolism in the Representation of Royal Children During the New Kingdom. Oxford: Archaeopress, 2011.

Troy, Lana. “Patterns of Queenship in Ancient Egyptian Myth and History.” PhD diss., Uppsala University, 1986.

Williamson, Jacquelyn. “Death and the Sun Temple: New Evidence for Private Mortuary Cults at Amarna.” The Journal of Egyptian Archaeology 103, no. 1 (June 2017): 117–123. 


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Interview: God's Wives, King's Daughters - The Princesses of Amarna with Courtney Marx and ARCE

Following a complicated rise-to-power, King Men-kheper-Ra Djehuty-messu (aka Thutmose III) achieved great victories on the battlefield. His campaigns extended far to the north and south, bringing tribute and captives into Egypt. At home, Thutmose’s building projects were enormous and elaborate. And over fifty-four years of rule, the King’s followers established a legendary reputation…
Date: c.1495 - 1441 BCE.
Episode Chapters:

Part Five - Wives and Warriors: 00:01 - 01:26:22.

Part Six - Revisions to the Past: 01:26:22 - 02:38:29.

Part Seven - Fifty Four Years of Splendour, and the End: 02:38:29 - End.

Logo image: Decorated block of Thutmose III, Luxor Museum. Photo by Dominic Perry.
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The Greatest Pharaoh? The Reign of Thutmose III (Part 2)

At the height of the 18th Dynasty (c.1495 - 1441 BCE), King Men-kheper-Ra Djehuty-messu (aka Thutmose III) ruled Egypt. The start of his reign was unusual, with power wielded primarily by the Queen-King Hatshepsut. But following Hatshepsut's death, Thutmose would rise to the challenges of rule. In this episode, we explore the King's upbringing, his rise-to-power, and the famous Battle of Megiddo.
Compilation of previously released material.
Date: c.1495 - 1441 BCE.
Episode Chapters:

Part One - Little King Thutmose: 02:20 - 37:25.

Part Two - The Battle of Megiddo: 37:25 - 01:10:30.

Part Three - Campaigns of Victory (Thutmose at War): 01:10:30 - 01:50:05.

Part Four - Fighting and Festivals (War Stories and Heb Sed): 01:50:05 - End.

Logo image: Statue of Thutmose III, Luxor Museum. Photo by Dominic Perry.
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Mini Episode: Music in Ancient Egypt (Part 1)

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