Raiders of the Lost Pharaohs
In the 19th century, rival European powers hunted Egypt's pharaonic treasures. Pioneering Egyptologists balanced discovery and plunder in an epic journey brought to life through drama and 3D.
Director: Sigrid Clément, Lars Blumers
Napoleon's Egyptian Expedition (1798-1801)
In 1798, Napoleon invaded Egypt with soldiers and scholars. As Denon risked his life recording ancient wonders, the Rosetta Stone promised to unlock the mystery of hieroglyphs.
The Treasure Hunt
After France's defeat, British and French consuls battled for Egypt's antiquities. Explorer Belzoni joined the race to seize the colossal Young Memnon as their ruthless rivalry intensified.
The Battle of The Hieroglyphs
Belzoni uncovered Egypt's ancient wonders while Champollion raced Thomas Young to decipher the Rosetta Stone. His breakthrough gave a civilisation silent for 1,400 years its voice again.
Champollion In The Land Of The Pharaohs
Champollion travelled up the Nile to test his decipherment of hieroglyphs, bringing forgotten pharaohs back to life. His triumphant expedition came at a devastating cost to his health.
The War Of The Pyramids
Vyse blasted into Giza's pyramids as Lepsius and Prisse d'Avennes competed for Karnak's royal list. Their clash embodied an emerging Egyptology torn between preservation, science and plunder.
The Custodian Of The Treasure
Auguste Mariette discovered Saqqara's Serapeum and pioneered a more scientific Egyptology. Once a looter, he created Egypt's Antiquities Service and Cairo's first museum to protect its heritage.
