Long before the glory of Rome and the marvels of today’s modern day
skyscrapers, one of the world’s most amazing civilizations flourished in
Egypt. Like most great civilizations, ancient Egypt’s grandeur can be
attributed to a mix of natural bounty and human ingenuity. The rich waters
of the Nile provided the resources and pathways to build dynamic trade
routes, while Egypt’s architects dedicated themselves to harnessing
the power of the Nile to engineer the stunning structures which have
achieved world renown. Over the course of generations and centuries,
these architects built dams, pyramids, temples, fortresses, and tombs
that have become models of engineering innovation. Students will learn
how ideas travel from being virtually inconceivable to becoming reality
through dedication, careful thinking, and daring experimentation.
Egypt: Engineering an Empire delves into the techniques and tools
architects masterminded to create the structures and landscapes that
continue to fascinate us today. The story opens in 3032 B.C. as the
Nile’s flooding tests the dams of the city of Memphis, and follows through the enthralling development of Egyptian
cities over the course of centuries. Powerful Egyptian pharaohs and pedigreed queens enlisted their architects
and thousands of laborers to pour their sweat and talents into enacting their visions. With commentary from
historians and colorful maps, this two-hour documentary offers a fresh perspective on this amazing culture of long
ago and the influence of its inventions in today’s cities and cultures.
