Secrets of the Dead: The Silver Pharaoh DVD
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Comments about PBS Secrets of the Dead: The Silver Pharaoh DVD:
Beautiful & filled with interesting historicity!
Comments about PBS Secrets of the Dead: The Silver Pharaoh DVD:
I originally saw the program when it was broadcast and wanted a DVD to be able to go back for reinforcement. I'm not an expert in ancient Egyptian history and this will help fill a gap in my knowledge. In fact, the discovery of the Psusennes I tomb filled a gap in archeology back in 1939, but is rarely discussed. I recommend this, if for no other reason, just to see the Pharaoh's spectacular sarcophagus! Way ta go PBS!
Comments about PBS Secrets of the Dead: The Silver Pharaoh DVD:
Cons: There is a certain (expected) amount of sensationalism. For example, "The Intermediate Period" is treated like a historical black hole about which we know nothing; the treasure is said to be more spectacular than King Tut's (which may be true, but how would one assess that?). The now popular technique of re-enacting past incidents is used several times (e.g., the discovery of the tomb). There are minor imprecisions (e.g., "The Intermediate Period" mentioned was actually one of three and the others aren't mentioned). The political and economic relationships within Egypt (Upper and Lower) and across the Near East are discussed, but are not made clear (especially the internal politics which were very hard to follow).
Pros: The experts appear to be just that, being members of respectable and appropriate institutions (museums and universities); and, the things they say are believable in the context of modern Egyptian archaeology, not flakey theories used to attract an audience. The visuals are excellent, including mostly on-site, Egyptian scenes in the desert and in the laboratory. Dates and general historical timeline are accurate. All the flaws (Cons) are relatively minor.
Usefulness: As a college professor, I'm looking for informational accuracy and precision as well as meaningful analysis. "The Silver Pharaoh" fills the bill in most regards. It is also reasonably entertaining. The broadcast version (Nov. 3, 2010) was 50 min., rather than the 60 min. listed on the website for the DVD. Frankly, 50 min. is more convenient for me.
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