Treasures of Ancient Egypt episode 3 – A New Dawn: Episode three of Treasures of Ancient Egypt: A New Dawn brings to light the captivating final chapter of Egyptian art, as presented by the ever-enthusiastic Alastair Sooke. In this episode, Sooke delves into the twilight years of Egypt’s grandeur, a period marked by political decline yet artistic revival and transformation. Through his journey, viewers are invited to witness how art became a bridge between the storied past and a new cultural synthesis shaped by foreign influences.
One of the episode’s most striking moments is Sooke’s exploration of the colossal statues of Rameses II. Towering and awe-inspiring, these monuments weren’t just artistic marvels—they were declarations of power. Like a masterful storyteller, Sooke illustrates how these immense creations were designed to project an unshakeable image of the pharaoh’s divine authority, even as the sands of time began to erode the empire’s might. The craftsmanship and vision behind these works serve as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of ancient Egyptian artisans.
As the narrative unfolds, Sooke highlights how Egypt’s decline brought waves of foreign rulers, each leaving an indelible mark on its artistic landscape. From the Nubians to Alexander the Great and, eventually, the Romans, Egypt became a cultural melting pot where art flourished in unexpected ways. This convergence birthed a hybrid style, where traditional Egyptian motifs blended seamlessly with the aesthetics of invading cultures. The resulting art was rich with surprise and innovation, a visual dialogue between past and present.
A pivotal figure in this transformative period was Queen Cleopatra. Sooke paints her as more than a historical icon; she becomes the embodiment of a nation striving to retain its identity while embracing change. Under her reign, art took on a distinctly personal and emotive quality. Statues and coins bearing her likeness reveal a woman who understood the power of image and narrative, using both to solidify her place in history.
But it is not just the grand monuments and royal portraits that captivate. Sooke’s journey uncovers a hidden layer of creativity—the satirical works of ordinary Egyptians. These pieces, often humorous and biting, reveal a society unafraid to poke fun at its rulers and traditions. From exaggerated caricatures to witty inscriptions, these works offer a rare glimpse into the daily lives and thoughts of the common people. Their echoes can still be seen in modern graffiti, connecting ancient and contemporary Egypt in a profound and playful way.
Sooke’s enthusiasm is contagious as he brings these treasures to life, making the audience feel as though they are stepping into the bustling streets of ancient Thebes or standing in the shadow of a towering obelisk. His vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling turn artifacts into living history, rich with context and meaning.
By the episode’s conclusion, it becomes clear that the final era of the Egyptian Empire was not a time of decline but a period of rebirth. The fusion of cultures and the persistence of artistic expression ensured that Egypt’s legacy endured, influencing civilizations far beyond its borders. Sooke’s exploration leaves viewers with a renewed appreciation for the enduring power of art to tell stories, challenge conventions, and inspire generations.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply someone who marvels at human creativity, Treasures of Ancient Egypt: A New Dawn is a journey worth taking. It reminds us that even in the face of change and adversity, art remains a beacon of resilience and hope, connecting us across time and space.
Treasures of Ancient Egypt episode 3 – A New Dawn
Statue of Ramesses II
The Statue of Ramesses II is a 3,200-year-old figure of Ramesses II, depicting him standing. It was discovered in 1820 by Giovanni Battista Caviglia at the Great Temple of Ptah near Memphis, Egypt. It is made from red granite.
The statue was found broken in six pieces and earlier attempts at restoration failed. In 1955, Egyptian Prime Minister Gamal Abdel Nasser moved it to the large Bab Al-Hadid square in Cairo that was then renamed Ramses Square. There the statue was restored to its full height of 11 meters and erected on a three-metre pedestal at the edge of a fountain. It was stabilized by iron bars inside the body.
Over time Ramses Square turned out to be an unsuitable location, as the statue was exposed to corrosive pollution and constant vibration from traffic and subways. The Egyptian government decided to relocate it to a more appropriate location in 2006. At a temporary site on the Giza Plateau it underwent restoration before being moved into the staircase close the entrance of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza in 2018.
Cleopatra
Cleopatra VII Philopator was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, nominally survived as pharaoh by her son Caesarion. As a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, she was a descendant of its founder Ptolemy I Soter, a Macedonian Greek general and companion of Alexander the Great. After the death of Cleopatra, Egypt became a province of the Roman Empire, marking the end of the Hellenistic period that had lasted since the reign of Alexander (336–323 BC). Her native language was Koine Greek, and she was the first Ptolemaic ruler to learn the Egyptian language.
In 58 BC, Cleopatra presumably accompanied her father Ptolemy XII during his exile to Rome after a revolt in Egypt, a Roman client state, allowed his daughter Berenice IV to claim the throne. Berenice was killed in 55 BC when the king returned to Egypt with Roman military assistance. When he died in 51 BC, the joint reign of Cleopatra and her brother Ptolemy XIII began.
A falling-out between them led to open civil war. After losing the 48 BC Battle of Pharsalus in Greece against his rival Julius Caesar (a Roman dictator and consul) in Caesar’s Civil War, the Roman statesman Pompey fled to Egypt, where Ptolemy had him killed while Caesar occupied Alexandria. Caesar had attempted to reconcile the siblings, but Ptolemy’s chief adviser Potheinos viewed Caesar’s terms as favoring Cleopatra, so his forces besieged her and Caesar at the palace.
