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The Man Who Discovered Egypt

Documentary about English Egyptologist Flinders Petrie. Ancient Egypt was vandalised by tomb raiders until one Victorian maverick pioneered modern field archaeology.

Documentary about English Egyptologist Flinders Petrie, the pioneer of systematic methodology in archaeology. Ancient Egypt was vandalised by tomb raiders and treasure hunters until this Victorian adventurer took them on. Most people have never heard of him, but this maverick undertook a scientific survey of the pyramids, discovered the oldest portraits in the world, unearthed Egypt's prehistoric roots - and in the process invented modern field archaeology, giving meaning to a whole civilisation.

Available now

59 minutes

Last on

Tue 18 Feb 2025 01:10
BBC Four

Clips

See all clips from The Man Who Discovered Egypt (2)

Music Played

  • Edward Elgar

    Serenade for Strings

  • Edward Elgar

    Busyness

  • Edward Elgar

    The Sad Doll

  • Edward Elgar

    Interlude from The Crown of India

  • Edward Elgar

    Chanson de matin Op.15`2

    Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra. Conductor: Hilary Davan Wetton.

  • Edward Elgar

    Nursery Suite

  • Arvo Pärt

    Fratres

  • Usef Ahmadi

    Dawn of Amou Ra

  • James S. Levine

    Mild Shine

  • Hermann Langschwert

    Ancient Dream

  • Kronos Quartet

    My Love, Come Quickly

  • Gustav Holst

    The Planets Suite

  • Robin Jeffrey

    Timeless Land

  • Michael Convertino

    Spiegel Im Spiegal / A Nation of Two

Credits

Presenter Chris Naunton
Executive Producer Christina Macaulay
Director Deborah Perkin

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