At last programmes about Ancient Egypt that are not dumbed down, nor making extravagant conclusions without supporting facts. Archaeologists at work showing the highs and lows of excavating and the excitement they still feel even after working at the same site for many years, this is infectious and exciting to follow their progress. As for the Darnells what a couple of jerks. Scholarly they may be but they make their appearances all about them. We were even treated to a tour of her wardrobe! I have to fast forward as I cannot stand to look at nor listen to them.
16 Reviews
Minus the Darnells, fabulous
ldesteiguer2 January 2022
Ancient Egypt junkie and what I like about this series is a focus on the archeological digs and analysis, the discovery and attempt to better understand this civilization. It blows your mind when you realize how long the Egyptians held onto their culture and way of life.
This series explores some previously well covered topics (Tutankhamun, Rameses II, Hatshepsut) but in a novel way. Without rehashing the same angles, their active research projects are adding new questions to explore on future expeditions.
The Darnells. They're Translation Tourists. They don't appear to have active research projects. They don't have an active dig site. The 1920's gear feels in bad taste and makes me think about the troubled relationship that western archeologists have had with Egypt such as Howard Carter's proposal that he and Carnarvon split the "treasure" 50/50 if he funded one last season.
This is human history but more importantly, Egyptian history. Which is why I love that this series shows how the Egyptian government has imposed strict regulations to protect their workers in these digs, artifacts recovered on site, and the repatriation of stolen goods from the black market. Archeology in Egypt still seems predominantly western funded but there are now more Egyptians featured in more prominent positions discovering their own history and it's so much better to see.
Overall, a well done series.
This series explores some previously well covered topics (Tutankhamun, Rameses II, Hatshepsut) but in a novel way. Without rehashing the same angles, their active research projects are adding new questions to explore on future expeditions.
The Darnells. They're Translation Tourists. They don't appear to have active research projects. They don't have an active dig site. The 1920's gear feels in bad taste and makes me think about the troubled relationship that western archeologists have had with Egypt such as Howard Carter's proposal that he and Carnarvon split the "treasure" 50/50 if he funded one last season.
This is human history but more importantly, Egyptian history. Which is why I love that this series shows how the Egyptian government has imposed strict regulations to protect their workers in these digs, artifacts recovered on site, and the repatriation of stolen goods from the black market. Archeology in Egypt still seems predominantly western funded but there are now more Egyptians featured in more prominent positions discovering their own history and it's so much better to see.
Overall, a well done series.
Good series
trey-yancy-572-76354712 April 2021
This is a good series. Among other things, it stands out from the pack by not being stuffed with endless repetitive filler of the same graphics over and over. As noted by others, the inclusion of a pair of college professors who dress like 19th century tourists (and who are in fact only scholarly tourists themselves) is more than a little annoying. It's like visitors to Kenya dressing up in their little safari suits before they pile into their parade of Toyota vans.
As for episode two, if you ever get a job in Egyptian archeology, don't work for Dr. Mohie. Way too much of an obnoxious jerk. After the aged-out-into-retirement Dr. Hawas, it feels like Mohie is feeling the wind in his sails.
But those are the only two issues. The content is very good and there are even a couple of revelations. Considering how Egypt has been done to death in documentaries, it is nice to have a series that provides something new.
As for episode two, if you ever get a job in Egyptian archeology, don't work for Dr. Mohie. Way too much of an obnoxious jerk. After the aged-out-into-retirement Dr. Hawas, it feels like Mohie is feeling the wind in his sails.
But those are the only two issues. The content is very good and there are even a couple of revelations. Considering how Egypt has been done to death in documentaries, it is nice to have a series that provides something new.
Where did they find these caricatures?!
rkorthuis3 March 2021
Fascinating, new look at ancient Egypt as we know it.
cs_mcm21 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I love the show/series, and have always enjoyed National Geographic
for their extraordinary documentary programs.
...but WHAT the hell is Colleen Darnell and her husband doing, other than to 'Look the part' of the 1920s or 1930s Victorian-era explorer!??
IF, and I say "IF" they qualify to be 'experts' for the series, what, precisely, are their qualifications? Looks like a 1920's-era speakeasy dame strolling around casually, simply because her husband is dolled-up in period attire with the bow-tie and bowler hat to match.
It's impossible to take this couple's commentary seriously, if only because they present themselves as the original discoverers of what they are chasing, while the initial discoveries came a hundred years before their so-called 'Expertise.' Maybe they've bought into the Trumpist delusion...
The series is exceptional, while the Darnells' testimony speaks to me of falsely self-assured 'expertise' simply because they dress in the style of Howard Carter's era.
Mr. and Mrs. Darnell: If you wish for us to consider you seriously, then drop the period clothing or costumes, and just be out with it. We have no need or desire for your theatrics.
...but WHAT the hell is Colleen Darnell and her husband doing, other than to 'Look the part' of the 1920s or 1930s Victorian-era explorer!??
IF, and I say "IF" they qualify to be 'experts' for the series, what, precisely, are their qualifications? Looks like a 1920's-era speakeasy dame strolling around casually, simply because her husband is dolled-up in period attire with the bow-tie and bowler hat to match.
It's impossible to take this couple's commentary seriously, if only because they present themselves as the original discoverers of what they are chasing, while the initial discoveries came a hundred years before their so-called 'Expertise.' Maybe they've bought into the Trumpist delusion...
The series is exceptional, while the Darnells' testimony speaks to me of falsely self-assured 'expertise' simply because they dress in the style of Howard Carter's era.
Mr. and Mrs. Darnell: If you wish for us to consider you seriously, then drop the period clothing or costumes, and just be out with it. We have no need or desire for your theatrics.
Interesting and Informative
zombiemockingbird26 September 2022
I really enjoyed this series. There is a lot of information about things I hadn't seen or heard of before. The photography is very well done and so is the narration; he just gives the information with no fake drama and no repetition. Most of the archeologists and egyptologists are very informative and obviously know their stuff. I have to agree with all of the other reviewers however on the Darnells; they are absolutely ridiculous. Her voice alone is enough to make your ears bleed, and the way she talks, emphasizing every other word, she talks like she's announcing a sporting event. There is no way she in her vintage dresses and heels with her little straw hat and umbrella, 20's hair bob and enough makeup to sink the Titanic, and him in his linen suits and bow ties, have ever been on any kind of actual archeological dig in their lives. I honestly can't take anything either one of them says seriously.
Constantly shifts from one scene to another
rtgannon127 November 2022
While there is some very interesting history presented in this series, the big downside was the incessant moving from one excavation location to another every few minutes. It would have been much better if they just stuck with one story for a longer period. I suppose this style was chosen in a weird attempt to hold the interest of those that have a short attention span, but I found it to be extremely annoying.
Most of the historical experts do a pretty good job of hosting their segments. There is one notable exception, that being Colleen Darnell. Her obsession with 1920s period clothing comes across as unprofessional while she parades along as though she's on a fashion show catwalk. Along with her mousy voice, it just makes her segments cringe-worthy.
All said, I feel the production method really downgraded the effort and left me disappointed with what could have been a much better series from National Geographic.
Most of the historical experts do a pretty good job of hosting their segments. There is one notable exception, that being Colleen Darnell. Her obsession with 1920s period clothing comes across as unprofessional while she parades along as though she's on a fashion show catwalk. Along with her mousy voice, it just makes her segments cringe-worthy.
All said, I feel the production method really downgraded the effort and left me disappointed with what could have been a much better series from National Geographic.
Absolutely bloody brilliant
slwade-4914812 April 2021
One of the best programme series documenting egypt!! Absolutely love these series. For someone who is an Egyptian airhead and need this is the best and I would definitely recommend these series to any other egyptian airhead and need any day of the week. I believe I must've been an egyptian in a past life to love it as much as I do.
National Geographic show
SnoopyStyle13 June 2022
This National Geographic show presents archaeologists as they excavate dig sites and make big discoveries. They present the latest understanding of these past Egyptian civilizations. What I love most is finding new discoveries. It's great finding a new opening and going down a new tunnel. It's amazing to uncover that cartouche still with its original paint. It's great to see that discoveries continue. On the other hand, I can do without the lady in 20's outfit. Someone is too in love with Merchant and Ivory movies. It's too much of a gimmick. The show does threaten to overload the information. Overall, it's nice to see these places and things. It's even better to know that more are being discovered.
Outstanding! Mind-blowing! Amazing! Superb! Wonderful Docu-Series.
mwrwazed27 March 2021
Egypt has the richest archeological treasures on planet earth. There are lots of treasures beneath under this golden sand of the desert. Just excavate and you'll find Tombs, Temples, and maybe lost cities that were lost a long time ago.
National Geography's camera got unprecedented access to cover from the front line with the world's best archeologists in this excavating season. And this footage made this beautiful and enchanting docu-series named The Lost Treasures of Egypt.
Though it's a documentary, the story goes just like a thriller movie. So definitely, this documentary is watch-worthy and enjoyable. As a history lover, I enjoyed it much. The scripting, making, and 3D visuals are very well made. Seems like, for a fraction of time, I had been traveled from the ancient world. NatGeo has done brilliant work. Really appreciatable.
National Geography's camera got unprecedented access to cover from the front line with the world's best archeologists in this excavating season. And this footage made this beautiful and enchanting docu-series named The Lost Treasures of Egypt.
Though it's a documentary, the story goes just like a thriller movie. So definitely, this documentary is watch-worthy and enjoyable. As a history lover, I enjoyed it much. The scripting, making, and 3D visuals are very well made. Seems like, for a fraction of time, I had been traveled from the ancient world. NatGeo has done brilliant work. Really appreciatable.
Really Rehashed Info Ruined by Annoying Host
rsplace2 June 2023
Some of us come for new and enlightening facts. Some of us leave because of over the top, annoying hosts.
Colleen Darnell can take her laughable cosplay elsewhere. Her shrill, cartoonish delivery belongs in a Scooby Doo episode. It's unfortunate that any scholarly integrity is completely obliterated by her attempt to position herself with Howard Carter as some weird historical contemporary. Imposing her dramatic suppositions and theories actually detract from the more professional narration. I'll be keeping my eye out for the producers. National Geographic used to have a much better reputation; now they have stooped to History Channel clickbait level.
Colleen Darnell can take her laughable cosplay elsewhere. Her shrill, cartoonish delivery belongs in a Scooby Doo episode. It's unfortunate that any scholarly integrity is completely obliterated by her attempt to position herself with Howard Carter as some weird historical contemporary. Imposing her dramatic suppositions and theories actually detract from the more professional narration. I'll be keeping my eye out for the producers. National Geographic used to have a much better reputation; now they have stooped to History Channel clickbait level.
OK, except for these fools dressed in 20's costumes
nordmeyerx-8738517 November 2023
I like science programs about Archaeology and History, but the second these FOOLS showed up in their 20's costumes and were parading around Ancient Egyptian monuments made me feel like I was watching a History Channel monster hunter spoof show and not something scientific. Why would you add these buffoons? Are they really scientists? I watched a few shows of this and I get that scientists are affected by themselves and love being on TV and in the spotlight, but having Cosplay weirdos telling ME about Egyptian history is just too much. I have stopped watching the series and won't start it up again. If I can be assured these freaks don't show up again I will continue to watch it.
No one cares about your clothes and maybe our ancestors should rest in peace?!
janewell-1252916 December 2023
I am watching this "lost treasures of Egypt" on Hulu and I dunno who she ... Colleen Darnell...is but her outfit is ridiculously ugly and the fact they just had to mention that she is a "vintage clothes collector" on a documentary of ancient Egypt...lost treasures... well that's just stupid and disrespectful. Maybe more disrespectful than disturbing our ancestors graves!? I'm not going lie, I love ancient aliens, lost cities, outer space, and things that I'm very curious about, but at the end of the day, I watch these shows that kinda contradict themselves. They say how it was soooo important for Egyptians and ancient ancestors to be buried and their mummy was to preserve their soul and rest in peace so they could live a happy life in the next world... yet we are digging them up and ripping them apart?! I'm just as curious as anyone but at the end of the day, if it were me, I would let them rest I'm peace. They will haunt you and you know this! Regardless it's rude! I hope they dig up your grave in a few hundred years without your family consent!
Judging by the poster art
Rickinator6925 September 2021
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