Egypt's Lost Cities
Summary
Host Tristan Hughes and Egyptologist Chris Norton explore Egypt’s lost cities, from the undiscovered capital Thinis to the partially submerged Memphis. They discuss how shifting Nile courses and mud-brick construction obscure urban remains compared to durable tombs. The episode also covers Akhenaten’s short-lived capital, Amarna, highlighting its unique archaeological preservation and historical significance.
Topics discussed
Intro and History Hit sponsorship
Introduction to Egypt's lost cities
Why lost cities are compelling to discover
Historical records and Manetho's lists
Manetho's context and Ptolemaic interests
Geography of capitals and the Nile Delta
Thinis: The first capital of Egypt
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Preservation bias in Egyptian archaeology
Memphis: Strategic shift and river movement
Amarna: Akhenaten's planned capital
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Tanis and the search for Pi-Ramesses
Alexandria and underwater archaeology
Conclusion and show notes
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