Ep 10. Building Pharaoh's Ship

NOVA Season 37 Episode 10, titled "Building Pharaoh's Ship," takes viewers on a fascinating journey back in time to ancient Egypt. The episode explores the creation of one of the most impressive ships in history, a vessel commissioned by Pharaoh Khufu over 4,500 years ago.

The show begins by introducing viewers to the ship itself, which was discovered in 1954 in a pit beside the Great Pyramid of Giza. At nearly 150 feet long, the ship is an impressive feat of engineering, but how it was built and what it was used for remained a mystery for many years.

Researchers and archaeologists have spent countless hours studying the ship, attempting to piece together its construction and purpose. The NOVA episode dives deep into their efforts, providing insights into the way ancient Egyptians worked with wood and how they utilized the Nile River to transport goods and people.

Viewers are taken on a journey through the heart of Egypt and into the homes and workshops of skilled craftsmen who may have helped build the ship. Detailed descriptions of the tools and techniques used in ancient times are provided, painting a vivid picture of the way that teams of workers toiled together to create such wonders.

The episode also provides a glimpse into the political and social factors that may have influenced Pharaoh Khufu's decision to build such an impressive vessel. Ancient Egyptian society was highly stratified, with rulers at the top dictating how resources were allocated and what projects were undertaken. By examining this aspect of life in ancient Egypt, NOVA provides important context for the ship's creation and helps viewers understand why such a massive undertaking was deemed necessary.

As the episode progresses, viewers are introduced to some of the challenges facing the team attempting to study and preserve the ship. The vessel is made primarily of cedar, a type of wood that is highly susceptible to decay and insect damage. In order to prevent the ship from deteriorating, researchers must carefully monitor its environment and take steps to protect it from further damage.

Viewers are provided with a close-up look at the ship itself, with stunning footage that showcases the intricate details and impressive scale of the vessel. From its massive rudder to its finely carved prow, every aspect of the ship underwent careful consideration and planning in order to ensure that it was seaworthy and capable of transporting people and goods along the Nile River.

"Building Pharaoh's Ship" isn't just a story about an impressive vessel, it's a fascinating glimpse into a culture that existed thousands of years ago. By examining the way that ancient Egyptians worked with wood, the NOVA team provides crucial insights into their social structure and the challenges they faced when it came to transportation and trade.

Ultimately, viewers come away from this episode with a newfound appreciation for the remarkable achievements of our ancestors. The creation of Pharaoh Khufu's ship is a testament to the creativity, skill, and determination of the ancient Egyptians, and this episode of NOVA does an excellent job of bringing their story to life.