In light of the historic events unfolding in Egypt, the National Geographic Channel is presenting a week of programs — The Treasure of Egypt — that spotlight the antiquities of one of mankind’s most significant ancient cultures.
“We have truly witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime event in Egypt,” said Steve Burns, executive vice president, global content, for National Geographic Channel. “It is important for National Geographic, whose mission is to inspire people to care about the planet, to remind viewers what is so precious about Egyptian heritage and why it matters to the world.”
With Change Comes Loss
With an estimated loss of more than $1 billion in tourism since the revolution began, the week of programming will not only highlight the importance of protecting these incredible relics, but also remind viewers of the extraordinary beauty and appeal of the country to people around the world.
Treasures of Egypt encompasses five nights of the best of National Geographic Egypt programming, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Each primetime hour will open with newly produced segments that place the subjects of the show within the context of recent events. Segments will be hosted by Fox News Channel’s Bill Hemmer, and will include an exclusive interview with Dr. Zahi Hawass, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and most recently the Egypt’s minister of state for antiquities affairs. In an interview with NGC, Hawass — who himself has come under pressure and faced criticism in recent days — candidly recounts the break-in at the Cairo Museum in new detail, reveals how some stolen treasures have already been recovered and takes us into the Cairo Museum’s conservation lab to show antiquities that have been restored or are in the process of being restored.
Episodes Include:
- Treasures of Egypt: Tut’s Treasures – Tuesday, February 22, at 8 p.m. ET/PT
- Treasures of Egypt: King Tut’s Final Secrets – Wednesday, February 23, at 8 p.m. ET/PT
- Treasures of Egypt: King Tut and the Lost Dynasty – Thursday, February 24, at 8 p.m. ET/PT
- Treasures of Egypt: The Real Cleopatra – Friday, February 25, at 8 p.m. ET/PT
- Treasures of Egypt: Secrets of the Valley of the Kings – Saturday, February 26, at 8 p.m. ET/PT
