“Birth of an Empire” is the first episode of the four-part history documentary “Planet Egypt. This episode focuses on the so-called “Zero Dynasty” during which the northern and the southern lands and tribes were unified and Egypt was founded. In particular, the film investigates the contribution King Narmer, the first pharaoh of Egypt, made to the development of the state.
The historical significance of the film lies in the fact that it sheds light on one of the least investigated and the most controversial periods in the history of Egypt – Zero Dynasty. According to the documentary, Egypt was founded by King Narmer who also can be considered to be the first in the dynasty of pharaohs. Due to the recently found evidence, in particular, the Narmer Palette, he was the first ruler who managed to unite the North and the South of the state as a result of an effective military and social policies. The film demonstrates the peculiarities of industrial, agricultural, social, and cultural development of the state. To reconstruct the possible picture of Egypt in its pre-dynastic period, the authors of the film combine the representation of theoretical material with dramatic episodes depicting the routine of ancient Egyptians, pictures of archeological finds, computer animations, and 3D modeling.
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"Planet Egypt – Episode 1: Birth of an Empire".
Though the authors of the film attempt to represent a detailed picture of Egypt during the period of Zero Dynasty, most of the conclusions drawn by them lack evidence and are, in fact, mere suggestions and ideas. It especially concerns the dramatic episodes demonstrated in the film since little is known about the personality of Narmer, his character, and appearance.
Nevertheless, the documentary provides a detailed insight into one of the oldest and most significant periods of Egypt’s development. It also reconstructs general social and political pictures, describes the peculiarities of religious, cultural, and technological development of the united country, and proves that one of the most influential states of the ancient world was created in the result of both war and peaceful collaboration. All these elements play a vital role in investigation and understanding of Egyptian civilization and the ancient world in general.
