This is the question Dr Kasia Szpakowska from Swansea University’s Department of History and Classics will be addressing as part of the National Geographic Channel’s television special The Egyptian Job, to be aired at 8pm on Sunday, June 19.

Dr Szpakowska was chosen by the National Geographic Channel as one of two Egyptologists to feature in the programme, due to her expertise in the area of daily life in Late Middle Kingdom Egypt – the time when Amenemhat III built his pyramid and when it was originally looted.

Dr Szpakowska said: “The topic of the show is particularly relevant today. The Egyptian revolution that began in January gave rise to a wave of increased looting and stealing of antiquities, bringing increased attention to the ongoing problems of tomb and monument security. Clearly this is an issue that dates back to the time of Ancient Egypt.

“Whilst the television special is presented as a fun romp in the past, the social issues addressed are ones that continue to play a major role in our understanding of the past and in the creation of public policy for heritage protection.”

The Egyptian Job will be aired at 8pm on Sunday, June 19, on the National Geographic Channel (and repeated at 12pm on Monday, June 20, and 7pm on Tuesday, June 21).   For more information about the programme visit http://natgeotv.com/uk/the-egyptian-job.   

This news item has been posted on behalf of the College of Arts and Humanities by Bethan Evans, Swansea University Public Relations Office, Tel: 01792 295049, or email: b.w.evans@swansea.ac.uk.