Ramses the Great's Khaemwaset The First Egyptologist

Before there was modern archaeology, there was Prince Khaemwaset, the fourth son of Ramses the Great. Known as the 'First Egyptologist,' Khaemwaset was a high priest of Ptah in Memphis who spent decades restoring and studying the ancient pyramids and tombs of Egypt's Old Kingdom — structures already over a thousand years old in his own time. This episode explores his restoration work at Saqqara, his inscription on the Serapeum, his role in the Heb Sed festival, and his reputation as a magician and scholar in later Egyptian folklore. We also examine how his efforts fit into Ramses II's broader propaganda campaign to legitimize his rule by connecting to the glorious past. Featuring the Apis bull cult, the mastaba of Shepseskaf, and the 'Demotic Chronicle' — this is the story of a prince who dug into history, quite literally, to build a future. #Khaemwaset #FirstEgyptologist #RamsesTheGreat #AncientEgypt #Saqqara #Serapeum #ApisBull #Ptah #Memphis #HebSed #Egyptology #OldKingdom #PyramidRestoration #NewKingdom #NorthAfrica #History #FexingoHistory #Archaeology Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo