Review: Discovery Channel's Secrets of Egypt's Lost Queen

Photo credit: DCI

I'm one of those people who watches several different cable networks just for the historical and scientific documentaries. Some I like; some I'm willing to watch once a month if they're repeated that often; for some I rush to switch channels. I do get irritated that so little is presented related to women's role in history or that looks with any seriousness at gender issues.

Discovery Channel's Secrets of Egypt's Lost Queen is definitely one of those I can watch over and over -- and not just because I write about women's history and the subject is one of the most interesting mysteries about women in history.

• Discovery Channel's Secrets of Egypt's Lost Queen

Dr. Kara Cooney is a strong on-screen presence in the special, explaining Hatshepsut's history and the misunderstandings that Egyptologists are still correcting. I've summarized the interview with Dr. Cooney here.

• A Woman's Perspective on Hatshepsut's History: Interview

Hatshepsut, female ruler of Egypt, was nearly erased from history by her nephew and stepson, Thutmose III. Her mummy was unidentified -- until a June 2007 announcement from Cairo. How was the mummy identified? This supplements and explains what you'll hear in the documentary.

• How Was the Hatshepsut Mummy Identified?