Egypt's Unexplained Files

The series investigates the facts and falsehoods surrounding ancient Egypt’s most celebrated icons, from the enigmatic Great Sphinx to the golden tomb of Tutankhamun and the mysterious lost city of Tanis. It separates historical evidence from popular legend to reveal what truly lies behind these beloved symbols.

Ancient Icons in the Modern Age is a television episode that turns its lens on some of the most recognisable symbols of ancient Egypt. Presented as a single programme rather than a series, it fits neatly into the documentary‑style genre, offering viewers a compact yet thorough look at the legacy of these historic figures. The core of the episode investigates what’s genuine and what’s fabricated about Egypt’s most beloved icons. It scrutinises the Great Sphinx, the boy‑king Tutankhamun and the enigmatic, now‑lost city of Tanis, asking whether the stories we tell about them are rooted in fact or built on myth. Throughout the broadcast, the makers separate long‑standing legends from the archaeological record. By comparing popular images with the evidence uncovered by scholars, the programme shows how each icon has been both celebrated and misunderstood across the centuries. In the end, the episode leaves viewers with a clearer picture of how these ancient symbols have shaped modern perceptions of Egypt. It highlights the ongoing tension between awe‑inspiring myth and the hard‑won truths that continue to emerge from the desert sands.