The Maritime History Programme - Episode 8: The Middle Kingdom Mariners

The eighth installment of this wonderful lecture series from Brandon Huebner explores the maritime connections of Egypt during the Middle Kingdom period. An inscription left by an explorer named Hannu helps us get a grasp on the reopening of trade in the Red Sea, and a literary narrative called The Tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor helps us understand the Middle Kingdom mindset as related to the sea. Also covered in this episode: the debate about when the Canal of the Pharaohs was finished, the physical evidence of funerary boats found outside a pyramid at Dashur, and a few other scattered topics. Brandon Huebner is a terrific, fresh new voice in the field of maritime history and these impeccably researched programmes offer a wonderful introduction to the ancient world. Of course, you're free to dip in and out, choosing those subjects which interest you most, but we'd recommend starting with Episode 1.