Plot Synopsis

LEGENDS OF THE PHARAOHS is a one-hour docuseries that bring back to life Egypt's great pyramid builders and trace one century of epic construction -- from the first true pyramid built by Djoser until the third and last Pyramid of Giza. Based on the most recent research, it is possible to shine a new light on the personal stories of individuals who took part in the construction of the Pyramids and the Great Sphinx of Giza. This series chronicles the tale of how the Ancient Pharaohs' quest to enter the afterlife affected the lives of tens of thousands of people, changed the face of the planet and helped create the world's first nation. LEGENDS OF THE PHARAOHS had its U.S. premiere on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 8pm ET/PT on Smithsonian Channel. Episodes include:

"Egypt's First Pyramid" (US Premiere on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 8pm): In Ancient Egypt, 4,700 years ago, a revolution is brewing. The most ambitious building project on the planet sets off a chain of events which will transform the history. Buried in the sands of Egypt is a tale of a powerful pharaoh who would become a god and revolutionise Egypt. The legend of the world's first pyramid and its pharaoh Djoser.

"Curse of the Pyramids" (US Premiere on Monday, March 1, 2021 at 8pm): The age of the pyramid builders has begun. Now, a new pharaoh, Snefru, ascends the throne. To hold on to power he will marry his sister, conquer new territories and reorganise his entire country. But his greatest achievement will be to build not one, but three giant pyramids, at Giza.

"The Tyrant King" (US Premiere on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 8pm): The Great Pyramid of Giza is the world's most famous tomb built, by Khufu, a pharaoh with a reputation for cruelty. Was Khufu really a megalomaniac ready to sacrifice his people in his pursuit of the perfect path to the afterlife? Now, archaeologists are hunting for the truth about this king and his pyramid, exposing strange ceremonies and an incredible lost city of the pyramid workers.

"Mystery of the Great Pyramid" (US Premiere on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 8pm): At Giza, the notorious pharaoh, Khufu -- the son of Snefru and Queen Heterpheres I - is running out of time to complete his great pyramid. Recently unearthed ancient diaries of one of the stone workers reveal exactly how this magnificent edifice was completed and what happened when Khufu died, four-and-a-half thousand years ago.

"Secrets of the Sphinx" (US Premiere on Monday, March 22, 2021 at 8pm): In ancient Egypt the legendary pharaoh Khufu is now dead. Who will succeed the builder of the greatest pyramid in history? Now Egyptologists think that investigating the turmoil of the succession could solve one of ancient history's most enduring mysteries: the riddle of the Sphinx. This is a story of lies, betrayals and history's most enigmatic statue.

"Downfall of a Dynasty" (US Premiere on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 8pm): A series of legendary pharaohs have built the most iconic monuments in history. Generations of builders have toiled on these giant pyramids, transforming the country and uniting its people in the hope of guaranteeing eternal life for their pharaoh. But cracks in the country's unity are beginning to show. Religious transformation, climate change, and a weak pharaoh bring the age of the pyramid builders to an abrupt end