The History of Egypt Podcast · Dominic Perry

Khaemwaset Forever with Dr. Campbell Price

·57 min·5 clips

Chris Stewart invites you to explore wars and treasures on the History of China podcast before shifting to ancient Egypt.

This episode of The History of Egypt Podcast features host Dominic Perry in conversation with Dr. Campbell Price, curator of Egypt and Sudan at Manchester Museum. They discuss Prince Khaemwaset, the fourth son of Pharaoh Ramesses II, focusing on his historical roles and legendary legacy. Dr. Price is a returning guest known for his expertise and previous discussions on statues and legacy in ancient Egypt. The conversation centers on Khaemwaset's work as a High Priest of Ptah at Memphis and his activities in restoring older monuments. Dr. Price details how Khaemwaset inscribed his own name and dedications on these restored structures, creating a tangible link to the past. They explore the prince's involvement in the burial and reburial of sacred Apis bulls, a significant religious duty. The discussion references specific monuments Khaemwaset restored, including those from the Step Pyramid complex of Djoser at Saqqara. A key insight is that Khaemwaset's restoration texts often framed him as fulfilling the original builder's intentions, thereby legitimizing his own actions. Dr. Price explains how these activities were a form of "archaeology" or engagement with a deep past that was already ancient in Khaemwaset's own time. The episode highlights how Khaemwaset's historical reputation for piety and preservation later transformed him into a magical figure in Egyptian folklore and Arabic literature. He eventually became known as "Setna," a hero of magical tales written in Demotic script centuries after his death. The conversation reveals that Khaemwaset's legacy is a unique blend of verifiable historical action and subsequent mythological elaboration. Dr. Price notes the prince's deliberate strategy to ensure his name endured by physically associating it with the most venerable monuments. The episode presents Khaemwaset not just as a priest, but as an early conservator who understood the power of material culture for memory. It is surprising to learn how a real historical administrator evolved into a fairy-tale sorcerer in popular culture over a millennium. The tone is conversational and educational, flowing as a deep dive between two knowledgeable enthusiasts. The style is interview-based, with the host prompting the expert to elaborate on specific aspects of the prince's life and legend. Listeners interested in New Kingdom history, Egyptian archaeology, and the afterlife of historical figures in folklore would love this episode. Those seeking a broad overview of Egyptian history or a narrative-driven story might find this focused academic discussion less engaging.

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