The Last of the Pharaohs: Fact vs Fiction

Cleopatra. Few names are charged with as much mystique and legend as that of Ancient Egypt's last ruling queen. Whether you imagine profile portraits on ancient artifacts or Elizabeth Taylor's 1963 blockbuster performance, this last vestige of the age of the Pharaohs has left her permanent mark on history. But is that mark the truth?

Recently I saw two television documentaries examining Cleopatra's life, the world she lived in, and the centuries of lore and myth surrounding her reign. The first one, produced by the National Geographic channel as part of their Egypt Unwrapped series examined the standard Cleopatra story with a fresh insight as to what the events of her life actually signify. Case in point, one thing Cleopatra is famous for (or infamous, depending on your point of view) is seducing Julius Ceasar and Mark Antony, and bearing children to both of them.

This has led Cleopatra to be cast as a temptress, but according to the opinions of experts interviewed for the program, what she was actually doing was forming political alliances with the Roman Empire in order to protect the interests of Egypt. The children that she bore could have a legitimate claim to the thrones of both nations, thereby helping Cleopatra to remain secure in her powers.

The other documentary, presented by the Science Channel as part of their Unearthing Ancient Secrets series take an even more dramatic stance on the validity of the Cleopatra story. The last pharaoh's death by suicide, usually by the bite of a poisonous snake, is one of the most iconic scenes in her story. But is it fact or fiction?

Puzzled by the many inconsistencies and supposed "red flags" in ancient accounts, Pat Brown, an experienced criminal profiler, applies modern forensics technology and enlists the help of respected experts to prove her ultimate theory: that Cleopatra did not commit suicide, but rather was murdered after the Roman Empire took control of Egypt, possibly on the orders of her victorious rival Ocatvian. Ms. Brown investigates the case very thoroughly and finds surprisingly concrete evidence to back up her claims.

For anyone interested in these and other fine programing please visit:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ and http://science.discovery.com/

NYCC 2011: The Avengers Panel

Watch the entire panel for the Avengers movie at New York Comic Con this weekend. Except for the new footage that was shown during the panel. As no one was allowed to record it. Credit goes to BKBN TV for providing this video.  Stay tuned here for more NYCC news this week:

Movie Review 1911

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In the fall of 1911, China overthrew it's 2000 year reigning monarchy and formed a democracy. A century later, their story has been told, with the talent of the legendary Jackie Chan. Chan is known for the Rush Hour films here in America, but his work is far broader than that. In this film, he gives an amazing performance. The film is genuinely good, but has some slow moments. Altenrating between settings and story lines, it would have done well to have had more of Chan and the richness he brings to his character. 3.5 out of 5 stars.