Mummies and Pyramids: Egypt and Beyond

For nearly everyone the words "pyramids" and "mummies" evoke images of ancient Egypt. Yet those intriguing cultural artifacts are by no means unique to the Land of the Pharoahs. As this series vividly demonstrates, they are found around the world, including the Americas. Indeed, the oldest mummies in the world, and some of the most sophisicated anywhere, come not from the Nily Valley but from the Atacama Desert in Chile. As archaeologists uncover these ancient mysteries of the New World, they bring to light unappreciated or misunderstood cultures whose creations and customes inspire, awe, shock and wonder. Previously broadcast on The Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel.