The Great Pyramids of Giza usually come to mind when one thinks of pyramids; however, the Step Pyramid at Saqqara was the architectural forerunner to the three magnificent Pyramids on the Giza Plateau.  The Step Pyramid was the first building made entirely of stone and was commissioned by the pharaoh Djoser during Egypt’s third dynasty.  Previous structures designed for funerary purposes were made from mud brick. Djoser’s legendary architect was the renowned Imhotep, the world’s first multi-genius.    

Dr. Clinton Crawford leads an educational tour through the Step Pyramid Complex and takes the viewer along on the journey.  He gives life to what most observers would view as ruins and examines the historical evidence through the lens of Africa’s Nile Valley culture.  SWPDVD-002

When most people speak about ancient Egyptian heads of state, male pharaohs dominate the narrative while female pharaohs are footnoted, if ever mentioned.  Queen Hatshepsut (18th Dynasty, 1498-1483 B.C.) was a strong-willed woman leader who marshaled her forces into battle and sponsored diplomatic exchanges with her relatives in the land of Punt (present day Somalia). Among her noteworthy accomplishments, Hatshepsut commissioned her royal steward and architect, Senenmut, to construct the first three-tiered building out of stone, an architectural wonder hewn from the mountains at Deir el Bahri.  Many modern-day architects still emulate this magnificent temple once dedicated to the major deity of Upper Egypt, Amun, Hatshepsut's proclaimed divine father.

Dr. Clinton Crawford's annual educational tour includes the Valley of the Kings. On site, he takes the viewer through Hatshepsut's temple and he shares his conclusions about the relationship with Hatshepsut (whose throne name is Ma'at-ka-re) and her brother, Thutmosis III; the priesthood; her architect, Senenmut, and much more.  SWPDVD-003

In this documentary, we have highlighted some of the building projects of Ramesses the builder: from his Abu Simbel rock-cut temples, the hypostyle hall at Karnak, the great pylons and the hall of past grand masters at Luxor and the Ramesseum. In addition, Ramesses’ colossal statue at Karnak, the colossal portraits of him at Luxor, and the magnificent black granite portrait of him at the Ramesseum are among some of his masterpiece images left behind.

Dr. Crawford is a full professor at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York (CUNY). He is an art historian and a specialist in language communication and the arts. A graduate of Columbia University, Dr. Crawford is the author of Recasting Ancient Egypt in the African Context, 1996 (Africa World Press). SWPDVD-006

Another Look at Egypt is a breath taking series of events which Dr. Crawford uses to  retell the story of ancient Egypt from an African perspective. In this piece, professor Crawford takes the viewer beyond the pyramids. In his rapt and captivating style, he addresses the evolution of the pyramids and  temples from Abu Simbel to Abydos. Dr. Crawford decodes the symbolism behind the temples and  deities that one will never see on television.

Dr. Clinton Crawford leads an educational tour to Egypt annually.  He gives life to what most observers would view as ruins and examines the historical evidence under the lens of Africa’s Nile Valley culture.  SWPDVD-011