Unknown: The Lost Pyramid

Dr. Zahi Hawass embarks on a significant archaeological journey aimed at discovering the pyramid of Huni, the last Pharaoh of Egypt’s Third Dynasty. He believes that finding this burial site will solidify his legacy and contribute to the historical narrative of ancient Egypt.

Initially, Hawass hesitated to pursue a career in archaeology due to the predominant presence of foreign researchers in Egyptian history. He strongly believed that Egyptians should take charge of revealing and preserving their own heritage, as many artifacts were being removed from the country by outsiders.

Hawass and his dedicated team undertake a rigorous nine-month excavation, hoping to uncover vital aspects of Egypt's history. Simultaneously, Mostafa Waziri, his protégé, conducts an excavation at a nearby site known as Bubasteion, following a previous discovery of significant artifacts.

During their excavation, the team finds a shaft which, upon exploration, reveals the Eye of Horus. This exciting discovery indicates the presence of potential coffins, leading to hopes of unearthing an entire burial chamber filled with sarcophagi.

Hawass's team uncovers an important limestone quarry that supports his theory that Huni's pyramid is located in Gisr-El-Mudir. This discovery, along with the finding of nine statues of elite members from Egyptian history, hints at the existence of a nearby royal necropolis.

Hawass reflects on the inspiration drawn from the famous archaeologist Howard Carter, who spent five years locating King Tutankhamun's tomb. Hawass embraces Carter's lessons of patience and persistence as he continues the search for Huni's pyramid.

After confirming that a tomb hasn’t been disturbed, Hawass’s team discovers a sarcophagus containing a deformed skeleton, likely due to the rudimentary mummification methods of the Old Kingdom. Understanding its context, he decides to leave the coffin intact to preserve its integrity.

As the excavation nears completion, the team finds a newly sealed coffin belonging to a woman named Nebet Hut. Remarkably well-preserved for over 4,300 years, this find includes vibrant blue-green ornaments, adding to the excitement of the discoveries made during the project.

Hawass declares that Nebet Hut's mummy might be the oldest and best-preserved found in Egypt. The artifacts suggest a link to royal lineage, indicating that Huni's burial site could be situated nearby, further fueling the hopes of the archaeological team.

Meanwhile, Mostafa Waziri uncovers the entrance to a well-preserved tomb filled with coffins and protective ancient statues. His team's efforts to remove these statues reveal the complexity and intricacies of ancient Egyptian burial practices.

Upon examining a wooden coffin belonging to an individual named Ahmose, Waziri discovers a bronze statuette of a cat, a gold amulet with a bird head, and remarkably, a well-preserved papyrus. This papyrus later turns out to be the Waziri papyrus, featuring chapters from 'The Book of Death'.

The nine-meter long Waziri papyrus, containing 113 chapters that encapsulate ancient Egyptian beliefs, undergoes a meticulous restoration over three weeks. This significant find sheds light on the beliefs and rituals surrounding death in ancient Egypt.

As the excavation team pushes forward, Hawass remains optimistic that significant global attention will soon be on his efforts to discover Huni's pyramid. The documentary highlights their aspirations to rewrite history by illuminating the past while nurturing the future of archaeology in Egypt.

Despite numerous challenges throughout their final month of excavation, the team maintains high morale, driven by the prospect of unveiling monumental discoveries. Their shared respect for history binds Hawass and Waziri in a profound quest to uncover Egypt's rich heritage.