Curiosity Stream
Sign In

Scanning the Nile

4 episodes 95%4KCC

Ancient Egypt's lost waterways and sunken cities come sharply into view.

Follow international scientists as they use advanced archaeological technology to scan the Nile, from Alexandria to Lake Nasser and the Red Sea. The series reveals how the river shaped monuments, capitals, and vanished branches while uncovering submerged ruins, buried ports, and long-hidden clues. Sign up to see ancient Egypt reexamined through discoveries still emerging from the water and sand.

Episode guide

4 episodes
1
1Lost Cities of the Delta
In northern Egypt, underwater and aerial drones reveal the exceptional archaeological sites of two ancient, sunken cities at the mouth of the Nile. Learn how these cities are linked to the river Delta, and discover the remarkable funerary treasure found in Tanis.
52 min
2
2Lost Routes to the Pyramids
In Cairo, evidence shows how floodings of the Nile impacted ancient Egyptian civilization by fertilizing the earth and providing water to the canals used to construct the pyramids. A LiDar scan reveals one of these canals near Saqqarah, while underwater drones bring the pyramid of Hawara to light.
53 min
3
3Traces of the Pharaohs of Luxor
Built on the shores of the Nile, Luxor is home to the greatest monuments of the New Kingdom: the Karnak complex, the Temple of Denderah, and the million-year-old castle of Ramses II. New technology reveals treasures engulfed by the Nile and explains the daily life of the ancient Egyptians.
51 min
4
4Materials Convoys: A Pharaonic Task
Dive into the waters of Elephantine Island to discover the oldest Nilometer, which measured the water level. Also, scientists examine how the Nile was used to carry construction stones, and to transport pieces of temples and pharaonic statues downriver from the stone quarries.
53 min
Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Thousands of the world's best documentaries and factual programming — nature, history, science, technology, and biography — including exclusive Curiosity Originals like Scanning the Nile. Stream it all ad-free, anytime.

Plans are billed annually — every plan streams in 4K. The Smart Bundle adds four partner services. There are no contracts — cancel anytime.

Watch on the web, iOS and Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Android TV, and most smart TVs. Start on one device and pick up right where you left off on another.

Yes. The library is full of family-friendly nature and science programming, and the Smart Bundle includes Kidstream — carefully chosen, ad-free shows kids will love and parents can trust.

Absolutely. There are no contracts and no cancellation fees — manage or cancel your plan anytime from your account settings.

Curiosity Stream is our streaming service — thousands of documentaries and originals. The Smart Bundle is Curiosity Stream plus four other independent streaming services (Tastemade, Kidstream, Curiosity University, and SOMM TV) on a single subscription.

Yes. Start on any plan and move up to the Smart Bundle whenever you like — the change takes effect right away, and your billing is simply prorated from your account settings.

Got your answer? Pick a plan and start streaming.Start streaming
Available now

Start watching Scanning the Nile today

Stream thousands of award-winning documentaries. Cancel anytime.

Start streaming