SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL (TM) GREENLIGHTS REMARKABLE DOCUSERIES "TOMB HUNTERS" (wt)

FOUR-PART SERIES UNVEILS EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO ONE OF THE RICHEST EXCAVATION SITES EVER DISCOVERED

NEW YORK - October 3, 2020 - Archeologists are astonished about a breaking discovery in Egypt generating unprecedented headlines around the world. In Saqqara, just outside of Cairo, buried 36 feet deep, an incredible 27+ sarcophagi were recently found. Untouched and unopened for over 2,500 years, they retained their original color. Deemed as one of the most remarkable sites found in recent history, Smithsonian Channel has cameras on the ground with exclusive access to document this historical revelation for TOMB HUNTERS (wt), a new four-part series slated to premiere 2021.

In a major development, two coffins with gilded masks were discovered. One of these golden masks has a beard, an important symbol for ancient Egyptians to identify themselves with Osiris, God of the Underworld. Researchers will study these mummies to learn more about who they were, while Scientists may even be able to identify their modern decedents. An exclusive preview of never-before-seen images can be viewed and downloaded HERE.

Cameras follow an international team of archaeologists and Egyptologists as they excavate and unearth an unparalleled wealth of unseen treasure at this vast, ancient necropolis that has been undisturbed for over four thousand years. Featuring pyramid ruins and burial sites of the Egyptian Elite barely half a mile from the Step Pyramid, the stunning discoveries inside will allow us to investigate the fascinating story of life and death in ancient Egypt. Now, for the first time in one place it is possible to piece together the evolution of the Egyptian attitude to death and burial - tomb building, mummification, funerary equipment and funerary texts. Stunning tombs, dozens of mummies and extraordinary artifacts all lead us on a journey far beyond the dig site to uncover mysteries of an ancient world.

Rooted in present tense discoveries and stunningly shot using the latest filming techniques, TOMB HUNTERS (wt) allows us to tell the story of Egyptian Civilizations spanning six millennia that will captivate a global audience. TOMB HUNTERS (wt) is produced by Lion Television in conjunction with Caterina Turroni of At Land Productions for Smithsonian Channel. Working in partnership with Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the entire team will go beneath their feet to reveal the full story of Ancient Egypt where life, death and the afterlife of this remarkable culture can be pieced together.

About Smithsonian Channel

Smithsonian Channel(TM), a ViacomCBS Inc. network, is where curiosity lives, inspiration strikes and wonders never cease. This is the place for awe-inspiring stories, powerful documentaries and amazing factual entertainment, available in HD and 4K Ultra HD across multiple platforms. Smithsonian Channel, winner of Emmy(R) and Peabody awards for its programming, is the home of popular genres such as air and space, travel, history, science, nature and pop culture. Among the network's offerings are hit series including Aerial America, America in Color, America's Hidden Stories, Apollo's Moon Shot, The Pacific War in Color and Air Disasters, as well as critically-acclaimed specials that include The Green Book: Guide to Freedom, Black in Space: Breaking the Color Barrier, Walk Against Fear: James Meredith and Princess Diana's Wicked Stepmother. Smithsonian Channel is available internationally in Canada, Singapore, Latin America, the UK and Ireland.