Netflix’s Secret of the Saqqara Tomb watched by 22 million households

The secrets of the ancient Arab world have captured the attention of the world once again. 

Netflix’s feature-length documentary Secret of the Saqqara Tomb, released last October, was viewed by 22 million households around the world in its first four weeks, according to the streamer. 

That amount puts the documentary in the top five documentary films in Netflix history, says the film’s director, James Tovell. 

Netflix doesn’t often release numbers, so the figures and rankings are an interesting insight into how popular documentaries are on the platform. Extraction, the Chris Hemsworth action film released last year, was viewed by 99 million homes in its first four weeks, for comparison. 

“All of these experiences and the amazing discoveries that were made have of course become all the more rewarding now that so many Netflix members have come along with us on this journey. We’re extremely grateful to all those who have watched the film, and thrilled that so many people have found something to enjoy, from those learning about ancient Egypt for the first time to those familiar with this world who were able to learn or experience something new,” says Tovell.

The film captures the excavation of Wahtye’s 4500-year-old tomb, “Egypt’s most significant findings in almost 50 years,” according to Secretary-General of Supreme Council of Antiquities Dr. Mustafa Waziri.

“For me personally, the standout experience amongst the many unforgettable moments was captured on camera the moment of discovery of the first mummified lion cub ever discovered – a find which made headlines round the world. Watching it emerge from the choking dust of a pile of ancient cat mummies at the bottom of an 11-meter deep shaft is an experience I will never forget, and as Dr. Salima Ikram, Professor of Egyptology at The American University in Cairo called it, ‘A once in a lifetime discovery, that changes the way we think about ancient Egyptian history, culture, economy, and religious practice,'” says Tovell.

The film may have also brought to light the first case of malaria that scientists have discovered in human remains, according to the director.

“Another highlight for me was the archaeologists eventually discovered the skeletal remains of the high priest himself and his entire family. Forensic analysis of the bones by Dr. Amira Shaheen Professor of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University revealed bone distensions, which she believes ‘indicate that the whole family may have died from a disease or epidemic, most likely malaria.’ A theory that, if it can be proven, will be the earliest documented case of malaria in history, by more than 1000 years,” says Tovell.

Tovell was particularly proud of the all Egyptian team that took part in the discovery, who he had the chance to spotlight for millions across the planet, led by Egyptologists Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Yousef and Dr. Sabry Farag.

“Hearing them share their stories, and describe their roles – often in Arabic – from the excavation director to the anthropologist working on skeletal reassembly, to the foreman of the workers, and the diggers themselves – offers a truly unique and perhaps overdue perspective on Egyptology,” says Towell.