The death of Lord Carnarvon meant Howard Carter had to deal with an increasingly tense political situation. This caused a ten-year delay to the mission to clear the discovered tomb.

Christopher Frayling investigates speculation that a curse placed on Tutankhamun's tomb caused the deaths of Lord Carnarvon and eight other people.

Christopher Frayling highlights the need to protect eroding Ancient Egyptian treasures. He recalls the 1968 opening of King Tut's coffin before discussing Islamic politics with Edward Said.

The Archbishop of Canterbury reflects on the past year and looks forward to 1998.

(Shown yesterday 12.05am BBC1)

Live from the Golden Hall of the Musikverein, Zubin Mehta conducts the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in a musical celebration to bring in the new year. Featuring a traditional selection of Strauss waltzes, polkas and marches.
(Stereo)
(Simultaneous Broadcast: with Radio 3)

An alternative view of 1997, presented by father-of-three Norman Bowman from his home in Belfast. Featuring clips shown throughout the year of people responding candidly to events.
(Stereo)

The last in the series of science lectures of particular interest to children.

Why do tigers have stripes, while leopards have spots? Professor Ian Stewart explores the patterns in nature.
(Stereo)

Continuing the season on ancient Egypt.

2.20 Timewatch: In Search of Cleopatra
Another chance to see the documentary exploring the myths that still surround the legendary Egyptian queen and attempting to unravel the truth behind her life and death, which helped to shape the civilised world for the next 500 years.
(Repeat) (Stereo)

3.10 Cleopatra
Historical drama, showing in two parts, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Rex Harrison
48 BC: Egypt is overrun by Roman forces and Cleopatra is forced to give up the throne.
Showing in widescreen format. The film continues at 5.10pm. (1963, PG)
See Films: pages 43-76

5.05-5.10pm Intermission - the Sand Dance
A masterclass in the sand dance, from Wilson, Kepple and Betty to the girls from Absolutely Fabulous.
(Stereo)
Video plus code 2.20-5.10 (not PDC)

Continuing the day of films and programmes on the subject of the history and culture of ancient Egypt.
See today's choices.

5.10 Cleopatra
The conclusion of the film.
(The Cleopatra Files, about the making of the movie Cleopatra, is at 8.30pm) (Subtitled)

7.20 Pyramid People
A look at some of the diverse individuals, from astrologers to window-cleaners, who are drawn to the pyramid's hidden powers.

7.30 Secrets of Lost Empires: The Pyramid
The pyramids represent one of the greatest feats of engineering and craftsmanship in the ancient world. Without the use of pulleys, or even the wheel, the ancient Egyptians carved and lifted millions of stone blocks each weighing over two tons.
This documentary follows the progress of a modern-day team led by archaeologist Mark Lehner as they struggle in the shadow of the Great Pyramid of Giza to build a replica of this magnificent structure using only the tools available to the ancient Egyptians.
(Repeat) (Stereo)

8.20 Some of My Best Friends Are Asps
Since the death of Cleopatra the asp has had a poor image, but this programme reveals that the creature is badly misjudged.
(Stereo)

8.30 The Cleopatra Files
This documentary tells the true story behind the making of Cleopatra, the most expensive film of its day. Based on the real-life correspondence of 20th Century Fox movie publicists Jack Brodsky and Nathan Weiss, it uses archive film, interviews with key participants such as actor George Cole, and dramatic reconstructions featuring John Thomson and Danny Webb to portray the film's production problems, power struggles and the rollercoaster love affair between its stars Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
(Stereo) (Subtitled)

9.00-9.50 Search for the Lost Tomb - KV5
Archaeologist Kent Weeks sets out on the trail of one of Egypt's lost tombs in a detective story which leads him from the museums of Europe to Luxor, where he finally tracks down the site of the tomb in the mouth of the Valley of the Kings. The huge complex of burial chambers, called KV5 by archaeologists, yields a remarkable discovery in a burial pit which promises to reveal the true identity of the royal occupants and their connection with one of Egypt's most powerful pharaohs, Rameses the Great.

Videoplus code for 5.10-9.50 (not PDC)

Drama, showing as part of the Screen Two season, starring Iain Robertson, Joseph McFadden, J.S. Duffy

In the Glasgow of 1968, young teenager Lex Maclean is torn between the artistic life of his middle brother Alan, and the thuggish world of his older sibling, Bobby.
Showing in widescreen format. (1995, 18)
See Films: pages 43-76 ****

Another short satirical drama, set among the retired celebrities who populate a suburban street.
(The series concludes tomorrow at 10.15pm)
(Stereo) (Subtitled)

Musical starring Catherine Deneuve

Cherbourg 1957: Teenage lovers Genevieve and Guy are denied marriage by her mother.
Showing in widescreen format.
In French with English subtitles.
(1964)
See Films: pp 43-76 *****

Followed by Skiing Forecast