Bob Brier

Robert Brier, born in 1943, is an American Egyptologist with a specialization in paleopathology. He holds a PhD in philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has been a faculty member at Long Island University since 1972, where he is currently a senior research fellow. Brier's academic career includes extensive research and publication on mummies and the mummification process, making him a recognized authority in the field.

Beyond his scholarly work, Brier is widely known for his numerous television appearances, particularly on channels like Discovery Civilization, TLC Network, and National Geographic, where he frequently discusses ancient Egypt. His hands-on approach to research, including a notable experiment in 1994 to mummify a human cadaver using ancient Egyptian techniques, earned him the nickname "Mr. Mummy" and significant public recognition. He has also developed and presented lecture series on ancient Egyptian history and hieroglyphs.

Robert Brier's academic journey began with a bachelor's degree from Hunter College, followed by a PhD in philosophy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1970. He commenced his teaching career at Long Island University in 1972, eventually becoming chairman of the philosophy department and later a senior research fellow. His academic pursuits extend beyond philosophy, with a deep focus on Egyptology, particularly paleopathology and the study of mummies. Brier's research has taken him to 15 countries, investigating mummification practices globally and examining significant mummies like Tutankhamen and Vladimir Lenin. He has also taught at The New School and Webb Institute, sharing his expertise in ancient Egyptian culture and Egyptology.

Brier gained considerable public attention through his extensive media work, particularly documentaries on ancient Egypt. His role in a 1994 experiment to recreate ancient Egyptian mummification techniques, alongside Ronald Wade, was documented by National Geographic and led to his widely recognized nickname, "Mr. Mummy." He has hosted several television programs for the TLC Network, including "The Great Egyptians" and "Mummy Detective." His research and insights have been featured in prominent publications and media outlets such as Archaeology Magazine, The New York Times, CNN, and "60 Minutes," solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in Egyptology for a broad audience.

Beyond his documentary work, Brier has made significant contributions through published works and lecture series. He authored books such as "Egyptian Mummies: Unraveling the Secrets of an Ancient Art" and "The Encyclopedia of Mummies," alongside academic articles. For The Teaching Company (now The Great Courses), he developed popular lecture series, including "The History of Ancient Egypt," "Great Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt," and "Decoding the Secrets of Egyptian Hieroglyphs." These series have made complex aspects of ancient Egyptian history and culture accessible to a wider audience, further establishing his influence in the field.