THE QUEST FOR IMMORTALITY

Have you ever heard of a pharaoh called Khufu? If you answered that question with a resounding “no”, then the chances are you’re not alone.

If you were to write a list of the most celebrated rulers in the ancient world, then Khufu would be little more than an also-ran. Alexander the Great would earn his place near the top of the podium courtesy of his extraordinary feats on the battlefield. Julius Caesar would be there, too, thanks to the role he played in supercharging Rome’s rise to the greatest empire the world had ever known. And who could forget Hannibal’s audacious feat of leading his army (and his elephants) across the Alps?

Poor old Khufu, however, probably wouldn’t get a look-in. Which,