It is Nivose, Year VII of the French Republic (early 1799 for those who like their Gregorian calendars).
You are six months into the Liberation of Egypt from Mameluke oppression. Napoleon Bonaparte’s army (including more than 150 savants – the best young scholars in France) has taken Cairo and part of it is now heading up the Nile to the glories of ancient Egypt. What treasures await? Will you gain an understanding of how people lived and died centuries ago? Will there be gold? Or are there good reasons why these ancient places should be left untouched?
No knowledge of French or Egyptian history required.