Ancient Egypt: Myths, Monarchs and Monuments

An introduction to Ancient Egyptian history, religion and architecture. This course will look at the iconography and mythology of the key Egyptian deities, alongside considering key kings and queens, and the evidence of some of its most famous monuments.

The course takes students through a thematic exploration of Ancient Egypt. Beginning with a chronological framework and the origins of the dynastic period, the course will then explore royalty and deity: solar gods, earth gods, royal gods and divine kings, goddesses and queens. The course explores the prominence of myths along with the evidence from pyramids, temples, tombs and the objects found within, including of course hieroglyphs and mummies. Students will consider the royal and religious alongside evidence from daily life, such as workers’ villages and tombs. 

Lecture notes and extracts from readings will be provided.

Anybody with an interest in history and archaeology may find the content of this course appealing. The primary focus is on archaeological sites in Egypt; and exhibitions of Egyptian artefacts in the UK.

No previous knowledge required.