An Illustrated History of Ancient Egypt: Predynastic to the Middle Kingdom

Tuesday, 11am - 1pm

Start Date

21 January, 2025

There will be 5 weekly meetings on Tuesday,11am - 1pm, starting from 21 January. 

Overview

Take an action packed, whistle stop tour through the history of ancient Egypt.  We begin in the Predynastic era c.4000 BC, before the invention of writing, travelling through the Old Kingdom, which saw the creation of pyramids and the formation of state.  We end in the Middle Kingdom (c.2000 BC), which saw the rise of the worship of Amun and the importance of Thebes (Luxor), with the creation of Karnak temple.  This course will provide participants with an outline of the history of ancient Egypt. Key events, significant pharaohs and outstanding monuments will be examined. A visit to the Garstang Museum is included, which gives participants the opportunity to handle objects from ancient Egypt. No prior knowledge is required, just an inquisitive mind!

Syllabus

Week 1: Predynastic Egypt

Week 2: Early Dynastic Egypt: The First Kings

Week 3: The Old Kingdom: Pyramids and Elite art

Week 4: Middle Kingdom

Week 5: Handling session: Garstang Museum

Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier if courses are over- or under-subscribed. In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm. 

Course Lecturer: Dr Joanne Backhouse 

Joanne completed her PhD at the University of Liverpool in 2016.  Her research focuses on the representation of women in ancient Egypt. However, she has a wider interest in the art of ancient Egypt and the evolution of style.  She has lectured on the material culture of ancient Egypt for over ten years, in a variety of institutions and more recently online.  She is also Chair of Wirral Ancient Egypt Society. 

Courses fees: Full fee £80/Concession £40.

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