Start Date
6 December, 2025
Saturday, 10am - 3pm.
Overview
The ancient Egyptians believed the gods created the world around them. Throughout pharaonic history different traditions developed at various seats of learning, each favouring deities associated with the locality. This day school will explore the four main creation myths of ancient Egypt, centred at Heliopolis, Elephantine, Hermopolis Magna and Memphis. Key themes will be explored including life emerging from Nun (watery abyss), the power of the spoken word and diversification and differentiation. Participants will develop the skills to evaluate the similarities and differences in the creation myths and understand how they fit into the wider religious beliefs of ancient Egypt. If you relish thinking about the big questions in life, you will enjoy the issues raised in this day school. No prior knowledge is required just a desire to think about where it all began!
Syllabus
10am-1pm Heliopolis and Elephantine
1-2pm Lunch break
2-3pm Memphis and Hermopolis Magna
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier.
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 £50.
Back to: Continuing Education