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Who is Who in New Kingdom Egypt

7 weekly sessions on campus, on Thursdays at 11am - 1pm, starting from Thursday 8 October

Overview

This course will examine the lives of key individuals from New Kingdom Egypt. We will encounter priests, artists, sculptors, overseers, treasurers, scribes, and stewards of the royal household. All were in the service of the king and resided at Memphis, Thebes or Amarna, the political and religious capitals of the day. The course aims to go behind the scenes of kingship and consider lives of the courtiers who worked for the pharaoh. Their privileged positions ensured they had elaborate burials, the remains of which provide us with a glimpse into their world. We will study texts, objects, archaeology, and physical remains (mummies) to gain an insight into their life and death.  Throughout the course participants will learn to evaluate a variety of evidence to gain a broad understanding of life in New Kingdom Egypt.  

They will learn interpretative skills and how to analyse historical data. No prior knowledge is required but an inquisitive mind and a love of delving into the past would be beneficial.

Syllabus

  • Week 1 - Chief of Works Thutmose (Amarna), Nebamun and Ipuky (Two Sculptors) (Amenhotep III/IV)
  • Week 2 - Kheruef and Huya (Stewards of Queen Tiye) 
  • Week 3 - Panhesy and, Parennefer, Amarna Courtiers
  • Week 4 - Maya and Merit (Overseer of the Treasury reign of Tutankhamun), Tia and Tia (Overseer of the Treasury reign of Ramesses II)        
  • Week 5 - Scribe Ramose from Deir el Medina (reign of Ramesses II)
  • Week 6 - Scribe Qenherkhepesh from Deir el Medina (reign of Ramesses II – Seti II) 
  • Week 7 - High Priests of Amun Herihor and Piankh (end of New Kingdom – Third Intermediate Period) 

Course lecturer

Joanne Backhouse 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. 

Course fee

  • Standard fee: £115
  • Concession fee: £60