Debris and Doodles: Life and Death in Ancient Egypt - Part 2

Using diverse evidence this course seeks to examine aspects of daily life in ancient Egypt. We will focus principally on the texts and objects that remain, also considering artistic design and innovation. Formal and informal modes of communication will be considered, for example the library of the Deir el Medina scribe Qenherkhepeshef, in contrast to graffiti left at the Valley of the Kings. We will also review the treasure trove of ostraca found in the 'Big Pit' at Deir el Medina, each recording snippets of daily life. In addition, we will examine the royal cache (TT320) and associated burials, in relation to the reuse of coffins, and what this tells us about aspects of commerce and craft production in the later New Kingdom. Our main areas of focus will be Deir el Medina and Thebes.

Week 1 - Friday 8th Nov 10.30am – Repeated live Tuesday 12th Nov 7pm GMT

Deir el Medina – ‘The Big Pit’ ostraca – snap shots of daily life: Personal Life

Week 2 – Friday 15th Nov 10.30am – Repeated live Tuesday 19th Nov 7pm GMT

Deir el Medina – ‘The Big Pit’ ostraca – snap shots of daily life: Professional Life

Week 3 - Friday 22nd Nov 10.30am – Repeated live Tuesday 26th Nov 7pm GMT

The library of Qenherkhepesh and family (Deir el Medina scribe)

Week 4 – Friday 29nd Nov 10.30am – Repeated live Tuesday 3rd Dec 7pm GMT

Graffiti on the Theban West Bank and personal marks of Deir el Medina workers

Week 5 – Friday 6th Dec 10.30am – Repeated live Tuesday 10th Dec 7pm GMT

Coffin reuse in the later New Kingdom – The Royal Cache and associated burials

You will receive the zoom link for both live lectures.

Artilces and links will be sent out after each lecture as appropriate.

Host or Publisher Dr Joanne Backhouse