Akhenaten, Pharaoh of Egypt: the first individual in history?
Time: 12:30 - 14:30
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: RC003
- Dates: 24/09/24 - 03/12/24
- Time: 12:30 - 14:30
- Taught: Tue, Daytime
- Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Michael Duigan
Course Code: RC003
Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
A revolutionary who challenged ancient tradition by creating a unique god in his beautiful new capital at Amarna? Or a reactionary tyrant limiting the influence of the priesthood and restoring the autocratic power of the king? His death after a 17-year reign was followed by the erasure of his memory and destruction of his legacy.
What will we cover?
We explore the major political developments, the suppression of the cult of Amun, and attempt to understand the theology and purpose of the new religion of the Aten.
The extraordinary art, perplexing, unconventional, and beautiful is examined to consider how it was used to affect the revolution. We consider the role of the Great Royal Wife, Nefertiti, relationships with Crete, Mycenae and the Levant and associated controversies surrounding the identification of the royal mummies.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Explain key political, social and cultural events in Ancient Egypt in their historical context
- Recognise the style, period and context for archaeological objects, images and texts
- Use appropriate evidence and strategies for analysing this ancient material.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge is required and (if you like, to the extent you would like) we can all participate in discussions. In addition (if you so wish) you are very welcome to make a presentation (c. 10 minutes) on any related subject of your choice. Our course will include a visit to the British Museum.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The classes are richly illustrated not merely to accompany the narrative but because the visual material is – examined in its context of literature, history & archaeology – the evidence from which our conclusions are drawn. There is the added bonus that frequently what we are viewing is beautiful - offering aesthetic pleasure as well as intellectual excitement.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Limited book purchases recommended but optional.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Another Egyptology class in Term 2.
Michael teaches Classical and Ancient history at the City Lit. For many years he lectured in the Certificate/Diploma in History of Art course at London University, Birkbeck. He delivered a course in the ‘Classical Tradition’ at St Mary’s University and on ‘the Classical Artist’ at the Courtauld Institute. He also teaches a Summer School on Ancient Art in Christ Church, Oxford University. Michael acts as a tour guide to archaeological sites and museum collections.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
