Tutankhamun unveiled
Time: 12:30 - 14:30
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: RC024
- Dates: 30/04/24 - 02/07/24
- Time: 12:30 - 14:30
- Taught: Tue, Daytime
- Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Rosalind Janssen
Course Code: RC024
Duration: 10 sessions (over 10 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?
Explore the life and times of the Tutankhamun as we unveil the contents of his tomb, the Egyptologists involved, and the long-term legacy of this the greatest of archaeological discoveries. The richly illustrated classroom sessions are supplemented by a visit to the Petrie Museum to examine objects depicting and associated with the boy king.
What will we cover?
We start by unveiling the landmark discovery in 1922, as set against the Egyptian political context. A consideration of what we know about Tutankhamun as a historical Pharaoh enables an assessment to be made about his importance in life, while special attention is paid to his everyday wardrobe. The autopsies of his body and the plethora of theories surrounding both his death and those of his two stillborn children are deconstructed. We examine ‘Tut-mania’ and whether there any truth in the Curse of the Pharaohs, before considering the legacy of the four Tutankhamun blockbuster exhibitions held in London. In order to evaluate the quality of the treasures from the boy king’s tomb, we undertake a comparison with tomb furniture discovered in the Old Kingdom tomb of Queen Hetepheres.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• explain the importance of King Tutankhamun in life and death
• discuss the significance of the 1922 discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun and its legacy in 2024
• evaluate the importance of the contents of the tomb of Tutankhamun.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a basic course. No prior knowledge is required and you do not need any particular skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Illustrated PP lectures, questions and answers, small and group discussion; class visit.
Handouts will be provided for reading outside the class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Limited book purchases are recommended, but this is entirely optional.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Another class on ancient civilisations. Please see our website for details.
Rosalind Janssen has a first degree in Ancient History and Archaeology from the University of Birmingham, specialising in Egyptology. She was a curator in UCL's Petrie Museum where, having discovered the world's earliest dress, she became a specialist in Ancient Egyptian textiles. She then became a Lecturer in Egyptology at UCL's Institute of Archaeology. Following this she moved to the UCL Institute of Education, swapping Egyptology for Education. She currently teaches Egyptology courses at the City Lit, and at Oxford University. She has published widely, including a book Growing Up and Getting Old in Ancient Egypt. She has also excavated in Egypt, including the Valley of the Kings.
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.
