University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

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Bee in Ancient Egypt Our guide, Bebi the Bee, takes us on a tour of Ancient Egypt from his perspective.  This talk leads children and adults through the Ancient Egyptian world of insects, focusing primarily on bees, beetles, locusts, and flies.  We will learn about insects’ natural and artificial habitats in their desert gardens.  We will also look at how humans interacted and cared for some insects and their byproducts.  And lastly, we will discuss how these small creatures were religiously revered by humans. Kate Liszka

King Tut in Philly Tutankhamun, ancient Egypt's famous boy pharaoh, grew up 3,300 years ago in the royal court at Amarna, the ancient city of Akhet-aten, whose name meant the "Horizon of the Aten." This extraordinary royal city grew, flourished and vanished in hardly more than a generation's time. This presentation examines the religious, artistic and cultural changes that took place during the reigns of famous pharaohs Akhenaten and his probable son Tutankhamun during the "Amarna Period" (circa 1353 to 1336 BCE). Also, learn about upcoming exhibits in Philadelphia related to Tutankhamun, including Penn Museum's Amarna, Ancient Egypt's Place in the Sun and The Franklin Institute's Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs. Jennifer Wegner, Nick Picardo, Leslie Warden, Kate Liszka, Tracy Musacchio

Horus, Son of Re, King of Upper and Lower Egypt: The Role of Pharaoh Throughout Egyptian history the pharaoh was the heart of Egyptian religion. He was a god on Earth, and a son of the gods. He received authority directly from the divine to lead Egypt and conquer all foreign enemies. But who was the pharaoh as a person?   Was the human pharaoh actually a god? How did pharaoh prove to his people that he was appointed by the gods to lead them? This lecture explores the role of the king in Ancient Egypt, his relationship with the gods, and his relationship with mankind. Kate Liszka

Akhenaten's City without the Aten For a brief 20 year time span, the Pharaoh Akhenaten changed Egyptian religion, art, and literature. He even relocated the nation's capital to his new city at Amarna. After his reign, his city and innovations were abandoned. The remains of his city, however, lie under the desert to this day. Excavations of Amarna have given Egyptologists a unique view of the lives of Ancient Egyptian artists, craftsmen, and officials. They have reveled houses, tombs, workshops, bakeries, administrative centers, and, of course, the many palaces of Akhenaten himself. This lecture presents aspects of the daily life and organization at Amarna. Kate Liszka

Daily Life of the Ancient Egyptians Egyptian tomb models and wall paintings provide an accurate and revealing record of the way an ancient people lived. This information is complemented by numerous objects of daily life preserved in the unusually dry climate of Egypt and discovered through archaeological excavation. In this lecture, Dr. Olson will illustrate agriculture and food production, livestock and the items used by the Egyptians in their daily life. Dr. Olson will conclude her lecture with a discussion of the typical Egyptian house and objects found in it.(This lecture can also be presented to children of elementary and middle school age). Dr. Stacie Olson or alternate

The Egyptian Mummy: Secrets and Science In spite of their Hollywood image, mummies have been more helpful than horrifying to archaeologists. While mummification was essentially a religious activity to ensure the deceased's success in the afterlife, it is also an example of ancient science. In this slide-illustrated lecture, Dr. Olson will focus on the scientific aspects of mummification and Egyptian technology. Through the centuries, Egyptian embalmers experimented with different techniques to improve their ability to preserve the deceased. Dr.Olson will use current scientific research on mummies to place this Egyptian science in its religious context. Dr. Stacie Olson or Ms. Tracy Musacchio

A New Look at Tut's Tomb The discovery of Tut's tomb was an overnight sensation, but the excavation of the tiny tomb was a feat of archaeological science requiring ten years of work. With painstaking care, almost 5000 objects which now fill an entire wing of the Cairo Museum, were photographed and conserved in the Valley of the Kings by a team of dedicated experts. Their work has preserved for us the most complete array of New Kingdom artifacts ever found in a single tomb. This material, known for its lavish gold treasure and its exquisite craftsmanship, provided a wealth of information about religion, technology, daily life and the royal family. This lavishly illustrated lecture discusses the discovery and excavation of the tomb, the objects and their significance, and the historical setting in the light of ongoing publications. Dr. Stacie Olson or Ms. Tracy Musacchio

The University of Pennsylvania Museum's Egyptian Collection Acquired during a hundred years of archaeological excavation, the Museum's Egyptian collection is one of its most outstanding. This lecture will illustrate many exhibits, including one of the world's largest sphinxes and a pillared hall of an important New Kingdom palace. Dr. Olson will also discuss the Museum's extensive excavations at the great archaeological centers from which these objects come. Dr. Stacie Olson or Mr. Nick Picardo

Life in Ancient Egypt Discover what life was like in ancient Egypt! Learn about the lifestyles of the pharaohs and wealthy as well as ordinary citizens. In addition, this lecture will examine ancient Egyptian religion and their belief in the after life. Many aspects of ancient Egyptian life are similar to those of the modern world. Love poems, humor, education, juvenile delinquency, and various hobbies are several examples of this connection with contemporary society. Through the use of slides, this lecture will give a glimpse into the lives of the people of ancient Egypt. (Suitable for ages 10 and up). Dr. Stacie Olson or Ms. Tracy Musacchio

Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs We know what the ancient Egyptians looked like; we know what sort of monuments they built. But how do we know what they thought? Our key to the minds of the ancient Egyptians lies in the stories and letters and poems and prayers that they wrote. This lecture will touch briefly on the decipherment of Egyptian hieroglyphs and provide a basic outline of the structures and uses of various writing systems, and then concentrate on some of the most important and fascinating of the many documents that have come down to us from the times of the pharaohs. Ms. Tracy Musacchio or Mr. Nick Picardo

Building up to the Pyramids: Egypt Before the Pharaohs The civilization of ancient Egypt, its great monuments, beautiful art, complex religion, and fabulous wealth, did not spring full-blown from a cultural vacuum, nor was it prompted by visits from ancient astronauts. The pyramids, and the culture which produced them, were the result of thousands of years of gradual development. This lecture explores the origins of pyramids,hieroglyphs,and mummies. Ms. Tracy Musacchio or Mr. Nick Picardo

The Collections of the Cairo Museum The Egyptian Museum was founded in 1857 by the French Egyptologist August Mariette (1821-1881). It has the largest and finest collection of Egyptian and Greco-Roman monuments in the world. Using color slides, Dr. Doxey will discuss the exhibitions from the various historical periods (Old Kingdom through the Greco-Roman periods)concentrating on the collections of King Tut-Ankh-Amun and the mummies of the ancient pharaohs. Ms. Tracy Musacchio or Mr. Nick Picardo

The Path to Eternity: Funerary Beliefs in Ancient Egypt The Ancient Egyptians were not especially preoccupied with death itself, but for every Egyptian a major concern was the achievement of an eternal afterlife. The abundance of funerary equipment in museums is due to the fact that, in the past, Egyptologists have concentrated on excavating well-preserved cemetery fields and tombs. This lecture will explain the meaning of these of these objects in terms of Egyptian religious beliefs. Colorful slides will be used to illustrate and interpret the stages in the funerary procession, the lore of the embalmer, magical practices and archaeological artifacts used in the burial rites, and finally religious scenes depicted on tomb walls. Dr. Stacie Olson

Dance in Egypt as a Celebration of Daily Life The traditional dances of Egypt provide a moving record of avanishing way of life. They reflect aspects of village lifes such as water gathering, ritual combat, and the celebration of weddings. Together, these dances symbolize a continuity of traditions in different Egyptian societies; most importantly, the Fellamin, Bedouin and Nubian peoples. Through discussion, demonstration and by encouraging the audience to participate, Habiba will explain the dances and movement styles of these three Egyptian groups and reveal something of the character and the essence of these peoples. (A separate version is available for children.) Barbara Siegel, “Habiba”

The Ghawzee: Dancing Gypsies of Egypt The Ghawzee of Egypt represent a tradition of public entertainers first described by Tacitus in the second century A.D. and later glorified by European visitors to Egypt in the nineteenth century. These dancers, thought to be gypsies, were painted by Delacroix and written about by Flaubert; these images raised them to figures of fantasy for Westerners caught in the craze of Orientalism. The descendants of these same dancers live in Luxor, Egypt and until 1990, they were still performing. Through discussion, a video made in Egypt and by encouraging the audience to "have a go!", Ms. Siegel will follow the marvelous history of these dancers. Barbara Siegel, "Habiba"

A Nile “Cruise” Through the History of Egypt On the banks of the Nile river lie many archaeological sites exhibiting the ancient civilization of the people of the Nile valley. This lecture will cover many of the cultural aspects of the Old, Middle, and New Kingdom in Egypt. The Slide illustrated lecture will include the sites of the Giza Plateau, Memphis, Luxor, Alexandria, and Abu Simbel. Current archaeological excavations, restoration, and visibility of these sites will also be discussed. Ms. Jennifer Wegner, Ms. Tracy Musacchio or Mr. Nick Picardo

Akhenaten and the Age of Amarna The Amarna period marks a brief but unique time in the history of ancient Egypt. The art and literature of this fascinating age allows us a glimpse into the world of the royal family; the Pharaoh Akhenaten, Queen Nefertiti and their daughters. The art of the period marks an extraordinary contrast to that seen throughout the rest of Egypt’s history. Ms. Jennifer Wegner or Mr. Nick Picardo

History of Ancient Egypt and the Mediterranean Region The history of ancient Egypt and the Mediterranean spans more than 3,000 years and is often views as a complex mass of history that is difficult to understand. This lecture will simplify this topic by presenting the major rulers and civilizations of this region, their accomplishments, and place in world history, within an accessible framework. Mr. Eli Pringle

Women in Ancient Cultures of Egypt, Greece and Rome Did you know that: Roman women never married in the spring? Women of Crete went topless? Egyptian women enjoyed the same rights as men providing they were in the same class? Greek women married between the ages of twelve and fifteen? Color slides of sculpture, pottery, wall frescoes, papyrus, and everyday artifacts bring the spirit and the times of these women to life. Ms. Elaine Garfinkel

Everyday Life in the Kingdoms of Egypt Through this presentation of color slides from The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology's outstanding collection, you will learn how men and women lived and died. Most facets of life are shown through the examination of their pottery, papyrus, mirrors, makeup, jewelry, and furniture, to mummies, burials, monumental sculptures of Gods and Pharaohs, and even sections of a royal palace. Ms. Elaine Garfinkel

Egyptian Gods & Goddesses and Their Stories Much can be learned about ancient societies by attempting to gain an understanding of the forces they identified as active in their worlds. The vast array of deities recognized by the ancient Egyptians is as varied and imaginative as the human mind can conceive. They were portrayed as human in form, as animals, or sometimes as fantastic combinations of both. Through them, we are offered a glimpse of how the Egyptians saw their daily lives, as well as their deaths. This lecture introduces both major and minor gods of ancient Egyptian mythology and their often fantastic stories. Mr. Nick Picardo "The First Time:" Ancient Egyptian Creation Myths Virtually every religion, ancient and modern, attempts to explain how the world came into existence and, ultimately, why things are the way they are. The ancient Egyptians viewed each new day as a repetition of "the first time," that is, the moment of creation. This lecture presents the various, often conflicting, ways the ancient Egyptians explained the origins of the world. Creation stories do not even always agree on the primary agent of creation. By looking at the so-called Heliopolitan, Memphite, and Hermopolitan accounts of creation, this presentation reveals that the Egyptians did not seem to mind such inherent contradictions and accepted them all as viable descriptions of that important "first time." Mr. Nick Picardo Gift of the Nile- Geography's Influence on Ancient Egyptian Civilization "We are where we live." Ancient Egyptian civilization thrived on a narrow oasis of sorts, restricted to the inhabitable areas immediately adjacent to the Nile River, but penned ion on either side by vast desert sands and barren cliffs. An annual flooding of the Nile quite literally renewed the landscape on which they lived. The Nile was so essential that Egyptian civilization itself has often been dubbed "the Gift of the Nile." This presentation attempts to show just how influential and pervasive geography's role was in shaping ancient Egyptian culture. Egypt's geographic setting, not only patterned the Egyptian's lifestyle, but is also reflected in almost all of their religious beliefs. Mr. Nick Picardo Love and Relationships in Ancient Egypt When we think of characteristic symbols of ancient Egyptian civilization -- mummies, pyramids, tombs -- it is often easy to dehumanize. Ancient Egyptians were subject to many similar thoughts, emotions, and ideas that have been shared by humans throughout history. Far from being preoccupied with death -- as ancient Egyptians are often portrayed -- they were an expressive people, even if their mode of expression seems foreign to us thousands of years later. This lecture examines the ways in which love and intimacy were expressed by the Egyptians -- from courting couples to forming families -- through their language, art, and literature. Particular attention is given to love poetry that survives, much of which is still as moving to the modern listener as it must have been to the Egyptians themselves. Mr. Nick Picardo Ancient Egyptian Tales and Stories The ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic writing system was not only quite artistic, but also versatile, allowing the Egyptians to produce several genres of texts. This presentation offers a sampling of a few of the best preserved literary tales, along with some annotations about what we can learn about the ancient Egyptians by reading them: Hear the plight of a shipwrecked sailor who encounters a great serpent. Listen as King Khufu, the builder of the Great Pyramid, is told of amazing acts performed by three magicians. And learn the life story of a man named Sinuhe, who fled Egypt in youth, lived a life of renown in a foreign land, and returned home for burial. Mr. Nick Picardo The King is Dead; Long Live the Queen! Compared to many other civilizations of the ancient world, ancient Egyptian society was relatively favorable for women. So favorable that, on some rare occasions, the highest office in ancient Egypt -- that of Pharaoh -- was held by a woman. Although this lecture will briefly address the status of women in ancient Egyptian society, its main focus will be on those royal women who exercised significant power on a national scale. Important people to be discussed include such common names as Nefertiti and Cleopatra, along with other, perhaps less well known ones like Hatshepsut and Sobek-nefru. Mr. Nick Picardo

The Ancient Alphabet of the Pharaohs This talk will teach you how to write your name in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. A brief lecture will introduce you to the ancient alphabet and its writing system: you'll learn how the Egyptians used small pictures to write their language, without vowels, capital letters, or punctuation. After the lecture you'll be able to use special stamps to write your own name within a cartouche and feel like royalty! Ms. Stacie Olson Tomb Robbery in Ancient Egypt Ancient Egyptians believed that their name, their body, and their memory needed to be preserved to ensure life after death.  So that their memory would persevere for the rest of eternity, they were frequently buried in large visible tombs with the often-luxurious objects that they needed in the afterlife.  These wealth-filled tombs acted like a beacon of opportunity for criminals.  Learn how various tombs were broken into in antiquity, how the Egyptian designed their tombs in an attempt to ward off tomb robbers, and how the tomb robbers were tried and punished for their crimes. Kate Liszka Invasion and War: The History of the Second Intermediate Period After the collapse of the classical Middle Kingdom, Egypt was in chaos.  The country was divided into multiple polarities and weakened by civil war.  In the north of Egypt, foreigners known as the Hyksos had taken control of the land and were pushing for more control in southern Egypt.  To the south of Egypt, the Nubian kings grew strong and vied to annex parts of southern Egypt.  Sandwiched in between two combating foreign armies lay what was left of the Egyptians.  Learn about how the weakened Egyptians battled against two strong foreign enemies and against all odds were able to stave them off, issuing in the greatest of all Egyptian periods, the New Kingdom. Kate Liszka Egypt and Nubia: Friends, Allies, Rivals, and Foes For 3000 years of Egyptian history, Nubia was its southern neighbor.  The proximity of the two countries allowed for a close relationship between Egypt and Nubia.  Sometimes they were close friends and allies taking part in trade and mutual war ventures together.  But sometimes they were rivals and foes fighting to extend their borders north or south in an effort to control the whole of the other country.  This talk traces Egypt’s and Nubia’s mutual and ever changing history over 3000 years. Kate Liszka Underground Tombs to Pyramids to the Valley of the Kings The king of Egypt was always buried with great wealth and grandeur.  Years of the labor of thousands of people were used to build these colossal structures.  Religiously, the king’s tombs were constructed to ensure the eternal existence of the king in the afterlife and to provide his spirit with a magical means of entering the underworld.  Thus, over 3000 years of Egyptian history, the structure of the king’s tombs changed dramatically to account for changing religious trends and practical considerations like tomb robbers.  This talk traces the evolution of the royal tomb through Egyptian history, beginning with Egypt’s primitive use of human sacrifice, it’s invention and use of pyramids, it’s evolution into hidden tombs in the Valley of the Kings, and finally it’s shift into the Temple of Amun for protection. Kate Liszka Thebes, The Great City Ancient Thebes, modern Luxor was the religious capital of Egypt for 2000 years.  Pharaoh’s of the New Kingdom like Ramses the Great, Hatshepsut, Tutankhamun, and even Akhenaten built countless religious and political structures at Thebes.  It was a marvel even in their time.  Thebes is also the best preserved ancient city in Egypt today and has been the most significant tourist destination in Egypt from the Roman times until today.  This talk takes the audience on a virtual tour of this great city, discussing the historical, religious, and cultural implications of its monuments individually as well as their association to other monuments at Thebes.  Learn about structures such as the great Temple of Karnak, the Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, Hatshepsut’s temple at Deir el-Bahri, the Ramesseum, the Colossi of Memnon, Ramses III’s temple at Medinet Habu, Amenhotep III’s palace at Malqata, the city of worker’s who built the royal tombs at Deir el-Medina, and thousands of private tombs. Kate Liszka Abydos, the Realm of Osiris The cult of Osiris, the Egyptian god of the dead, was centered on one city in Egypt, the city of Abydos.  The Egyptians believed that Osiris himself was buried in this city.  Ideally, all Egyptians wanted to be buried at Abydos.  This religious ideal led countless royal and private monuments to be built at this site for 3000 years.  Kings, such as Seti I and Ramses the Great, built colossal temples to commemorate Osiris.  Other kings, such as the legendary predynastic kings and the kings of the first dynasty, Senwosret III of the Middle Kingdom, and Ahmose of the New Kingdom may have been buried at Abydos to strengthen their relationship to Osiris.  Individuals too often left personal monuments such as cenotaphs and stelae reinforcing their relationship with the god.  Egyptians could even go to visit Osiris’ tomb and leave votive offerings; this practice culminated in a magnificent yearly festival.  This talk takes the audience on a virtual tour of the city of Abydos, discussing the religious, cultural, and historical implications of its monuments individually as well as their association to other monuments at Abydos. Kate Liszka Egyptian Story Time: The Shipwrecked Sailor The Ancient Egyptian story of the Shipwrecked Sailor is considered a classic by ancient Egyptians and modern enthusiasts of Egyptian literature.  Hear the telling of the Shipwrecked Sailor, and learn about Ancient Egyptian culture through the eyes of this fascinating story. Kate Liszka

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