Carter to Lehner: The Great Explorers Part 2 - 20th Century

Join Canadian Egyptologists Laura and Francois on a fascinating journey into the 20th century—the golden age of modern Egyptology—when science, determination, and sometimes sheer luck led to some of the greatest discoveries in the history of archaeology.

We’ll begin with the most famous story of them all: Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s intact tomb in 1922—an event that electrified the world and defined modern Egyptology. Alongside this tale, we’ll explore the lesser-known but pioneering contributions of Margaret Murray, who worked with Flinders Petrie at Abydos and Saqqara and became one of the first women to take part in excavations in Egypt.

We’ll then travel to the sands of Giza with George Reisner, the Harvard professor whose meticulous excavations across Egypt and Nubia revealed the buried treasures of Queen Hetepheres, fabulous statuary-- and provided new insights into the pyramid of Menkaure. At the same time, Walter Emery’s work uncovered fascinating Old Kingdom mastabas from the 1st Dynasty and Saqqara, while French Egyptologist Pierre Montet made dazzling finds at Tanis, including intact royal tombs that rivalled even Tutankhamun’s.

Finally, we’ll meet Jean-Philippe Lauer, the French architect who devoted his life to restoring and understanding Egypt’s oldest stone building: Djoser’s Step Pyramid at Saqqara. We’ll also examine the groundbreaking research of Mark Lehner, whose mapping of the Giza plateau and discovery of the workers village transformed our knowledge of how the pyramids were built, and Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s charismatic modern-era archaeologist whose discoveries and media presence have kept Egyptology in the international spotlight.

Throughout this three-week course, we will guide you through the brilliant minds, meticulous excavations, and breathtaking discoveries that defined Egyptology in the 20th century. Whether the romance of Tutankhamun’s tomb draws you, the detective work of uncovering ancient queens, or the cutting-edge methods of modern excavation, this series brings to life the personalities and breakthroughs that shaped our current understanding of Ancient Egypt.

Weekly Breakdown

Week 1 (April 28): Howard Carter, Carnarvon & Margaret MurrayThe story of Tutankhamun’s tomb—one of the most extraordinary finds in archaeology—along with the pioneering career of Margaret Murray, an early female Egyptologist who excavated at Abydos and Saqqara with Petrie.

Week 2 (May 5): George Reisner, Walter Emery & Pierre MontetWe spotlight Reisner’s discovery of Queen Hetepheres and his work on the Menkaure pyramid at Giza, Emery’s finds at Saqqara, and Montet’s spectacular royal tombs at Tanis.

Week 3 (May 12): Jean-Philippe Lauer, Mark Lehner & Zahi HawassWe conclude with Lauer’s life-long work restoring the Step Pyramid, Lehner’s pioneering research at the Giza plateau and workmen’s village, and Hawass’s high-profile excavations and enduring impact on modern Egyptology.

By the end of this 3-week course, participants will:

1. Understand the landmark discoveries of the 20th century — from Tutankhamun’s tomb and Queen Hetepheres to the royal necropolis of Tanis and the Step Pyramid at Saqqara.
2. Recognize the contributions of key archaeologists including Carter, Murray, Reisner, Emery, Montet, Lauer, Lehner, and Hawass, and how their work shaped modern Egyptology.
3. Gain insight into evolving excavation methods and theories — from early treasure-hunting approaches to the rise of scientific archaeology and conservation practices.

Appreciate the continuing legacy of these explorers in preserving Egypt’s monuments, advancing scholarship, and inspiring future generations of archaeologists and enthusiasts.