Egyptian Art Treasures at the British Museum

This 3-week zoom course runs May 1, 8 and 15 at 4pm EDT

With more than 100,000 Ancient Egyptian objects, British Museum in London comprises one of the largest and most important collections of Egyptian antiquities outside of Egypt.

Let’s explore its great Egyptian galleries and delve into:

- The stories behind the stunning treasures

- The artistry and meaning of these immortal works

- The history of the early explorers, archaeologists and British Museum collectors, like Henry Salt and the Great Belzoni, Sir Flinders Petrie, Wallis Budge and the Egypt Exploration fund.

- Learn about the Rosetta Stone, the Younger Memnon – and much more.

This three-week course will be recorded with the links sent out - if you cannot make the event live!

Embark on a captivating three-week journey through the timeless treasures of ancient Egypt at the British Museum with Egyptologist Laura Ranieri Roy. In this three-week course, we’ll delve into the rich history and cultural significance of Egyptian artifacts at the museum, spanning from the Pre-Dynastic and Old Kingdom eras to the Late Period and Mortuary Art.

How did they get there? What is the symbolism at play? How can they illuminate and inspire our understanding of the civilization of Ancient Egypt?

Week 1: Treasures of the Pre-Dynastic and Old Kingdom: Explore the origins of Egyptian civilization and marvel at iconic artifacts from the earliest periods, including sculptures and artifacts dating back to 10,000 BC. to the graceful works of the Pyramid age.

Week 2: Middle and New Kingdom Statuary and Masterpieces: Discover the grandeur of Middle and New Kingdom statuary and masterpieces, including renowned pieces such as the colossal bust of Ramesses II, known as the 'Younger Memnon', presented to the British Museum in 1817. We will discuss in depth the beautiful New Kingdom reliefs from the Tomb of Nebamun – a real highlight

Week 3: Late Period and Mortuary Art: From the beautiful bust of Psamtik and Rosetta Stone to the Hawara funerary masks along with stunning coffins and sarcophagi from the 21st through Greco-Roman period, the final class will highlight some of the most colourful and detailed works of art from late period Egypt.

Join us for an immersive exploration of Egyptian treasures at the British Museum, where history comes to life through captivating stories, beautiful art,and expert insights.

Laura Ranieri Roy, an Egyptologist, writer, and founder-director of Ancient Egypt Alive, brings a wealth of experience in igniting passion about Egypt's past. She has been a popular speaker at museums, universities, and an in-demand teacher with third-age network institutes across Ontario. Holding an MA in Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations from the University of Toronto, Laura has excavated at significant sites, including the ancient Greek site of Apollonia Pontica in Bulgaria and the site of Amarna in Egypt. Her rich career includes creating specialized educational tours and delivering lectures at prestigious institutions worldwide. Please watch her new 2023 TEDX talk on Ancient Egypt and legacy