The Great Pyramid of Khufu is the last surviving wonder of the world – and it is just one of 138 pyramids remaining in Egypt, an enduring symbol of the Pharaoh’s eternity. Why and when were these great structures made – what were the hidden meanings behind their magnificence? This Egyptologist-led course will serve to dispel some of the mysteries and myths surrounding the pyramids of Egypt – and reveal some surprising truths behind these awe-inspiring edifices. Students will get an intriguing and insightful introduction into the history, architecture/design, builders and chronology of the Egyptian pyramids. We will also learn about the legendary kings, architects, archaeologists, builders and explorers who are essential players in pyramid history.

Spanning more than 3000 years, Ancient Egypt is among the greatest civilizations the world has known. Join us for a whirlwind journey – from the time before the Pyramids through the birth of language and religious thought, through the Valley of the Kings and Tuts golden treasures, Ramses triumphs — all the way to the Greeks and Romans. This course will take you on a rich and engaging adventure exploring the great events, characters, beliefs and tremendous feats of art and architecture that characterized this magnificent era. You will achieve a certain understanding of the course of Egyptian history while you remain endlessly fascinated by these great ancient people.

They are some of the most storied ancient sites in the world. And the greatest wonders of man. The great buildings and architectural works of the ancient Egyptians never fail to mesmerize. Who built them? Why and how were they constructed? How were they conceived and used by kings, priests and commoners?  And what did they look like 3000 years ago? From the Pyramids of Giza and King’s valley to Karnak Temple… Come take an armchair tour down the Nile with Egyptologist Laura Ranieri Roy and explore in-depth the awe-inspiring pyramids, towns, temples and structures of this great civilization that continue to make Egypt a land of endless fascination.

Foreign invasions, decentralization, mass immigration: the greatness that was Egypt underwent a turbulent millennium of change, resurgence and finally decline. After the golden age of the great Pharaohs, Egypt was ruled by a rotating cast of colourful foreign kings and conquerors… from the Libyans and Nubians through the Assyrians to the Greeks and finally the Romans. With the coming of Christianity, the final vestiges of its great pagan culture was finally erased. This exciting course will tell the story of Egypt’s dramatic and often poorly understood fall from greatness, from 1000 BCE through 600 AD, with fascinating characters like Ramses III, Taharqa, Alexander the Great and Queen Cleopatra as lead players in the endlessly intriguing drama.

Learn the stories of the famous Ptolemies, the great Herodotus – and the famous artists, traders, mariners and conquerors who transformed Egypt.

We will explore the colourful connections between Greece and Egypt. Learn about the trade relationships, the artists, the important Greeks who made an impact in Egypt. We will cover how the great Greek civilization ultimately derived insight from the Egyptians, adopted their gods and afterlife beliefs to form their own great civilization. Finally, we will tell the story of the Ptolemies – and how the Greeks ultimately conquered and ruled Egypt after the coming of Alexander the Great in 332 BCE.

Great houses of the gods. Mansions of millions of years for resurrected kings. Cult centres of magnificence, pomp and circumstance where lavish festivals were held. The Great Temples of Egypt’s New Kingdom continue to mesmerize visitors even in their colossal-ruined state today. How were these great places built? What was the symbolism at play? How did they function as the centre of society? And what about the great rituals and celebrations enacted within their sacred walls?

In this 4-part course, we will enter the temples to reveal their many secrets. We will also take a look at iconic temples: Temple of Seti at Abydos, Denderah Temple, Luxor Temple, The Great Aten Temple, Hatshepsut Temple & Medinet Habu, Ramses III last great temple of Pharaonic Egypt.