Egypt - Age of the Pyramids

Course Structure: Six Live Sessions

Lecture 1: From Prehistory to Kingship

📌 How did Egyptian civilization emerge?
📌 The early cultures of the Nile Valley
📌 The unification of Egypt and the first kings
📌 The ideology of kingship and the role of the pharaoh

Egypt’s story begins long before the pyramids. In this session, we explore the earliest settlements, the rise of political authority, and the formation of the first dynasty.

Lecture 2: The Pyramid Builders

📌 The rise of the Old Kingdom and its rulers
📌 Step pyramids, mastabas, and the leap to true pyramids
📌 Inside the pyramids: purpose, construction, and workers
📌 The great kings—Djoser, Sneferu, Khufu, and their successors

Nothing defines the Old Kingdom like its pyramids. We will examine how engineering, ideology, and state power combined to produce Egypt’s most enduring monuments.

Lecture 3: Life, Literature, and Belief in the Old Kingdom

📌 Egyptian religious beliefs and the afterlife
📌 Literature of the pyramid age – wisdom texts and biographies
📌 Daily life: how did common Egyptians live?
📌 The concept of Ma’at and ethics in Egyptian society

Beyond the elite, Egypt was home to scribes, farmers, artisans, and priests who shaped its cultural landscape. This session uncovers the beliefs, literature, and everyday life that defined the Old Kingdom.

Lecture 4: Collapse and Rebirth – The First Intermediate Period

📌 The decline of the Old Kingdom – what went wrong?
📌 Regional governors, famine, and political fragmentation
📌 The rise of Thebes and the Middle Kingdom’s foundation

Egypt’s first great collapse saw the breakdown of central authority and the rise of local rulers. This session explores what caused the fall of the pyramid age and how Thebes emerged as a new center of power.

Lecture 5: The Middle Kingdom – Egypt’s Classical Age

📌 The resurgence of pharaonic power
📌 Great kings and their achievements
📌 Literature, art, and administration in the Middle Kingdom
📌 Foreign relations: Nubia, the Levant, and beyond

The Middle Kingdom is often considered Egypt’s "golden age" of culture and governance. We will explore its literary masterpieces, social structure, and expansionist policies.

Lecture 6: The End of an Era – The Hyksos and the Kingdom of Kush

📌 The decline of the Middle Kingdom
📌 The arrival of the Hyksos – invaders or settlers?
📌 Egypt’s relationship with Nubia and the Kingdom of Kush
📌 The Second Intermediate Period and what comes next

Egypt’s second great collapse saw foreign rulers take control and Nubia rise as a powerful kingdom. This session examines how Egypt lost control and what set the stage for the next great phase in its history.

Why Take This Course?

✔ Live, Interactive Learning – Unlike prerecorded courses, you’ll engage in real-time with an expert and fellow participants.

✔ Deep Dive into Key Topics – Each session covers critical themes in politics, society, religion, and daily life.

✔ Exclusive Access to Primary Sources – Analyze ancient texts, inscriptions, and artifacts with expert guidance.

✔ Learn from an Ancient Historian – Get direct insights from a specialist in antiquities.

✔ Q&A and Discussion – Ask questions and discuss theories in real-time.

Who Should Enroll?

🔹 History enthusiasts eager to learn about ancient Egypt in detail
🔹 Students and researchers seeking a solid foundation in early Egyptian history
🔹 Travelers planning to visit Egypt who want to appreciate its monuments beyond their surface beauty
🔹 Anyone fascinated by pyramids, pharaohs, and the legacy of one of the world’s greatest civilizations

How It Works

📅 Duration: 6 weeks (1 live lecture per week)
⏳ Format: Live online via Zoom
📚 Bonus Materials: Lecture slides, readings, and recommended resources
💬 Interactive Q&A: Ask questions and join discussions in real time

Join Us and Step into the Age of the Pyramids!

History comes alive when you experience it live—don’t miss this unique opportunity to explore the heart of ancient Egypt.

🔗 Enroll Now and Secure Your Spot!