Doodles and Debris: Ancient Graffiti on the Theban West Bank

Join me to examine the graffiti and personal marks used by the Deir el Medina workers, as we consider informal communication.
About this Event

Using diverse evidence this course seeks to examine aspects of daily life in ancient Egypt. We will focus principally on the texts and objects that remain, also considering artistic design and innovation. Formal and informal modes of communication will be considered, for example the library of the Deir el Medina scribe Qenherkhepeshef, in contrast to graffiti left at the Valley of the Kings. We will also review the treasure trove of ostraca found in the 'Big Pit' at Deir el Medina, each recording snippets of daily life. In addition, we will examine the royal cache (TT320) and associated burials, in relation to the reuse of coffins, and what this tells us about aspects of commerce and craft production in the later New Kingdom. Our main areas of focus will be Deir el Medina and Thebes.

This ticket is for one lecture

Week 4 – Tuesday 3rd Dec 10.30am

Graffiti on the Theban West Bank and personal marks of Deir el Medina workers

This lecture will be repeated live on Fri 6th Dec 10.30am GMT

You will receive the zoom link for both lectures.

Articles and links will be sent out after each lecture as appriopriate