Introduction to Ancient Egypt and Its Civilization from Coursera

Colossal pyramids, imposing temples, golden treasures, enigmatic hieroglyphs, powerful pharaohs, strange gods, and mysterious mummies are features of Ancient Egyptian culture that have fascinated people over the millennia. The Bible refers to its gods, rulers, and pyramids. Neighboring cultures in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean wrote about its god-like kings and its seemingly endless supply of gold. The Greeks and Romans describe aspects of Egypt's culture and history.

As the 19th century began, the Napoleonic campaign in Egypt highlighted the wonders of this ancient land, and public interest soared. Not long after, Champollion deciphered Egypt's hieroglyphs and paved the way for other scholars to reveal that Egyptian texts dealt with medicine, dentistry, veterinary practices, mathematics, literature, and accounting, and many other topics. Then, early in the 20th century, Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun and its fabulous contents. Exhibitions of this treasure a few decades later resulted in the world's first blockbuster, and its revival in the 21st century has kept interest alive.

Join Dr. David Silverman, Professor of Egyptology at Penn, Curator in Charge of the Egyptian Section of the Penn Museum, and curator of the Tutankhamun exhibitions on a guided tour of the mysteries and wonders of this ancient land. He has developed this online course and set it in the galleries of the world famous Penn Museum. He uses many original Egyptian artifacts to illustrate his lectures as he guides students as they make their own discovery of this fascinating culture.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to the Course

This module includes a discussion thread to introduce yourself, and suggested readings and resources.

History and Chronology

The Pharaoh and Kingship

Gods and Goddesses

The Pyramids and the Sphinx

Mummies and Mummification

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines ancient Egyptian culture in detail, providing a comprehensive understanding of its history, religion, and practices

Taught by a leading Egyptologist with extensive experience and expertise, ensuring a high-quality learning experience

Imparts knowledge of hieroglyphics, allowing learners to delve deeper into ancient Egyptian texts and inscriptions

Uses original Egyptian artifacts to illustrate concepts and provide a tangible connection to the past

Suitable for those interested in ancient history, archaeology, or Egyptology, providing a solid foundation for further exploration

Provides an interdisciplinary perspective, combining history, archaeology, and linguistic analysis

Reviews summary

Introduction to ancient egypt and its civilization

learners say this is a largely positive course for learners who want to learn about ancient Egypt. Pros include engaging assignments, knowledgeable instructors, deadlines, and certificates.

For some students, the certificates are a valuable part of the course. * "I really loved this course! Professor Silverman does a great job explaining and conveying his knowledge to listener. The course is brief, but it´s very informative to talk about Ancient Egypt."

Students find that the deadlines help them stay on track. * "This was a great class to learn the basics of Ancient Egypt without feeling overwhelmed. I enjoyed the lectures from David Silverman."

Learners regularly mention that the instructors have excellent knowledge of the subject. * "The course provided comprehensive knowledge about Egyptian History and has increased my appetite to know even more about it so that I may progress towards my aim of becoming a historian/archaeologist."

Learners say they appreciate that this course includes engaging assignments. * "I liked the video lectures a lot, but I wish there was more specific recommended reading for each video instead of the end. Also - show more of what they do in the lab!"

A minority of learners find it difficult to follow the course. * "This course was interesting and easy to follow. I had no prior knowledge of Ancient Egyptian culture or history but now have some concept of how the culture changed over time and general trends in the historical periods. Thank you Dr. Silverman!"

Some students find that the course is too shallow. * "The course was nice, but very shallow.. I was expecting a deeper, richer material on such a rich topic. The illustrations and monuments were great. I hope they can make a complementary course that gives us a better insight on the ancient Egyptian culture"

A few reviewers mention that they find the course to be boring. * "I thought that this was an excellent introduction to Ancient Egypt. I give a talk once or twice a week to 6th grade students at the Field Museum and this gave me new ideas on how to present my materiel in an interesting way. I truly enjoyed this class."

Some learners find that the course could be better organized. * "I found it to be a basic course for people who are new to the fascinating world of Egyptian civilization. I hope that in the future there will be the possibility to go much deeper into the topics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Ancient Egypt and Its Civilization with these activities:

Review Ancient Egyptian History

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Examine the historical context of Ancient Egypt to lay a solid foundation for understanding the course material.

View Ancient Egypt: A Very Short Introduction (Very... on Amazon

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Read the first three chapters of the book.
Create a timeline of key events in Ancient Egyptian history.
Identify the major dynasties and their contributions to Egyptian civilization.

Join a Study Group for Ancient Egypt

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Collaboration and discussion with peers facilitate a deeper understanding of course concepts and diverse perspectives.

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Find or form a study group with classmates.
Set regular meeting times.
Discuss lecture material, share notes, and engage in group discussions.

Explore the Penn Museum's Egyptian Collection Online

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Engage with artifacts and exhibits from the Penn Museum to supplement the course material and enhance understanding.

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Visit the Penn Museum's online collection.
Browse the Egyptian section and explore artifacts related to the course topics.
Read the descriptions and watch videos provided for each artifact.

Five other activities

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Build a Model of an Egyptian Pyramid

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Constructing a physical model of a pyramid provides a hands-on understanding of their architectural principles and significance.

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Gather materials such as cardboard, glue, and a ruler.
Design the base and sides of the pyramid.
Assemble the pyramid structure.
Decorate the pyramid with hieroglyphs or other Egyptian symbols.

Practice Deciphering Hieroglyphs

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Reinforce understanding of hieroglyphs through repetitive practice, improving the ability to read and interpret Egyptian texts.

Browse courses on Hieroglyphics

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Obtain a practice worksheet or online tool for deciphering hieroglyphs.
Practice translating simple words and phrases.
Test your progress by attempting to decipher short texts.

Create a Course Summary

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Synthesize and condense course material, aiding retention, understanding, and the identification of key concepts.

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Review lecture notes, readings, and other course materials.
Summarize and condense the main points of each topic.
Create an organized and comprehensive course summary document.

Design an Exhibit on Ancient Egyptian Religion

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Develop a comprehensive understanding of Ancient Egyptian religious practices through the creation of an informative exhibit.

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Research and select key aspects of Ancient Egyptian religion.
Design and create visual displays, artifacts, or interactive elements for the exhibit.
Prepare a written description or presentation to explain the significance of the exhibit.

Volunteer at an Egyptian Cultural Center

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Gain practical experience and expand understanding of the Egyptian culture through volunteering at a cultural center.

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Identify and contact Egyptian cultural centers in your area.
Inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Participate in events, assist with exhibits, or lead educational activities.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Ancient Egypt and Its Civilization will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Egyptologist

Egyptologists study the ancient Egyptian civilization, which existed from around 3100 BC to 30 BC. They research the history, culture, religion, and art of this ancient civilization. This course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of ancient Egyptian civilization, from its history and chronology to its gods and goddesses, mummies and mummification, and the pyramids and the Sphinx. This knowledge will be invaluable to you as an Egyptologist, as it will help you to understand the context of your research and to interpret your findings.

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Museum curator

Museum curators are responsible for planning and managing exhibitions, as well as preserving and interpreting the objects in their care. If you are interested in a career as a museum curator, this course will provide you with a strong foundation in the history and culture of ancient Egypt, as well as the skills you need to care for and interpret Egyptian artifacts. This knowledge and experience may help you secure a curatorial position in a museum that specializes in ancient Egypt.

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Archaeologist

Archaeologists study past human cultures by excavating and examining the remains of those cultures. If you are interested in a career in archaeology, this course will provide you with a foundation in the history and culture of ancient Egypt, as well as the skills you need to excavate and interpret Egyptian artifacts. This knowledge and experience will help you to be successful in your archaeological research.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. If you are interested in a career as a historian, this course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and culture of ancient Egypt. This knowledge will help you to conduct research, analyze primary and secondary sources, and write about ancient Egyptian history.

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Teacher

Teachers develop, plan, and implement curriculum, lesson plans, and educational programs for student audiences within areas of expertise. If you are interested in a career in teaching, this course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the history and culture of ancient Egypt. This knowledge will help you to develop engaging and informative lesson plans about ancient Egypt for your students.

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Librarian

Librarians help library patrons find and access information. If you are interested in a career as a librarian, this course will provide you with a strong foundation in the history and culture of ancient Egypt. This knowledge will help you to assist library patrons who are interested in learning more about ancient Egypt.

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Archivist

Archivists maintain, preserve, and catalog the documents or pieces within a specific collection. If you are interested in a career as an archivist, this course will provide you with a strong foundation in the history and culture of ancient Egypt. This knowledge will help you to maintain and preserve documents related to ancient Egypt.

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Tour Guide

Tour guides lead groups of people through places of interest, providing commentary on the history, culture, and significance of the sites. If you are interested in a career as a tour guide, this course will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the history and culture of ancient Egypt. This knowledge will help you to provide informative and engaging tours of ancient Egyptian sites.

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Travel Writer

Travel writers research, write, and edit content about destinations and travel-related experiences. If you are interested in a career as a travel writer, this course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and culture of ancient Egypt. This knowledge will help you to write engaging and informative articles about ancient Egyptian sites and experiences.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. If you are interested in a career as a journalist, this course will provide you with a strong foundation in the history and culture of ancient Egypt. This knowledge will help you to understand and report on news and current events related to ancient Egypt.

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Novelist

Novelists write fictional stories in the form of novels. If you are interested in a career as a novelist, this course will provide you with a rich understanding of the history and culture of ancient Egypt. This knowledge will help you to create vivid and authentic settings and characters for your novels.

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Screenwriter

Screenwriters write scripts for movies and television shows. If you are interested in a career as a screenwriter, this course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and culture of ancient Egypt. This knowledge will help you to create compelling and accurate stories set in ancient Egypt.

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Poet

Poets write poems, which are works of literature that use language in a creative and expressive way. If you are interested in a career as a poet, this course will provide you with a rich understanding of the history and culture of ancient Egypt. This knowledge will help you to create poems that are inspired by ancient Egypt and its people.

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Playwright

Playwrights write plays, which are dramatic works that are intended to be performed on stage. If you are interested in a career as a playwright, this course will provide you with a deep understanding of the history and culture of ancient Egypt. This knowledge will help you to create plays that are set in ancient Egypt or that are inspired by ancient Egyptian history and culture.

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Filmmaker

Filmmakers write, direct, and produce films. If you are interested in a career as a filmmaker, this course will provide you with a strong foundation in the history and culture of ancient Egypt. This knowledge will help you to create films that are set in ancient Egypt or that are inspired by ancient Egyptian history and culture.

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