Pyramids of Giza: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology from edX

Where is Giza? How were the Pyramids built? How did the cemeteries and hundreds of decorated tombs around them develop? What was Giza’s contribution to this first great age of ancient Egyptian civilization, the Old Kingdom?

The Giza Plateau and its cemeteries — including the majestic Pyramids and the Great Sphinx — are stirring examples of ancient Egyptian architecture and culture. They provide windows into ancient Egyptian society, but also contain mysteries waiting to be solved. The Egyptian Pyramids at Giza provide an opportunity to explore the history of archaeology and to learn about some of the modern methods shaping the discipline today.

This introductory course will explore the art, archaeology, and history surrounding the Giza Pyramids. We will learn about Egyptian pharaohs and high officials of the Pyramid Age, follow in the footsteps of the great 20th-century expeditions, and discover how cutting-edge digital tools like 3D-modeling are reshaping the discipline of Egyptology.

Join us on this online journey to ancient Egypt’s most famous archaeological site as we uncover the history and significance of Giza, and use new digital techniques to unravel the mysteries of its ancient tombs and temples.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The history and significance of the giza pyramids and surrounding cemeteries
Who explored the pyramids and how they documented their discoveries
The cultural and religious significance of the giza pyramids, tombs, and temples
The role of hieroglyphic inscriptions in the tombs at giza

An appreciation for egyptian art of the old kingdom, or pyramid age
How digital technologies allow us to visualize ancient monuments in new ways
What the future holds for our understanding and experience of giza

The history and significance of the giza pyramids and surrounding cemeteries
Who explored the pyramids and how they documented their discoveries
The cultural and religious significance of the giza pyramids, tombs, and temples
The role of hieroglyphic inscriptions in the tombs at giza
An appreciation for egyptian art of the old kingdom, or pyramid age
How digital technologies allow us to visualize ancient monuments in new ways
What the future holds for our understanding and experience of giza

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a strong base for novices seeking to build out their knowledge of Egyptology

Will appeal to experienced and casual learners with a keen interest in Egyptology

Taught by Peter Der Manuelian, an esteemed Egyptologist with experience in the field and in the academy

Gives access to and interaction with 3D models of the Great Pyramids and other monuments, allowing learners to explore in detail

Introduces a wide range of topics and themes, including art, architecture, history, and culture

Would best suit learners with some familiarity with history and Egyptology

Reviews summary

Positive reviews: ancient egypt course

According to students, this elite course on Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology was engaging due to Professor Peter Der Manuelian's detailed lectures and sense of humor. Students also appreciated the course's use of tech and scholarly readings to bring the subject matter to life. Overall, the course was highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about this historical topic.

Students appreciated the use of technology to bring the course material to life.

""The use of technology to bring the art and architecture alive is outstanding as it allows you to visualise some of what has been lost.""

""This course provides real education.""

Students found the course content to be interesting and engaging.

""I am very happy to have completed this course. It was fasciniting.""

""Very very interesting course.""

""This is one of my favourite MOOCs. There is a wealth of information provided in a clear manner.""

Professor Peter Der Manuelian was praised for his knowledge, enthusiasm, and humor.

""This was the best thing I've spent my time on in quarantine, Professor Manuelian was an extremely good teacher with a great sense of humour which made it very entertaining to learn with him.""

""Excellent course! I enjoyed the professor, Dr. Peter der Manuelian, for his knowledge, enthusiasm and humor.""

""I have an advanced degree in art history, but knew little about ancient Egypt--now I feel I know enough to enjoy future readings and exploration.""

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 Pyramids of Giza: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology with these activities:

Follow a Guided Tour of the Giza Pyramids

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Following a guided tour of the Giza Pyramids will help you learn about the history and significance of these structures from an expert guide.

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Find a guided tour of the Giza Pyramids online or through a local tour operator.
Book your tour.
Take the tour and ask the guide any questions you have.

Review The Pyramids: Their Archeology and History

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This book provides an overview of the archaeology and history of the pyramids, which is essential knowledge for understanding the Giza Pyramids.

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Read the introduction and Chapter 1.
Read Chapters 2-4.
Read the conclusion and do the exercises at the end of each chapter.

Practice Reading and Translating Hieroglyphics

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Practicing reading and translating hieroglyphics will help you understand the inscriptions found on the Giza Pyramids and other ancient Egyptian monuments.

Browse courses on Hieroglyphics

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Find a hieroglyphics practice worksheet or online tool.
Start practicing reading and translating simple hieroglyphs.
Gradually increase the difficulty of the hieroglyphs you practice.

Five other activities

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Attend a Lecture or Conference on Egyptology

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Attending a lecture or conference on Egyptology will help you learn about the latest research on the Giza Pyramids and other aspects of ancient Egyptian civilization from experts in the field.

Browse courses on Egyptology

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Find a lecture or conference on Egyptology online or in your local area.
Register for the event.
Attend the event and take notes.

Build a Model of the Giza Plateau

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Building a model of the Giza Plateau will help you visualize the layout of the pyramids and other structures, and understand their relationship to each other.

Browse courses on Pyramids

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Gather materials: cardboard, glue, paint, etc.
Design your model.
Build the base of your model.
Build the pyramids and other structures.
Paint and decorate your model.

Create a Collection of Resources on the Giza Pyramids

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Creating a collection of resources on the Giza Pyramids will help you organize and easily access the information you need to learn about these structures.

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Gather resources on the Giza Pyramids from books, websites, and other sources.
Organize your resources into a system that makes sense to you.
Create a document or online resource that lists and describes your resources.

Write a Report on the Cultural Significance of the Giza Pyramids

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Writing a report on the cultural significance of the Giza Pyramids will help you understand the importance of these structures to ancient Egyptian society.

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Research the cultural significance of the Giza Pyramids.
Organize your research into an outline.
Write your report.
Proofread and edit your report.

Review your notes from the Giza Pyramids module

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Reviewing your notes from the Giza Pyramids module will help you refresh your knowledge of the material and prepare you for upcoming assessments.

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Gather your notes from the Giza Pyramids module.
Read through your notes and highlight any important information.
Take a quiz or practice test to assess your knowledge.

Career center

Learners who complete Pyramids of Giza: Ancient Egyptian Art and Archaeology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Curator

Curators oversee and manage collections in museums and other heritage settings. By taking this course, you have the opportunity to learn about ancient Egyptian art, tombs, and temples. You may learn how curators preserve, document, and exhibit these artifacts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curator

Architectural Historian

Architectural historians research, analyze, and interpret the history of architecture. By taking this course, you can learn about the architectural significance of the Giza Pyramids. This knowledge can help you analyze and interpret other architectural works, such as ancient temples and monuments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Architectural Historian

Archaeological Field Technician

Archaeological field technicians assist archaeologists in excavating and documenting archaeological sites. This course may teach you how to explore archaeological sites like the Giza Pyramids, and explore tombs and temples. This course will teach you skills such as mapping and recording discoveries for future reference.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archaeological Field Technician

Egyptologist

Egyptologists are experts on the history, culture, and language of ancient Egypt. This course may help you develop a deep understanding of the Giza Pyramids and surrounding cemeteries. Knowledge of the field will help you perform duties such as uncovering the cultural and religious significance of monuments at Giza.

See salaries and explore the career path for Egyptologist

Art historian

Art historians research, analyze, and interpret art. This course may help you understand ancient Egyptian art as expressed in the Giza Pyramids. This could help you develop an appreciation for art history, and the importance of art in ancient cultures.

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Museum Educator

Museum educators develop and deliver educational programs for museum visitors. This course may help you learn about the history, significance, and cultural impact of the Giza Pyramids. This will enable you to teach visitors about one of Egypt's most important historical sites.

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Digital Imaging Specialist

Digital imaging specialists use digital technology to create and manipulate images. This course includes information about digital modeling and the visualization of ancient monuments. This knowledge will help you select and use digital imaging techniques in your role.

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Conservation Scientist

Conservation scientists preserve and restore cultural heritage materials, such as artifacts, paintings, and buildings. This course may help you learn about the conservation of ancient Egyptian artifacts, such as those found in the Giza Pyramids. This training could help you protect and preserve cultural heritage for future generations.

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Tour Guide

Tour guides lead groups of people on tours of attractions, such as museums, historical sites, and natural landmarks. This course may help provide you with the knowledge to lead tours. You will learn about the Giza Pyramids and their significance, enabling you to teach and inform tourists about Egypt's history.

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Museum Registrar

Museum registrars manage the records of museum collections. This course may introduce you to the history of ancient Egypt, and teach you about the significance of the Giza Pyramids. This will help you catalog and manage artifacts and records.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. This course may help you learn about ancient Egyptian history, and explore how developments at Giza impacted ancient Egyptian society. This knowledge can help you in your role as a historian.

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Archaeologist

Archaeologists study the human past through excavation and analysis of material remains. By enrolling in this course, you may gain insight into ancient Egyptian culture, and learn how to analyze their tombs, temples, and other monuments. This may be useful to you as an archaeologist, allowing you to see the kinds of duties you may be performing.

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Teacher

Teachers plan and deliver instruction to students in a classroom setting. This course may help you teach students about ancient Egyptian history and culture. As a teacher, you may incorporate what you learn about the Giza Pyramids to help your students understand the importance of history.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve and provide access to historical records. By enrolling in this course, you may gain a broader knowledge of ancient Egyptian history, art, and archaeology. This course will introduce you to a field of history and introduce you to the work of archivists.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. This course may help you learn about the cultural and religious practices of ancient Egyptians. This can be useful for a career in anthropology, especially if you plan to study the behavior, traditions, and history of ancient cultures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist