In this course, you will encounter some of the goddesses who made up the Egyptian pantheon. Some you will have heard of, others you may not have done, but all contributed to the richness of the ancient Egyptian worldview. In addition to learning some of the myths, iconographies, and rituals associated with these goddesses, you will also consider fundamental questions about what makes a goddess, and how understandings of gender may have affected their roles. All of this while gaining familiarity with key sources used by Egyptologists, including archaeological material, artwork, and texts in translation.
No background knowledge is needed for this course, just interest and enthusiasm for Egyptian goddesses. The course will cover material dating from c. 3000 BCE to the 6th Century CE, and geographic regions from the banks of the Nile in Upper Egypt to the banks of the Thames in London.
Join us as we discover the goddesses of ancient Egypt.
Tutor: Dr. Edward Scrivens is the Development Manager at the Egypt Exploration Society. He earned his doctorate at The Queen’s College, University of Oxford, where he held the prestigious Barns Studentship in Egyptology. His thesis examined how goddesses were depicted in the wall scenes of tombs and temples during the Ramessid period (c. 1295-1069 BCE), using iconography and the spatial dimensions of Egyptian art to consider how gender roles were thought to function in the divine world. Following the completion of his doctorate, he lectured as Tutor in Egyptology at Swansea University and continues to maintain an active research program alongside his work at the EES.
Course Dates
Online lessons will be held live at the following times (UK):
Thursday 23rd March, 18:00-19:30:
Introduction: What makes a Goddess?
Thursday 30th March, 18:00-19:30:
Goddesses of Creation
Thursday 6th April, 18:00-19:30:
Hathor and the ‘Eye Goddess’
Thursday 13th April, 18:00-19:30:
Isis: Wife, Mother, Magician
Thursday 20th April, 18:00-19:30:
Divine Women
Find out more about each class on our website. Recordings of the live sessions will be made available to attendees following the weekly session for those unable to attend in person.
Tickets: To book a place click here. Members of the Egypt Exploration Society can book at a heavily discounted rate. If you’re not yet a member but would like to join in order to receive this discount, please ensure that you have joined here.