Join us for the EES’ annual Summer Study Day as we journey into the heart of the Nile Delta to explore the rise, fall and legacy of four great capital cities that shaped over five centuries of ancient Egyptian history. Marvel at the monumental grandeur of Qantir-Piramesse, the New Kingdom (c. 1295–1069 BCE) stronghold of Ramesses II, discover Tanis as the key royal and religious centre of the early Third Intermediate Period (c. 1069–945 BCE), contemplate the cult centre to the cat goddess Bastet at Bubastis in Dynasty 22 (c. 945–715 BCE), and relive the cultural renaissance at Sais in the Late Period (c. 664 BCE–332 CE). This year’s theme—Delta Capitals—offers a sweeping view of political power, urban development, and cultural identity in Egypt’s northern frontier.
Through talks from leading Egyptologists, new archaeological insights, and lively discussion, this event will uncover how each of these cities reflected—and reshaped—the world around them.
Funds generated from ticket sales will directly contribute to the ongoing work of the Society.
Venue: Khalili Lecture Theatre (KLT), School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), Torrington Square, London, WC1H 0XG, UK
This event will be livestreamed online via Zoom for those unable to join us in London. The event will also be recorded and these recordings made available for participants for one month afterwards.
Speakers
Dr Henning Franzmeier (Online speaker)
Senior Research Affiliate at the Cyprus Institute at Nikosia,
and Field Director of the Qantir-Piramesse Project
Dr Frédéric Payraudeau (Online speaker)
Assistant Professor at Sorbonne Université,
and Director of the French Mission in Tanis
Dr Eva Lange-Athinodorou (In-person speaker)
Assistant Professor at the University of Würzburg,
and Director of the Tell Basta Project
Dr Penelope Wilson (In-person speaker)
Associate Professor in Egyptian Archaeology at Durham University,
Field Director at Sais,
and Director of the Special British Academy Project the Delta Survey
Schedule
Note that the times shown below are based on UK time (BST). Please double-check if you are joining online from a different time zone.
12:50 – Event opens for all attendees with introductions
13:00-13:45 – Qantir-Piramesse: The (Kind of) Short Life of an Egyptian Capital (Dr Henning Franzmeier)
13:45-14:30 – Tanis: Exploring a capital of Late Period Egypt (Dr Frédéric Payraudeau)
14:30-15:00 – Refreshment Break (please do not log off the event if online)
15:00-15:45 – Bubastis: City of the Feline goddess (Dr Eva Lange-Athinodorou)
15:45-16:30 – Sais: The City that Overcame Instability (Dr Penelope Wilson)
16:30-17:00 – Discussion
Event closes for online attendees
17:00-18:00 – Drinks reception (in memory of Ian Flinn)
Event closes for in-person attendees
Find out more and read the abstracts on our website. Recordings of the live lectures will be made available to attendees for one month after the event.
