Ancient Egypt: a history in six objects

--- **Course Title:** Ancient Egypt: A History in Six Objects **Course Instructor:** Joyce Tyldesley **Embark on a Timeless Journey with "Ancient Egypt: A History in Six Objects"** 🏺 **Course Headline:** Discover the Fascinating Past Through the Eyes of Ancient Egypt's Treasures! --- **Introduction:** Dive into the rich and enigmatic world of ancient Egypt with *Ancient Egypt: A History in Six Objects*. This course serves as a compelling gateway to understanding the civilisation that has captivated the imaginations of scholars and laypeople alike for centuries. With no prior knowledge required, this course is open to anyone fascinated by history, eager to explore ancient cultures, or simply curious about one of humanity's most enduring societies. --- **What You'll Learn:** This course is structured around six pivotal objects from the Manchester Museum's collection, each carefully selected for its historical significance and ability to narrate the narrative of ancient Egypt's evolution. From the early Predynastic era, marked by King Narmer's unification of Egypt, through the grandeur of the Dynastic Age, to the Hellenistic period with Cleopatra VII, these objects will serve as our windows into the past. - **Week 1: The Predynastic Palette** - Trace the origins of Egyptian civilisation and explore how art played a role in establishing order. - **Week 2: Narmer's Macehead** - Witness the iconic image of Egypt's first king and understand his impact on unifying Upper and Lower Egypt. - **Week 3: The Solar Barque of King Khufu** - Sail alongside the pharaoh of the pyramids and learn about ancient Egyptian religion and its cosmic significance. - **Week 4: The Giza Necropolis Model** - Examine the intricate craftsmanship of this model and uncover the complexities of Old Kingdom burial practices. - **Week 5: The Ptolemaic Games Board** - Engage with a piece from the late period, reflecting on the influence of Greek culture during the rule of the Ptolemaic dynasty. - **Week 6: Cleopatra's Gold Coins** - Conclude your journey with the last active ruler of ancient Egypt and explore her reign's economic and political landscape. --- **Course Structure:** *Ancient Egypt: A History in Six Objects* is designed to be engaging and accessible, combining video lectures and thought-provoking discussions led by expert archaeologist Joyce Tyldesley. Each week introduces a new artefact, placing it within its historical context through a blend of multimedia content, recommended readings, and interactive activities. - **Video Guides:** Immerse yourself in the stories behind each object with detailed video lectures from the comfort of your own home. - **Discussions:** Engage with fellow learners and share insights on the course's dedicated discussion forums. - **Reading Material:** Gain additional knowledge with supplementary reading materials, which include PDF documents and links to external sites curated by our team. --- **Why Enrol?** This course is perfect for history enthusiasts, educators, students, or anyone interested in a comprehensive yet concise overview of ancient Egyptian civilisation. By the end of this course, you will not only have a deeper understanding of ancient Egypt but also have developed critical thinking skills and an appreciation for the ways in which historical objects can tell entire stories. 📚 **Enrol Now to Begin Your Journey Back to One of History's Most Fascinating Civilisations!** 🏺 --- Whether you're a history buff or simply looking to expand your knowledge, *Ancient Egypt: A History in Six Objects* offers an unparalleled educational experience. Join us and let the wonders of ancient Egyptian history unfold before your eyes. Sign up today and take your first step into a larger world! 🚀

--- **Overview:** The course on ancient Egypt has garnered a high global rating of 4.85, with all recent reviews being positive. The course is praised for its comprehensive overview of the entire Egyptian period, though some users express a desire for more in-depth coverage of certain areas. It is noted for its simplicity, making it accessible to learners at different levels of knowledge about ancient Egypt. **Pros:** - **Engaging Content:** The videos are considered very informative and effective in presenting information, surpassing the reading material in some aspects. The course is described as a good match for those with an interest in ancient Egypt, sparking curiosity and providing a foundation for further study. - **Varied Learning Resources:** The course offers a wide range of resources, including short quizzes to aid learning retention, and provides excellent further reading materials. - **Diverse Perspectives:** Different instructors contribute to the lectures, offering varied opinions that enrich the understanding of the topics discussed. - **User-Friendly Format:** The course is structured into small, manageable chunks of information, which allows learners to reflect and consider what's being taught before moving ahead. - **Interactive Elements:** Short quizzes throughout the course serve as interactive elements that help solidify the learning experience. - **Cultural Connection:** The course content is already reigniting interest in those who have previously studied ancient Egypt, demonstrating its ability to rekindle enthusiasm for the subject. - **Free and High-Quality:** As a free course, it is lauded for its great quality videos and explanations, exceeding expectations typically associated with free online courses. - **Well-Organized:** The course is considered well put together, incorporating videos, readings, and graphics to enhance the learning experience. **Cons:** - **Pronunciation Challenges:** Some users find it challenging to pronounce certain names and locations mentioned in the texts. - **Accessibility Issues:** A few reviews mention issues with hearing or understanding some instructors, suggesting that audio clarity could be improved. - **Content Depth:** Some learners wish for more in-depth coverage of specific topics within the broader course. - **Resource Availability:** One user notes a desire to have printable certificates upon completing the course. - **Technical Issues:** There are mentions of some lectures feeling rushed, and important material sometimes being skipped or inaudible. **Personal Connections:** - **Individual Interests:** Participants come from various backgrounds, having been sparked by personal interests ranging from childhood fascinations with Indiana Jones to recent discoveries of ancient artifacts. - **Educational Aspirations:** The course has prompted some learners to consider further education in the field, including University-level programs. - **Practical Application:** One user is looking forward to showing slides from the course to museum experts to gain a deeper understanding of their own artifacts. **Final Thoughts:** This course stands out as an engaging and comprehensive introduction to ancient Egypt, suitable for both novices and those with prior knowledge of the subject. Its ability to reignite interest and inspire further study is evident from the reviews. While there are some areas that could be improved for clarity and depth, the overall experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The course's combination of video, text, and interactive elements makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about ancient Egypt.