Egyptian Archaeology

Course objectives

The course will offer an in-depth analysis of the Egyptian religion in pharaonic times (4th -1st millennium BCE ca) from an archaeological perspective that will include both the theoretical premises of the discipline and the methodological contribution of religious studies in recovering religious processes from the material record. Through a focussed review of case-studies, it will illustrate a range of basic themes (sacred topography and architecture; ritual activities and temple cults; funerary practices), sketching the main lines of research and emphasising the material and acted elements of religious phenomena. At the end of the course, the students will be able to (1) critically interpret materiality as parcel and part of religious experience; (2) assess themes and problems of the archaeology of sacred in Egypt in relation to the pertinent theoretical debate and literature; (3) independently address a relevant topic by combining different sources and using the discipline-specific terminology.

Channel 1
ANGELO COLONNA Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
The course will offer an in-depth analysis of the Egyptian religion in pharaonic times (4th -1st millennium BCE ca) from an archaeological perspective that will include both the theoretical premises of the discipline and the methodological contribution of religious studies in recovering religious processes from the material record. Through a focussed review of case-studies, it will illustrate a range of basic themes (sacred topography and architecture; ritual activities and temple cults; funerary practices; display and celebration of royal power), sketching the main lines of research and emphasising the material and acted elements of religious phenomena.
Prerequisites
The attendance of a basic course of Egyptology is recommended (but not mandatory). It is also desirable (but not mandatory) that the student is acquainted with ancient eastern and mediterranean world. In any case, all interested students can attend the course and contact the teacher for further readings.
Books
Programme for those who attend the course: 1) M. Hartwig, “A Companion to Egyptian Egyptian Art”, Chichester 2015 (M. Hartwig, “A Companion to Egyptian Egyptian Art”, Chichester 2015 (capitoli: Style; Iconography and Symbolism; Semiotics and Hermeneutics; Reception and Perception; Representing the other; Sculpture; Relief; Painting; Ideology and Propaganda; Religion and Ritual, Historiography of Ancient Egyptian Art; Egyptian Connections with the Larger World: Greece and Rome; Egyptian Connections with the Larger World: Ancient Near East; The Art and Architecture of Kushite Nubia; Egyptomania).
Frequency
Attendance is highly recommended. Non attending students are required to contact the teacher (angelo.colonna@uniroma1.it) to integrate the programme and bibliography.
Exam mode
The assessment will be based on 3 criteria: (1) the students' individual work, regular attendance and active contribution to classwork and discussion on the topics of the course; (2) the issue of a group presentation on a previously agreed theme to be discussed in class in the second half of the semester; (3) the final oral exam with questions about the themes discussed in class and illustrated in the assigned bibliography. The final mark (expressed out of 30/30) will take into account: completeness and consistency of answers and reasoning; knowledge of the historical phases as well as of the analysed material and monuments; clarity of expression and capacity to highlight problems, establish connection and critically reflect on the discussed topics; terminological appropriateness.
Bibliography
1) M. Hartwig, “A Companion to Egyptian Egyptian Art”, Chichester 2015 (capitoli: Style; Iconography and Symbolism; Semiotics and Hermeneutics; Reception and Perception; Representing the other; Sculpture; Relief; Painting; Ideology and Propaganda; Religion and Ritual, Historiography of Ancient Egyptian Art; Egyptian Connections with the Larger World: Greece and Rome; Egyptian Connections with the Larger World: Ancient Near East; The Art and Architecture of Kushite Nubia; Egyptomania). 2) Dispense fornite durante il corso 3) Eventuali articoli di approfondimento suggeriti a lezione [scaricabili da Classroom]
Lesson mode
The course will be held in presence and will consist of (1) frontal teaching (with the support of visual resources) on the historical-archaological topics relevant to the course (understanding and interpreting religious practice on the basis of material sources); (2) the issue of a group presentation (max 30 min.) by students on a chosen theme; (3) the visit to the collection of the Museum of Near East and Egypt of Sapienza in order to illustrate in detail themes/aspects/problems related to the course. Under the teacher's guidance, students will be required to engage with the material and actively contribute to the debate in class.
  • Lesson code10616684
  • Academic year2025/2026
  • CourseCultures and Religions
  • CurriculumCurriculum unico
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDL-OR/02
  • CFU6