Explore the cradle to grave life events and transitions encountered by the Ancient Egyptians. Assess the similarities and differences when compared with our experience today.
A series of richly illustrated seminars take us from the perils of childbirth and high infant mortality, to children at play, being educated, and undertaking puberty rituals. First menstruation and marriage could lead to adultery and divorce, while those few citizens reaching retirement age might even receive a state pension. There will be plenty of opportunity for class discussion, enabling us to debate societal attitudes to children and older people; whether there was such a thing as ‘good death’; and why it was sometimes necessary to write placatory letters to newly dead relatives.
Interactive museum and archival visits in both Oxford and London enhance the classroom experience by allowing associated artefacts to be examined at close quarters.
This course is part of the Oxford University Summer School for Adults (OUSSA) programme.