Ancient Near East & Egyptology
The Relationship of Egyptian and Semitic
Kaplan Hall 348It has long been known that the ancient Egyptian language is related to the Semitic language family, but the details of this relationship are still not fully understood. In this lecture, we will look at the major similarities (and differences) of the two language groups, including topics in phonology, morphology, and the lexicon, with...
Between Egypt and the Near East: Current Research on the Amarna Letters
Kaplan Hall 365Various aspects of the interaction between Egypt and other political and cultural centres of the Ancient Near East have always sparked the attention of scholars, trying to understand this multi-layered and complex issue — ranging from the interpretation of finds of Egyptian or Egyptianized objects at the ANE sites to a misapprehension in communication resulting...
Israel and the Samaria Highlands: A Nomad Settlement Wave or Urban Expansion during the Early Iron Age?
Kaplan Hall A51 (Basement Level) 415 Portola Plaza, Los Angeles, CA, United StatesThe Iron I period witnessed a wave of settlements in the highlands of Israel, mostly in Samaria but also to some extent in the Upper Galilee and Judah. This wave is usually associated with the genesis of Ancient Israel and is interpreted in light of the collapse of Canaanite urban centers at the end of...
Wadi al-Jarf, the King Khufu’s Harbor on the Red Sea Coast: Overview of the Recent Discoveries
Since 2011, a joint team of the Paris-Sorbonne University and the French Institute in Cairo (IFAO) has been excavating an exceptional harbor complex at Wadi al-Jarf along the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea. Considered now as the oldest harbor in the world, this massive installation dates back to the very beginning of the Fourth...
Nabta Playa: An Abandoned Site Dating Back to the Earliest Days of Ancient Egypt
Nabta Playa is an abandoned place located in the southwestern desert of Egypt. Although it may not appear to be a promising area for the study of the prehistoric archaeology as it is considered among the driest areas in the world, there is evidence that there were several humid periods in the past that resulted...
Using Documents in the Study of Early Islam: A Brief Introduction
Kaplan 365Come hear papyrologist Dr. Naïm Vanthieghem discuss the use of documents, particularly papyri, in the field of Islamic Studies. This informal talk is designed with graduate students in mind and will include ample time for discussion, Q & A, and even trying your hand at deciphering documentary sources. Dr Vantheighem brings experience working directly on...
Applying for Jobs and Life After the Dissertation
Kaplan Hall 365Join NELC faculty Dr. Cate Bonesho, Dr. Kara Cooney, and Dr. Bill Schniedewind for a workshop and discussion of applying for jobs and life after the dissertation. Event Flyer RSVP Below:
Archaeology and the Kingdom of David and Solomon
Mathematical Sciences 4000AArchaeology of Ancient Israel Lecture Series The United Monarchy - the famed kingdom of David and Solomon - is at the center of a heated debate. While until 25 years ago there was a consensus that David and Solomon were historical figures who ruled over fairly large territories, it is now questioned by many who...
Headless Men and Shattered Bodies: The Destruction of Prisoner Statues during the Late Old Kingdom
Kaplan 365Six pharaohs of the Fifth and Sixth Dynasties erected nearly life-size statues of kneeling bound foreigners in their pyramid complexes. These unique statues, which are known as prisoner statues, have only ever been discovered in fragments. This has led scholars to question whether the statues had been intentionally broken for ritualistic reasons. However, only the...
The Burials of the 25th Dynasty and Napatan Kings
OnlineThe Royal tombs at Kurru and Nuri belonging to the pharaohs of the 25th Dynasty and their Napatan successors exhibit remarkable similarities to the royal tombs Tanis and other Egyptian burial practices. This presentation will explore this convergence and what were the motivations behind them. Peter Lacovara (B.A. 1976, Boston University; Ph.D. 1993 The Oriental...