Two Religious Refurbishers
Recordings will be made available for those unable to attend the live sessions!
In this course, we will read, in detail, in hieroglyphs, the autobiographical stelae of Khentyemsemyt (British Museum EA574) and Imenyseneb (Louvre C12). The former lived close to the beginning of the twelfth dynasty, in Amenemhat II’s reign, and the latter at the beginning of the thirteenth dynasty in the reign of Khendjer. Both contain the usual features of Middle Kingdom autobiography, but the highlight of both their careers was when they were given special royal commissions to fix up religious sites that were getting a bit old. In Imenyseneb’s case, his job was to smarten up the temple of Abydos, and in Khentyemsemyt’s case, he was to refurbish and embellish the statues of the gods.
The grammar will be thoroughly explained as we come across it and previous translations will also be considered. Although the course will concentrate on translating the text, the historical and archaeological background will also be discussed.
Students will be able to refresh or improve their knowledge of Middle Egyptian and gain some experience of the process of the translation of more advanced texts.
Autobiographical stelae of Khentyemsemyt (British Museum EA574).
This course is suitable for those who have completed our Online Course: Beyond Intermediate Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs, or who have studied the Egyptian language to the level where they are able to read, with or without help, the easier passages of Middle Egyptian literature.
Course Outline
Please note that main content will be delivered between 11:00-13:00 and 14:00-15:00. There will be a one-hour lunch break between 13:00-14:00. Note that some optional participation (quizzes, Q&A, social session, etc.) may continue beyond that time.
Saturday 10 August 2024, 11:00-15:00 (UK time)
Week One - The stela of Khentyemsemyt
An overview of the historical background of the text and a detailed reading of the first part of the text.
Saturday 17 August 2024, 11:00-15:00 (UK time)
Week Two - The many stelae of Imenyseneb
An overview of the historical background of the text and a detailed reading of the longest of his stelae (Louvre C12).
Autobiographical stelae of Imenyseneb (Louvre C12).
Booking and information
Register for your place in advance using the link below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about your booking. If you do not receive your email, then please check your junk folders before contacting the Egypt Exploration Society. The course will be held on our Zoom platform and attendees will be able to interact by asking questions, using the chat and polls. It is not necessary to have a working webcam or microphone for this course. The online course will be complemented by Google Drive, where resources will be uploaded.
Please ensure that you have read our guide to attending EES online events before the course begins.
